The unique blend of financing provides an indication of the cooperation among agencies and the willingness to take creative approaches. The demonstration was funded through a variety of sources, including federal highway and transit programs, state highway funds, and local sources. The demonstration project included a nine-mile contraflow HOV lane, park-and-ride lots, freeway ramp metering, and contracted bus service. Thus, the corridor provided the right conditions for the demonstration. The I-45 N corridor had a high directional split and travel in the peak direction was very congested. The excess capacity in the off-peak direction of travel is used for HOVs moving in the peak direction. Contraflow lanes are appropriate for corridors with high directional splits, such as 60 percent of traffic in the peak direction and 40 percent in the off-peak direction. A contraflow lane demonstration project on the North (I-45 North) Freeway was recommended to test the HOV concept.Ī contraflow HOV lane uses a lane in the off-peak direction of travel for HOV travel in the peak direction. Using a federal Service and Methods Demonstration (SMD) grant, the OPT and THD examined the potential of freeway HOV lanes, which were a relatively new concept at the time. THD was concerned about improving travel conditions on congested freeways and OPT was interested in methods to move buses through traffic more efficiently and to improve services levels and the image of the bus system. OPT and THD shared a common interest in addressing increasing levels of traffic congestion by encouraging greater use of buses, vanpools, and carpools. The Office developed a strong working relationship with the THD Houston District to explore and implement congestion reducing strategies. The OPT began an aggressive program to upgrade the bus system. In 1974, the City purchased the privately-owned bus company and established the Office of Public Transportation (OPT). Although supported by the City Council and community leaders, voters defeated the HARTA proposal. This plan was the basis for a 1973 ballot measure to establish the Houston Area Rapid Transit Authority (HARTA). A long-range transit plan was prepared, which included an extensive rail system and HOV lanes on some freeways. In the early 1970s, the City of Houston was exploring options for establishing a public transit authority. As a result, service levels were low and buses were in poor conditions. At the same time, the privately-owned bus company was encountering serious financial difficulties. The Texas Highway Department (THD) was planning expansions to many freeways and examining possible improvements to others. Houston Managed Lanes Case Study: The Evolution of the Houston HOV SystemĬHAPTER TWO-EVOLUTION AND USE OF THE HOUSTON HOV LANE SYSTEM Development and Operation of the HOV Lane SystemĪs noted previously, traffic congestion was a significant concern in Houston during the 1970s.
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