Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Glendale) legislation to help reduce traffic and increase the efficiency of Los Angeles County’s freeway system was sent to the governor’s desk after receiving final approval from the State Senate.

The bill, AB 210, will create a pilot project to help ease traffic congestion by permitting single-occupancy vehicles to access the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, also known as “carpool lanes,” during non-peak hours.

“Carpool lanes are intended to increase the capacities of our freeways, reward those who carpool during rush hour, and protect the surrounding environment from harmful exhaust,” Gatto added. “When motorists are stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic at midnight while carpool lanes sit empty, none of those goals are met.”

The legislation will allow access to HOV lanes during off-peak travel hours on the 134 Freeway from North Hollywood to Pasadena; the 210 Freeway from Pasadena to Glendora; and other freeways in Los Angeles County deemed appropriate by the California Department of Transportation.