Preface

This guide is intended to be a comprehensive source of collective experience gained from the nation’s current and implemented high occupancy toll (HOT) lane projects in the United States. The guide presents a wide range of information on HOT lanes and is intended to assist transportation professionals contemplating specific projects, as well as others who wish to become more informed on the topic. While most transportation officials are familiar with the HOT lane concept, relatively few have had first hand experience with functioning HOT facilities or recent studies. Therefore, the need to learn from current experience is particularly important.

The guide addresses a wide range of policy and technical issues that are associated with HOT lanes, focusing on how these activities are likely to differ from those associated with more traditional highway improvements. In addition to these technical discussions, the guide includes case studies of the four existing HOT lane facilities, as well as two recent HOT lane studies that are indicative of current trends.

Conducted as a two-year collaborative effort between the Federal Highway Administration and Parsons Brinckerhoff, the guide has benefited from inputs from a wide range of transportation professionals who have first hand involvement with functioning HOT lane projects and recent studies. It has also benefited from a thoughtful peer review by respected industry professionals. Its intent is to educate and foster informed decision making.

Organization of this Document
The guide is organized into the following chapters:

1. HOT Lane Concept and Rationale
2. HOT Lane Planning and Implementation Process
3. Organizational Frameworks for HOT lane Projects
4. Achieving Public Acceptance
5. Technical Issues
6. Operational Issues
7. Current HOT Lane Experience
8. Benefits and Lessons Learned

Readers are encouraged to refer to individual chapters, sub-sections, or case studies if they desire information on a specific topic. Useful information can be obtained without reading the document from cover to cover.