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Release Date: Feb. 28, 2020
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

METRO Board Approves Changes for Faster HOV/HOT Lane Commutes

METRO's Board of Directors, yesterday, unanimously approved action to speed things up in the HOV/HOT lanes and improve commutes for transit users and carpoolers. 

Starting this summer, METRO will implement new HOV/HOT lane occupancy requirements along  I-45 North, I-45 South, US-290, US-59 North and US-59 South. Those corridors will also have an increase in tolls for single occupant vehicles just prior to HOV-only hours. Toll increases range from 25 cents to $3 above current rates. See table below.

The amended policy is needed to increase speeds in the lanes and provide more reliable trips for transit users. Under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rules, Express lanes are required to maintain a 45 mph average speed.

Previously, METRO increased enforcement along the lanes in an effort to remove violators, but the Authority found enforcement alone did not make any significant impact on average speeds during peak commute hours.

METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert said longer travel times and slower speeds on the lanes, coupled with projected regional growth, necessitate the changes. 

"This is not about creating a revenue stream." said Lambert. "Our goal is to provide the highest operational capacity on our Express lanes. That means optimizing benefits for people using higher capacity transit options like Park & Ride, METRO Star Vanpool and carpools."

The new policy will take effect June 1. Updates will be posted regularly on METRO's website and social media accounts, including Twitter and Facebook.

Customers with questions or who need trip planning assistance are encouraged to call METRO's Customer Service Center at 713-635-4000. More information about additional transportation options METRO offers are available at METRO Park & Ride and METRO STAR Vanpool.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on METRO’s network, METRORail's system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.