HOV Lane Types, Examples and Preferences

[coatimundi]

I'd like to hear about types of HOV lanes, and the opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of each.
From what I know, there are three main types of HOV lanes:

• Divided, where the lane is divided from the mainlanes by a concrete or median barrier and entry is extremely limited, and flow is generally reversed for each peak period. Houston uses these.
• Separated, where the lane is separated by a large stripe and/or rumble strips. Most of the LA area uses these.
• General, where the lane is separated by a double-white or single-white line, with entry only at designated places. It usually functions as a general lane outside of peak periods. Most of the Bay Area uses these.

I'm interested in opinions on use hours, particularly. In Houston, the HOV lanes are only open during peak periods. In the LA area, most HOV lanes are restricted to at least 2+ for 24 hours. In the Bay Area, the lanes are open to all outside of peak periods.

Any opinions?

[SSOWorld]

How about removed?

[cpzilliacus]

I'd like to hear about types of HOV lanes, and the opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of each.
From what I know, there are three main types of HOV lanes:

• Divided, where the lane is divided from the mainlanes by a concrete or median barrier and entry is extremely limited, and flow is generally reversed for each peak period. Houston uses these.
• Separated, where the lane is separated by a large stripe and/or rumble strips. Most of the LA area uses these.
• General, where the lane is separated by a double-white or single-white line, with entry only at designated places. It usually functions as a general lane outside of peak periods. Most of the Bay Area uses these.

• Barrier-separated.  Perhaps the oldest example is in the I-95/I-395 (Shirley Highway) corridor in Northern Virginia, which separates the managed lanes from adjacent  conventional lanes with  "hard" barriers made of steel or concrete or sometimes both.  There are also managed lanes with "soft" barriers (often fiberglass poles attached to the pavement, which will not stop a vehicle from crossing the barrier but is extremely noisy (and illegal to cross) such as those along Ca. 91 (Riverside Freeway) in Orange County and I-495 in Fairfax County, Virginia.  The managed lanes along Shirley Highway  were once HOV lanes, a long section has been  converted to HOV/Toll lanes, and most of the rest that is still HOV will become HOV/Toll lanes in the future
• Concurrent-flow with limited egress and access points, yes, especially common in Southern California.
• Also concurrent-flow with unlimited egress and access points.  These can fail if there is a lot of traffic shifting in and out of the managed lanes.
• There are also buffer-separated  lanes, where the managed lane is separated from adjacent conventional lanes by a  reasonably wide buffer area.

[cpzilliacus]

How about removed?

How about conversion from HOV to HOV/toll lanes?

[1995hoo]

A point I'd add to cp's comment regarding "concurrent-flow" lanes with unlimited access points is that those lanes can often not work well even if you don't have a lot of lane-changing, simply because of the problem that you could easily encounter lane-changing. That is, suppose three lanes are stopped but the HOV lane, which has no barrier-separation or buffer, is wide open. I doubt I'd do a full 55 mph in that HOV lane simply because of the risk that someone might abruptly pull out with no warning, causing an accident. (In practice, the only concurrent-flow HOV lanes I use regularly never get up to a high enough speed for this to be an issue–one is on northbound US-1 through Old Town Alexandria and it's a city street with a 25-mph speed limit, and the other is on westbound I-66 outside the Beltway and there's so much traffic and sun glare combined that it's hard to reach even 40 mph in the HOV lane.)

This isn't an issue in the ones with the pylons, even though theoretically an aggressive idiot could drive over the barrier. At least on the Beltway, they don't. (Whereas in DC I used to see flattened pylons near the Sousa Bridge all the time due to people not wanting to wait their turn to exit. DC put up pylons to prevent line-cutting and the cutters just drove over them anyway.)

[jakeroot]

Around here in the Seattle area, HOV/HOT lanes are separated from the GP lanes by a single solid white line. Express Lanes (toll pass required--different from HOT) are in the LA-style, accessible only via designated points. Express Lanes are separated by either two white lines or four white lines. The 5 and 16 freeway HOV lanes are 24-hour, but most others operate from 0500 to 1900. The 405 freeway express lanes operate 0500 to 1900 but only during weekdays.

