Watch-man Sends Email

The papers in town have lapped up this story, so we're doing it too. The difference is that we are using it solely as a vehicle to deliver a more accurate graphic.

Perpetually vigilant Watch-man spammed Wash DOT today with a stern email, informing them that the ill-conceived and clearly failed HOV system's days are numbered. State transportation secretary Paula Hammond stated DOT received "15 or 16 copies." There was no word on how many LOLs and k thx bais those emails included.

This week, Eyman...is already making plans for what he calls a "Freedom Drive" on Dec. 4, in which solo drivers would travel in lanes that have been restricted to car pools and buses on Interstates 5, 90, and 405. He plans to lead the convoy in his pickup truck, which would carry a sign saying. "Drive in this lane. You paid for it. It's the law." [seattletimes]

...because, holy fucking crap in a bento box, the current HOV restrictions are so-o-o-o damn restrictive in a region where evening rush hour begins at 12:30 p.m. Also, how dare those selfish buses take up the lanes all for themselves! And wasting that measly one percent for art to beautify otherwise Stalinist grey infrastructure! No wonder Mr. Eyman has been having trouble these last few nights masturbating vigorously over newer and newer ways to de-fund basic civil services.

No matter, we've swallowed the Watch-man's Kool-Aid and we're already thinking of applying his sensible "you paid for it; use it" philosophy elsewhere: those firefighters sit around idling too much, for example, we should drill their preparedness by randomly pulling fire alarms (preferably in Mukilteo).

Meanwhile, for December 4th, Mr. Eyman, we suggest walking down the HOV lane instead. It's more photogenic...and it'll be a lot faster than driving.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Tom in Miscellaneous on September 24, 2008 4:00 PM

Comments [rss]

Troy Morris

One lane will not help. The only reason the HOV lanes (barely) help is by REMOVING CARS FROM THE STREETS. Without the incentive, more cars will be filling that lane.

Too many fools follow one another.

Tom

ToasterDan, I agree; the 405 model seems perfectly reasonable. Somewhat ironically, of course, one can get around pretty well during those off-peak times without using HOV lanes... but it's nice to have those lanes available for busses and vanpools during the daylight hours, even if they are "mid-day, non-peak" if there is such a time anymore.

Wesa

You said it better than I ever could.

ToasterDan

I don't know, HOV access in most cities is only during peak hours and they work fine. For Seattle, I think the 405 is actually the best model where it's HOV from 5am-7pm, but available after that.

What I really don't like in his proposal is that all the money collected from red light infractions, art savings, etc. can't be used on bike lanes, rail lines, etc.

I also don't like losing the .5% to art.

jessejb

What a fucktard.!!!

Actually I hope he does it just so we can prove that it wont help a damn thing but to make buses late and give no incentive to ride share.

Jack

(LOUD SCREAM) I hates him! Eyman is a scumbag who makes a hobby of fucking things up for his own personal gain. He wants HOV access during "non-peak" hours? -This is beyond stupidity. Guess what Eyman? Heavy traffic doesn't only occur during "peak" hours, you unwashed taint.