Metro makes citywide changes to HOV, HOT lanes

In response to increased congestion and slowed speeds, Houston Metro announced in early January it will raise high occupancy toll lane toll rates by as much as $2.25 during peak commuting hours and extend the HOV-only hours on several Houston freeways starting Jan. 6.

"Metro wants to improve traffic flow in the HOV/HOT lanes, which currently—especially during the morning commute—has slowed down, causing longer trip times," said Carolina Mendoza, media relations specialist with Metro. "The changes impact the peak morning commuting hours only."

To help facilitate traffic flow, the hours that high occupancy vehicles can access HOV lanes will be extended by 30 minutes during morning rush hour. Motorists will be able to access north and southbound HOV lanes along Hwy 59 from 6:30–8 a.m.—previously 7–8 a.m—as of Jan. 6.

Metro's HOT lanes were first implemented to provide an additional mobility option and help reduce congestion, said Tom Lambert, interim president and CEO of Metro.

"The lanes are first and foremost HOV lanes, and we don't want to compromise the benefit of the HOV system for those who ride the bus, vanpool or carpool," he said. "We need to tweak the system to ensure traffic flows smoothly."

Changes to the HOV and HOT lanes are being made based on recent traffic pattern studies, according to Metro. Other changes to regional HOV/HOT lanes that go into effect Jan. 6 include:

High occupancy vehicles will be able to access Hwy. 290, I–45 and Hwy. 59 HOV lanes from 6:30–8 a.m.

Hwy. 290's 3+ HOV requirement will start at 6:30 a.m.—previously 6:45 a.m.

Toll rates on I-45 south and Hwy. 59 south will increase to $6.50 between 6–6:30 a.m.

Toll rates on Hwy. 290 and I-45 north will increase to $7 between 6–6:30 a.m.

Toll rates on Hwy. 59 north will increase to $4.50 between 6–6:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.ridemetro.org.