HOV / HOT Lanes

High-Occupancy-Vehicle (HOV) and High-Occupancy/Toll (HOT) Lanes

Regional High-Occupancy/Toll (HOT) Network

In July 2008, the Commission approved a set of HOT Network Principles to mark the region’s commitment to pursuing a regional network of HOT lanes in conjunction with the long-range transportation plan update, Transportation 2035. The principles (PDF) reflect a commitment by MTC/BATA, Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and the county congestion management agencies to work collaboratively to deliver a regional HOT network.

The regional network concept involves converting existing HOV lanes to HOT and using the revenue generated to finance completion of the HOV/HOT system as well as other improvements within the HOT corridors. Benefits of a HOT network include:

• Reductions in congestion and emissions, including carbon dioxide, by making more efficient use of the freeway system;
• Providing a reliable travel option for express bus and carpools and those who choose to pay the toll;
• Completing the HOV/HOT network twenty to forty years sooner than if we rely on traditional state and local funding mechanisms.

At the same time, MTC and Caltrans have been undertaking a series of technical studies of a regional network of HOT lanes. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 effort, completed fall 2007, found a regional HOT network is feasible financially and operationally. (See Phase 1 and Phase 2 study materials below.) It estimated network costs and revenues and outlined a series of technical and policy issues for further exploration. Further analysis by MTC suggested there may be ways to accelerate delivery of some portions of the HOT network and reduce costs through a “Rapid Delivery Design” approach that seeks to fit HOT lanes within existing right-of-way. Phase 3 of the study, starting summer 2008, will further explore HOT lane design trade-offs, in particular where a Rapid Delivery approach might be acceptable, and refine system cost estimates.

For more information about this study, contact the project manager, Lisa Klein at lklein@mtc.ca.gov.

Last updated July 24, 2008.