In British Columbia, HOV lanes are similarly separated by a single white line, but because solid white lines cannot be crossed in Canada, access is limited to specific entry points. Hwy 1's HOV operates 24 hrs, but most surface street HOVs have TOD restrictions.

My personal preference is for a two or three foot buffer between the HOV and #1 lane, with access limited to designated points (LA style). Here in Seattle, there's lots of lane switching whenever the GP or HOV lanes slow down, and to not risk getting whacked into, you have to ride right up on the person in front of you. I also prefer separated HOV lanes because they create a space for motorcycles to slice through, without too much of a fear of being hit. Granted, only California permits this, but it makes it easier to pass lane-sharing legislation if one so desires.

[TEG24601]

I prefer the Washington/Oregon mention of a solid white line.


However, having just driven in Hawaii, their, don't re-invent the wheel approach (it is just a normal lane with diamonds painted, from time to time), seems the most logical.


I also wouldn't consider it an HOV lane, unless you can hop in and out whenever you wish.  If you are stuck in the lane, it is an express lane, regardless of the rules around occupancy.

[sdmichael]

I also prefer separated HOV lanes because they create a space for motorcycles to slice through, without too much of a fear of being hit. Granted, only California permits this, but it makes it easier to pass lane-sharing legislation if one so desires.

No, California only permits lane sharing/splitting, NOT riding through or on the painted barrier. That is, and always has been, illegal. It is highly dangerous to ride there, regardless of legality. Motorcycles don't get to cross those stripes any more than cars.

[mariethefoxy]

I like the way they do it in Hartford, somewhat seperated with its own exits, and the white signs so you can tell its a HOV exit vs the main signs.

My least favorite one is the Staten Island one which is HOV 3 and in effect 24/7 and the HOV/Toll ones.

Ideally I just would prefer more general purpose lanes.

[myosh_tino]

I'd like to hear about types of HOV lanes, and the opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of each.
From what I know, there are three main types of HOV lanes:

• Divided, where the lane is divided from the mainlanes by a concrete or median barrier and entry is extremely limited, and flow is generally reversed for each peak period. Houston uses these.
• Separated, where the lane is separated by a large stripe and/or rumble strips. Most of the LA area uses these.
• General, where the lane is separated by a double-white or single-white line, with entry only at designated places. It usually functions as a general lane outside of peak periods. Most of the Bay Area uses these.

The first sentence of your "General" definition is incorrect.  The S.F. Bay Area HOV lanes can be entered or exited at any time.  Here's the terms I use to describe HOV lanes in California...

Buffer-separated or Limited Access
The HOV lane is separated from the general purpose lanes by double white lines with designated entry and exit points.  This is how the S.F. Bay Area express lanes are striped when the operator wants to limit access to the lane.  The double-yellow lines plus a white line to the left was the standard way to stripe buffer-separated HOV lanes in SoCal but those lane markings will slowly be replaced with double white lines.  In the case of SoCal, the HOV lanes operate 24/7 while express lanes in the S.F. Bay Area striped in this manner operate either from 5 AM to 8 PM Mon-Fri or during commute hours.  AFAIK, there are NO NorCal HOV lanes striped in this manner with the exception of approaches to toll plazas.

Open Access
The HOV lane is striped like a general purpose lane with dashed white lines.  All S.F. Bay Area HOV lanes are striped in this manner and allows access to the HOV lane at any time.  The I-580 Express Lanes also have lengthy open-access segments and are striped with a 6-inch wide dashed white line.  Normal lane lines on California freeways use a 4-inch wide dashed line.  All HOV lanes striped in this manner only operate during commute hours.

[jakeroot]

I also prefer separated HOV lanes because they create a space for motorcycles to slice through, without too much of a fear of being hit. Granted, only California permits this, but it makes it easier to pass lane-sharing legislation if one so desires.

No, California only permits lane sharing/splitting, NOT riding through or on the painted barrier. That is, and always has been, illegal. It is highly dangerous to ride there, regardless of legality. Motorcycles don't get to Cross those stripes any more than cars.

