OPINION: ‘Lexus Lanes’ — An Unfair and Derogatory Term?
The term ‘Lexus Lanes’ infers that Lexus owners are nothing but a bunch of elitists who enjoy special privileges. And we have an issue with that.
As you probably already know, traffic congestion in America is getting worse by the day. Making matters worse: Our roads are simply years, and even decades behind in terms of capacity and condition. It all boils down to money, of course. Most states simply don’t have the funds to repave and expand existing roads, nor build new ones.
Simply put, most folks aren’t going to vote in favor of increased taxes. So states have been scrambling to find alternative ways to raise money for these projects. One of the ideas some have adopted is the concept of “High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes,” which are special lanes that only drivers who pay an additional fee can travel on.
‘Lexus Lanes’ infers elitism and is described as a ‘special privilege to the wealthy.’ Why should we be the subject of such a derogatory term simply for driving a nice car?
It makes sense on paper. People who don’t like sitting in traffic get some relief, and additional funds go toward much needed road construction. People who don’t want to pay don’t have to, unlike traditional tolls. They simply have to sit in traffic like they would have had to anyway.
Unsurprisingly, a lot of folks have declared this system as simply another way for the government to widen the division of wealth in the U.S. Peter Funt of the New Britain Herald claims that the “government is giving special privilege to the wealthy, while restricting access by the poor to a state service.”
Regardless of your personal feelings on this important topic, it’s simply ridiculous that Funt (and many others) refer to the charge lanes as “Lexus Lanes,” which, of course, infers elitism on the part of Lexus owners, especially when it is described as “special privilege to the wealthy.” Why should we be the subject of such a derogatory term simply for driving a nice car?
And why not call them something more appropriate, like “Bentley Lanes” or “Lamborghini Lanes?” People like Funt are quick to point out the many inequalities of the world, yet they have no issue also singling out owners of a particular brand of car. And that, my friends, just isn’t right.
