Reward for riding together

A high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane is typically reserved for a vehicle with a driver and one or more passengers.  Sometimes reward single occupant vehicles if they are hybrid or use alternative fuel.

They can also be used to improve bus and van traffic.  HOV lanes often carry more people than adjacent regular lanes of traffic and can also be designed as reversible lanes.  They can then serve double duty by carrying inbound traffic during the morning rush and outbound traffic during the evening ride home.

Why not reward drivers who reduce traffic, save energy and help the environment?  I think the least we can do is shorten their commuting time.

photo credit: Bitpicture