TOLLING HOV LANES: A NATIONWIDE PERSPECTIVE ON PROSPECTS AND EXPERIENCE

The application of congestion pricing with high-occupancy restrictions on the same dedicated lane(s) has been the subject of recent discussion and study. Since late 1995 several demonstrations have moved into operation in California and Texas. This approach is frequently mentioned by advocates as a solution to better utilize High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, reduce congestion, introduce congestion pricing and perhaps generate revenue not otherwise achievable through conventional sources. Engineers, planners, HOV operators, politicians and the general public are frequently split over this approach. Currently, no guidelines exist for implementing such projects, and some institutional barriers preclude tolling existing lanes, particularly on federal interstate highways. This paper will briefly explore project experience, study findings from a limited number of locations, and current knowledge to identify the possible roles that tolling HOV lanes may have. Some technical guidelines that seem to be needed for tolling to work are presented based on study experiences, and general conclusions drawn from case studies. The paper briefly touches on implementation issues including pricing strategies and technologies, enforceability, access, revenue potential and management requirements. The conclusion assesses future prospects for this newly evolving congestion management strategy.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Full conference proceedings available only on CD.
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)

  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Fuhs, C
  • Harake, J E
  • Stockton, B
• Conference:
  • Institute of Transportation Engineers 67th annual Meeting
  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Date: 1997-8-3 to 1997-8-7
• Publication Date: 1997

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: n.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Congestion pricing; Guidelines; High occupancy vehicle lanes; Tolls; Traffic congestion
• Geographic Terms: California; Texas
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00751563
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 9 1998 12:00AM