Heard of 'queuing theory'?

Every time I drive the freeways between Provo and Salt Lake, I am amazed at the apparent lack of a basic understanding of queuing theory of those who implemented the boondoggle called the "restricted access" HOV/toll lane.

"Queuing theory" is a basic engineering theory that governs the way people move through things like grocery store lines and traffic jams. If there is a driver driving at a slower rate than the balance of the other drivers, regardless of the law, drivers will exit the HOV lane at any point and pass them. Unless we have one highway patrol officer per half mile, this phenomenon will not change. I avoid driving in the HOV/toll lane even with more than one person in the car because of the known effect that a slow driver will have.

Ticket sales for the HOV/toll lane have dropped appreciably since the first month. Without adequate enforcement and with the inherent problems in implementation, is it any wonder?

Kent Kowalis

American Fork