Milpitas Leaders, VTA Spar Over Express Lanes

Frustrated Milpitas city leaders demanded answers from transportation officials Tuesday night as to why carpoolers entering SR 237 must sit in rush hour traffic now that new express lanes have replaced carpool lanes on the road.

"You pass through the city of Milpitas and you ignore us," said Mayor Jose Esteves. "It's frustrating. If I used the car pool lane and suddenly I can't, how would you feel?"

Per the new configuration, Milpitas drivers who once entered the carpool lane at any point on the road must wait for an opening in the new, double white stripes to enter the freshly-coined "express lanes." Those openings happen on either side of town, leaving those who enter the road within Milpitas city limits stuck in traffic.

Jim Lawson, executive policy advisor for Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, said the configuration helps overall traffic move more smoothly, even if it seems to inconvenience Milpitas drivers.

"The general purpose is to make it flow for everyone," Lawson said, noting the new white lines also helped prevented traffic problems with drivers entering and exiting the lanes. "There is an overall benefit."

Milpitas drivers didn't agree.

"There needs to be something done," said Milpitas resident Steve Bahr.

Lawson said there is a chance the situation could change in the future.

"If it doesn't work out, nothing's cast in concrete," he said.