The HOV System: Guide to High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes
An Effective Practice
Description
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are physically located in the center of most major freeways, and are typically barrier-separated roadways that allow buses, vanpools and carpools to move higher volumes of passengers to and from downtown Houston and locations in between. METRO's HOV lane network moves commuters where they need to go quickly and efficiently. Built primarily for buses, the HOV also promotes ridesharing through vanpools and carpools, which reduce traffic congestion and provide cleaner, healthier air throughout the region.
Goal / Mission
The goal of METRO's HOV lane network is to reduce traffic congestion and promote ridesharing and the use of public transportation.
Results / Accomplishments
METRO operates and maintains HOV lanes on six of Houston's major freeway corridors to serve the eight-county region. Other accomplishments include:
- facilitating almost 118,000 person trips each weekday, serving about 36,400 vehicle trips that would otherwise continue traveling the main lanes.
- saving the average commuter 12 to 22 minutes per trip. The average rush-hour speed on Houston freeways is roughly 24 miles per hour, while HOV lanes maintain an operating speed of roughly 50-55 miles per hour.
- facilitating almost 118,000 person trips each weekday, serving about 36,400 vehicle trips that would otherwise continue traveling the main lanes.
- saving the average commuter 12 to 22 minutes per trip. The average rush-hour speed on Houston freeways is roughly 24 miles per hour, while HOV lanes maintain an operating speed of roughly 50-55 miles per hour.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO)
Primary Contact
METRO
1900 Main St.
P.O. Box 61429
Houston, TX 77208-1429
(713) 739-4000
1900 Main St.
P.O. Box 61429
Houston, TX 77208-1429
(713) 739-4000
Topics
Community / Transportation
Organization(s)
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO)
Date of publication
2005
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Harris County, Texas
For more details
Additional Audience
Commuters