Well, I just got back from LA (five day vacation) and all of the motorcyclists were riding in that buffer zone. Even the cops. How is it highly dangerous? Lane changing isn't permitted along those stretches, so that eliminates a lot of the potential impacts.

And while it's not necessarily legal to cross the double yellow, but we both know it's tolerated.

[sdmichael]

I also prefer separated HOV lanes because they create a space for motorcycles to slice through, without too much of a fear of being hit. Granted, only California permits this, but it makes it easier to pass lane-sharing legislation if one so desires.

No, California only permits lane sharing/splitting, NOT riding through or on the painted barrier. That is, and always has been, illegal. It is highly dangerous to ride there, regardless of legality. Motorcycles don't get to Cross those stripes any more than cars.

Well, I just got back from LA (five day vacation) and all of the motorcyclists were riding in that buffer zone. Even the cops. How is it highly dangerous? Lane changing isn't permitted along those stretches, so that eliminates a lot of the potential impacts.

And while it's not necessarily legal to cross the double yellow, but we both know it's tolerated.

We BOTH know it is tolerated? Don't assume. Highly dangerous - riding where you're not supposed to and bordered by raised markers which greatly reduce traction. I'm sure that you saw "all motorcyclists" doing it, doesn't mean it was legal or tolerated. Cop did it so it must be ok? BS excuse. It isn't a "motorcycle lane". I've also heard even more idiotic excuses to ride there - since you can't cross the barrier, you're only crossing half... so its ok... STILL BS and WRONG.

"Not necessarily legal to cross"? How about illegal - no exceptions. Motorcycles don't get to cross a double yellow line any more than cars do.

[cpzilliacus]

This isn't an issue in the ones with the pylons, even though theoretically an aggressive idiot could drive over the barrier. At least on the Beltway, they don't.

I was told by someone (might have been a VDOT staff person) that crossing those pylons on I-495 (unless the vehicle is an emergency vehicle responding to an emergency call) will result in a reckless driving ticket if observed by a Virginia State Police trooper or a Fairfax County Police officer.

[jakeroot]

I also prefer separated HOV lanes because they create a space for motorcycles to slice through, without too much of a fear of being hit. Granted, only California permits this, but it makes it easier to pass lane-sharing legislation if one so desires.

No, California only permits lane sharing/splitting, NOT riding through or on the painted barrier. That is, and always has been, illegal. It is highly dangerous to ride there, regardless of legality. Motorcycles don't get to Cross those stripes any more than cars.

Well, I just got back from LA (five day vacation) and all of the motorcyclists were riding in that buffer zone. Even the cops. How is it highly dangerous? Lane changing isn't permitted along those stretches, so that eliminates a lot of the potential impacts.

And while it's not necessarily legal to cross the double yellow, but we both know it's tolerated.

We BOTH know it is tolerated? Don't assume. Highly dangerous - riding where you're not supposed to and bordered by raised markers which greatly reduce traction. I'm sure that you saw "all motorcyclists" doing it, doesn't mean it was legal or tolerated. Cop did it so it must be ok? BS excuse. It isn't a "motorcycle lane". I've also heard even more idiotic excuses to ride there - since you can't cross the barrier, you're only crossing half... so its ok... STILL BS and WRONG.

"Not necessarily legal to cross"? How about illegal - no exceptions. Motorcycles don't get to cross a double yellow line any more than cars do.

??? It is tolerated. I don't know what the HOV lanes are like in San Diego, but the LA-area HOV lane buffers provide a safe place for motorcyclists to ride. Is it legal? No, it's not legal to cross the double yellow. But, lane sharing is legal, and riding in the buffer is an accepted part of that. Not to mention, if they're going to lane share, wouldn't you rather they do it where lane changing isn't permitted?

Also, if you're concern is reduced traction, how is better than riding along a dashed white line? It's the same material.

I also saw a CHP motorcycle SB on the 5 Fwy near the 55 interchange riding in the shoulder of the barrier-separated HOV lane. He was behind several other motorcycles. If it wasn't tolerated, wouldn't they have been pulled over?

