It's hard to argue with the facts. The Zipper has lost its zip and needs commuter cooperation to do its job more smoothly.

The state Department of Transportation ran a test on the current rules requiring at least two occupants for vehicles in the Zipper Lane.

The results are clear: The 5:30-6:30 a.m. ride from Kapolei to Iwilei took 16 minutes longer in the Zipper Lane than the unrestricted-ridership lanes. Eastbound commuters departing at 6:15 a.m. faced an 80-minute ride in the Zipper Lane.

That's only five minutes longer than the traffic in the regular lanes, but the point is, it should take less time, not more. Those who make the effort to share vehicles should be rewarded with a speedier commute.

So, although it's going to mean an adjustment for those arranging their morning drive time, the state is right to raise the minimum number of Zipper Lane riders to three.

And the department has resources to help riders find a match. Go online (state.hi.us/

dot/publicaffairs/rideshare/

index.htm), or call 692-7695 for more.

It will save drivers on that $4-plus-per-gallon gas bill, and some of their morning-drive sanity, besides.