The objective of this research is to investigate the operational effectiveness of the Dallas area HOV lanes. Issues such as person movement, carpool formation, travel time savings, violation rates, safety, and project cost effectiveness are addressed. By understanding the operational performance and issues of both buffer-separated (concurrent flow) HOV lanes and barrier-separated (movable barrier contraflow or fixed barrier reversible flow) HOV lanes, recommendations can be made on suggested HOV lane implementation guidelines for the Dallas area.

The report summarizes the experience with HOV lanes and support facilities from Houston, Dallas, and other U.S. cities, and the relevance to issues in Fort Worth. The information is compiled from other published research efforts and presents guidelines for the implementation of HOV lanes in Fort Worth. Several successful HOV treatments in Houston and Dallas constitute a database from which to derive recommendations regarding the potential for HOV lanes in Fort Worth. These include planning, design, and operational features, as well as institutional issues that are key to successful implementation.

The purpose of this document is to provide information useful to States as they plan, design, operate, and manage HOV facilities. It is intended to be non-binding and should be construed as a rule of general applicability. This document provides examples for States to follow in evaluating proposed significant changes to the operation of an HOV lane, to include conversion of an HOV lane to a High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane. The FHWA supports HOV lanes as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option to help move people along congested urban and suburban routes. As such, FHWA regulations at 23 C.F.R. 810.102 specifically provide that HOV lanes are eligible for Federal-aid participation. In locations where existing or anticipated excess HOV lane capacity is available, conversion to a HOT lane facility is encouraged as a way to increase throughput and to provide additional travel options for drivers. As part of an overall approach to respond to increased travel demand and address traffic congestion, HOV and HOT lanes can be a practical alternative to adding more general-purpose travel lanes. The FHWA encourages the implementation of HOV or HOT lanes as an important part of an area-wide approach to help metropolitan areas address their requirements for improved mobility, safety, and productivity, while also being sensitive to environmental and quality of life issues.