Note to mods: this discussion on lane sharing stemmed from my comment up thread about the safety benefits of a painted buffer between HOV and GP lanes (which provide a sort of narrow lane for motorcyclists).

[sdmichael]

I also prefer separated HOV lanes because they create a space for motorcycles to slice through, without too much of a fear of being hit. Granted, only California permits this, but it makes it easier to pass lane-sharing legislation if one so desires.

No, California only permits lane sharing/splitting, NOT riding through or on the painted barrier. That is, and always has been, illegal. It is highly dangerous to ride there, regardless of legality. Motorcycles don't get to Cross those stripes any more than cars.

Well, I just got back from LA (five day vacation) and all of the motorcyclists were riding in that buffer zone. Even the cops. How is it highly dangerous? Lane changing isn't permitted along those stretches, so that eliminates a lot of the potential impacts.

And while it's not necessarily legal to cross the double yellow, but we both know it's tolerated.

We BOTH know it is tolerated? Don't assume. Highly dangerous - riding where you're not supposed to and bordered by raised markers which greatly reduce traction. I'm sure that you saw "all motorcyclists" doing it, doesn't mean it was legal or tolerated. Cop did it so it must be ok? BS excuse. It isn't a "motorcycle lane". I've also heard even more idiotic excuses to ride there - since you can't cross the barrier, you're only crossing half... so its ok... STILL BS and WRONG.

"Not necessarily legal to cross"? How about illegal - no exceptions. Motorcycles don't get to cross a double yellow line any more than cars do.

??? It is tolerated. I don't know what the HOV lanes are like in San Diego, but the LA-area HOV lane buffers provide a safe place for motorcyclists to ride. Is it legal? No, it's not legal to cross the double yellow. But, lane sharing is legal, and riding in the buffer is an accepted part of that. Not to mention, if they're going to lane share, wouldn't you rather they do it where lane changing isn't permitted?

Also, if you're concern is reduced traction, how is better than riding along a dashed white line? It's the same material.

I also saw a CHP motorcycle SB on the 5 Fwy near the 55 interchange riding in the shoulder of the barrier-separated HOV lane. He was behind several other motorcycles. If it wasn't tolerated, wouldn't they have been pulled over?

Note to mods: this discussion on lane sharing stemmed from my comment up thread about the safety benefits of a painted buffer between HOV and GP lanes (which provide a sort of narrow lane for motorcyclists).

Do you ride a motorcycle in California? Or a motorcycle at all? If the answer is no, then you're only going by assumptions - incorrect ones at that. I've known police to cite motorcycles for riding in that barrier. It is illegal, period. It definitely isn't a "narrow lane for motorcycles" nor does it provide such. But fine, assume something is tolerated from your brief observations coming from another state.

I've ridden throughout Southern California and it isn't "all motorcyclists" nor is it "tolerated". I've seen plenty of motorcyclists going too fast while splitting as well. Doesn't make that "tolerated" nor does it make "all".

How would riding where NO ONE is supposed to be somehow be "safer"? No, I'd rather they NOT be riding there. Doing so only promotes bad/dangerous practices, as seemingly shown by your belief that it is "tolerated".

It doesn't even makes sense that CHP or any other law enforcement agency would be promoting illegal behavior. Doing so would set a bad precedent, not something they generally do.

[Bruce]

Another type would be the full bus lane/busway.

Also, around Seattle there are quite a few direct access ramps from the HOV lanes to access transit centers and park-and-rides, for buses and carpools. Some ramps are bus-only (Ash Way, Mountlake Terrace) and others are open to carpools (Lynnwood, Bellevue, Eastgate, Federal Way).

The Seattle area is also experiencing a bit of HOV lane congestion. There's been talks from the transit community over here about raising the minimum to 3 cars. I prefer the extreme solution of banning all non-transit from the lanes (even the Microsoft/Amazon shuttles who think they can use bus-only lanes) until light rail to Lynnwood opens in 2023.

[jakeroot]

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Can we just agree to disagree? Neither of us is providing any evidence to support our personal observations. Also, we are getting way off topic, and I'd rather not invite any moderation-intervention.

