Managed lanes

Managed lane strategies fall into three main categories:

• Access control – Express lanes, reversible lanes.
• Vehicle eligibility – High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, truck lane restrictions, off-peak use of HOV lanes by non-HOV vehicles.
• Pricing – Value-priced lanes, toll lanes.

There is a growing assumption that any form of a managed lane is synonymous with a tolling operation. While this is sometimes true, it is not a given. Lane management encompasses a wide variety of strategies, including but not limited to:

• High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
• Express lanes (through-traffic lanes with fewer exits).
• Restricted lanes (e.g., trucks or buses only).
• Reversible lanes.

Alone or combined, all of these lane types are under the umbrella of a comprehensive managed lane strategy.

Managed lanes are vital for reducing congestion and offering drivers more reliable timeframes for getting to their destinations. By actively managing the flow of traffic in a lane, transportation agencies are able to adjust lane strategies as needed to maximize roadway efficiency, improving traffic flow on both the managed and general-purpose lanes.

• Travel options and choices.
• Greater travel time reliability.
• Safer roadways.
• More efficient use of system capacity.
• Flexible use in emergency situations.
• Improved traffic flow on both managed and general-purpose lanes.

Strategic management of lanes on existing and proposed roadways is critical to achieving improved travel times for everyone.

In Texas, the majority of managed lanes contain no fee component. Where fee-based managed lanes exist, they offer drivers the option and convenience of bypassing congestion on adjacent general-purpose lanes.

TxDOT, a regional mobility authority or a metropolitan transit system, or in some cases project developers, manage the lanes and entities such as a toll road authority may provide billing, either by mail or electronically, with reduced rates for vehicles equipped with any Texas transponder (such as TxTag, TollTag or EZ Tag).

To use high-occupancy vehicle lanes, look for HOV signs, which designate where the lanes begin.

Locate the HOV entrance, and when it's safe to do so, merge into the HOV lane.

Always plan ahead. Review the maps and keep your final destination in mind since exits from HOV lanes are limited.

Be aware, you may have to exit the HOV lane well prior to your preferred exit.

A two-axle vehicle occupied by two or more people or a motorcyclist may use HOV lanes. Vehicles eligible to use HOV lanes include, but are not limited to:

• Passenger cars.
• Pickup trucks.
• Vans.
• Buses.
• Motorcycles.
• Emergency vehicles responding to a call.

Note: Hybrid vehicles with single occupants are not allowed in HOV lanes.

Prohibited vehicles include, but are not limited to:

• Trucks with more than two axles.
• Trucks having a gross weight capacity of five tons or more.
• Vehicles towing trailers.

• Faster, more efficient commutes.
• Shared fuel costs.
• Reduced congestion.
• Fewer vehicle emissions.
• Less vehicle wear and tear.
• Less stop-and-go traffic.
• Cleaner air for everyone.

• North Texas HOV System
• East R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-30)

Visit Houston METRO for information on Houston HOV lanes.