A nine-mile contraflow HOV lane on the I-45 North Freeway in Houston, Texas was implemented as a demonstration project in 1979. This demonstration borrowed an off-peak direction traffic lane for use by buses and vanpools in the peak direction. Although in use only during the morning and the afternoon peak periods, the contraflow lane carried some 15,000 persons in buses and vanpools on a daily basis. The success of this facility resulted in the development and operation of the extensive system of HOV lanes, park-and-ride lots, improved transit services, and other elements. The operation of the Houston HOV system has evolved over the years to include a value pricing demonstration program in two corridors. Further, managed lanes are being developed as part of a major improvement program in one freeway corridor.

This report highlights the development, operation, and use of the HOV system in Houston and the evolution toward managed lanes. The institutional arrangements supporting the development and the ongoing operation of the system are presented. As of 2003, some 100 miles of HOV lanes are in operation in six freeway corridors. The lanes are supported by 28 park-and-ride and four park-and-pool lots, transit centers, and express bus services. In 2003, the lanes carried some 121,079 passengers in buses, vanpools, and carpools on a daily basis.

This report also summarizes the issues that may be associated with the development and operation of managed lanes. The Houston case study and the summary of issues should be of benefit to transportation professionals and policy makers interested in developing and operating HOV facilities and managed lanes.