[jakeroot]

I prefer the extreme solution of banning all non-transit from the lanes (even the Microsoft/Amazon shuttles who think they can use bus-only lanes) until light rail to Lynnwood opens in 2023.

Why exactly should they not be allowed to use the HOV lanes? Microsoft and Amazon both employ thousands in Seattle...on time arrival of their buses is monumental to the success of a non-car-dependent workforce.

[sdmichael]

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Can we just agree to disagree? Neither of us is providing any evidence to support our personal observations. Also, we are getting way off topic, and I'd rather not invite any moderation-intervention.

Whatever dude. I'm not on here promoting nor accepting illegal behavior, particularly based on a brief observation of a few. You don't ride a motorcycle nor ever have split lanes in California, so you would have no basis of understanding nor knowledge of proper procedures. Going by what others do, especially illegal behavior, is a poor method of understanding or learning.

[jakeroot]

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Can we just agree to disagree? Neither of us is providing any evidence to support our personal observations. Also, we are getting way off topic, and I'd rather not invite any moderation-intervention.

[Bruce]

I prefer the extreme solution of banning all non-transit from the lanes (even the Microsoft/Amazon shuttles who think they can use bus-only lanes) until light rail to Lynnwood opens in 2023.

Why exactly should they not be allowed to use the HOV lanes? Microsoft and Amazon both employ thousands in Seattle...on time arrival of their buses is monumental to the success of a non-car-dependent workforce.

The additional vehicles clog the lane and prevent buses from reaching their stops. Most of the city's bus lanes are merely short queue jumps that help a bus merge into traffic or leave it safely to access a bus stop.

And once access to one entity is given, all private operators and vehicles will want access. Restricting it to transit operators is the best way to preserve the lanes for their original intended purpose.

And given that many Microsofites and Amazonians are riding the bus, which carries far more of the workforce than the private shuttle network, I think the needs of the many outweigh the few here.

[jakeroot]

I prefer the extreme solution of banning all non-transit from the lanes (even the Microsoft/Amazon shuttles who think they can use bus-only lanes) until light rail to Lynnwood opens in 2023.

Why exactly should they not be allowed to use the HOV lanes? Microsoft and Amazon both employ thousands in Seattle...on time arrival of their buses is monumental to the success of a non-car-dependent workforce.

The additional vehicles clog the lane and prevent buses from reaching their stops. Most of the city's bus lanes are merely short queue jumps that help a bus merge into traffic or leave it safely to access a bus stop.

And once access to one entity is given, all private operators and vehicles will want access. Restricting it to transit operators is the best way to preserve the lanes for their original intended purpose.

And given that many Microsofites and Amazonians are riding the bus, which carries far more of the workforce than the private shuttle network, I think the needs of the many outweigh the few here.

Makes pretty good sense to me.

What if they converted the bus lanes to HOV 6+ or 8+?

[coatimundi]

I prefer the extreme solution of banning all non-transit from the lanes (even the Microsoft/Amazon shuttles who think they can use bus-only lanes) until light rail to Lynnwood opens in 2023.

Why exactly should they not be allowed to use the HOV lanes? Microsoft and Amazon both employ thousands in Seattle...on time arrival of their buses is monumental to the success of a non-car-dependent workforce.

The additional vehicles clog the lane and prevent buses from reaching their stops. Most of the city's bus lanes are merely short queue jumps that help a bus merge into traffic or leave it safely to access a bus stop.

I actually totally agree with you on this. The most annoying thing is to be on a bus and it having to stop because traffic is stalled in the HOV lane. It kind of undermines the purpose of transit, since it's then going to get knocked off its schedule. Personally, I think they could weed a lot of this out by simply making it 3+ on more HOV lanes... And actually enforcing it.

[kalvado]

What if they converted the bus lanes to HOV 6+ or 8+?

And enforce that number for city buses as well.. 

[coatimundi]

What if they converted the bus lanes to HOV 6+ or 8+?

And enforce that number for city buses as well.. 

And enforce that number for motorcycles as well...