BILL WOULD OPEN UPCAR-POOL LANES ON 14.

Byline: Charles F. Bostwick Staff Writer

AGUA DULCE - Legislation that would let more motorists use the Antelope Valley Freeway car-pool lanes - and would make it easier to move in and out of the lanes - is heading to a vote by the state Assembly.

Assemblyman George Runner's bill would let drivers alone in their vehicles use the high-occupancy-vehicle lanes outside rush hours, and also would allow vehicles to enter and exit the lanes at every freeway exit as well as points midway between exits.

``Because Highway 14 is the major corridor for residents traveling to and from Los Angeles, it often becomes congested at varying times throughout the day,'' Runner said. ``Expanding the use of the HOV lanes opens up these lanes so traffic can flow more freely at all hours of the day.''

Runner's Assembly Bill 1871 was passed unanimously Wednesday by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. It must be voted on by June 2 by the whole Assembly, then it goes to the state Senate, and finally to the governor for his signature.

The legislation does not specify what hours the car-pool lane must be opened to single-occupant vehicles, but designates Caltrans to set nonpeak hours, as Caltrans does for mixed-use car-pool lanes in Northern California. Runner's staff says commuter hours are generally considered to be 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.