The problem of lone driver cars using the carpool lane on State Route 167 needed to be addressed by transportation department planners. The high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane was underused even during peak periods when the general purpose lanes were jammed; planners needed to make better use of the HOV lane without clogging it. The solution was to pilot a High Occupancy Toll (HOT) facility, where lone drivers could pay to use the HOV lane when space was available, in order to maintain optimal traffic flow. The rate charged varies according to the traffic volume using a computer controlled automatic system. Rather than act as a revenue generator, the idea was to gain additional, effective use from existing infrastructure, thus avoiding the need to invest in major new capacity. Consumer reaction has been positive, with drivers appreciating the lack of congestion and the predictability of journey times.
Abstract