Some Carpool Drivers Could Get Express Transponder Refund

By Shaun Boyd

DENVER (CBS4)- Some Colorado drivers could get a little refund if some state lawmakers get their way. They claim carpoolers shouldn't have to pay $15 for transponders to ride for free.

Right now, drivers on U.S. 36 are required to buy a transponder that has a flip to switch depending on whether drivers are using the HOV lane for carpooling.

It was part of a controversial deal CDOT struck with a private company to widen and manage the highway.

"My job isn't worrying about what a private company is doing. My job is worrying about what my constituents want and they want to be able to be environmentally responsible by carpooling," said Jonathan Singer, one of the sponsors of the bill.

The legislation would make the transponders free of charge to carpoolers and reimburse everyone who has already bought one.

"If they've bought one of these transponders and they've never used it for anything other than carpooling, they shouldn't have to pay to play," said Singer.

He also says they shouldn't need three people to ride for free. In January, that will be required on all HOV lanes in the state. His bill would delay three person carpools for at least two years.

Gov. John Hickenlooper expressed concern, "I think, in this case, the private business would be well within their right to squawk."

Hickenlooper says the bill would blow-up the state's contract with the private company and cost taxpayers a bundle, "I'm going to guess it would be not just a few hundred thousand dollars but it would be millions and probably tens of millions of dollars if the state would have to forgo or pay back what they invested in the construction. Now, do the rest of the taxpayers in Colorado really care that strongly about a relatively small number of HOV riders? I don't know. I suspect we'll find out."

CDOT said if the bill becomes law, it will cost the state more than $4.5 million a year and it will have less money for other projects around the state.

Hickenlooper wouldn't say whether he would veto the bill. Chances are it will make it to his desk. It has bi-partisan support and has already passed the state Senate.

"This isn't a Democratic or Republican issue," said Singer, "This is a carpooling issue."

Shaun Boyd is CBS4's political specialist. She's a veteran reporter with more than 25 years of experience. Follow her on Twitter @cbs4shaun.