The Houston high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) system has evolved over an almost 25-year period. Starting with a 9-mile contraflow lane demonstration project on the I-45 North Freeway in 1979, the system now encompasses some 100 miles of HOV lanes, numerous direct access ramps, 25 park-and-ride lots, three park-and-pool lots, an extensive network of express bus services, and a value pricing demonstration project. Planning, designing, operating, and enforcing the HOV system elements has been accomplished through the coordinated efforts of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). Federal Highway Administration (FTA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds have both been used to support various system elements, as well as state and local revenues. The HOV system has attracted new riders to transit and ridesharing and has influenced commuters to change from driving alone to using an HOV mode. This paper highlights the development of the HOV system in the Houston area. The system components are described and the growth in utilization levels are summarized.
Samenvatting