This report describes research sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to develop a decision-support tool to aid in evaluating key issues related to converting a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane to a high-occupancy/toll (HOT) lane. The tool includes three broad categories of factors to consider, including facility considerations, performance considerations, and institutional considerations. Finally, the research incorporates simple trade-off tools to allow TxDOT and local entities to assemble all relevant factors into an analysis to aid decision makers in evaluating the available options. The analysis tool was developed in Visual Basic.Net®. the program is called the High-Occupancy/Toll STrategic Analysis Rating Tool (HOT START), and it is designed to be easily tailored to local needs. The report also provides an application of the tool to a hypothetical freeway.

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.

This synthesis will be of interest to transportation planners, highway engineers, environmental personnel, highway design engineers, transit planners, highway administrators, and others concerned with the planning, design, and operational features of preferential high- occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on highways. Information is provided on the current and proposed state of the practice in North America. This synthesis describes the state of the art with respect to preferential treatment for HOVs on highways. This report of the Transportation Research Board provides information on long-distance facilities, such as barrier-separated, concurrent-flow (separated and nonseparated), and contraflow facilities, as well as on short-distance facilities, such as queue by-pass lanes. Planning, design, and operational features of each treatment are described. The issues and operating results are described, and specific case studies are included.