Why will we have a part-time HOV lane instead of a full-time HOV lane like the Puget Sound area?
Allowing general-purpose use of an HOV lane during the off peak period would not have a negative impact on traffic operation. The consideration of HOV on the I-5 corridor may be unique from the HOV experience in the Puget Sound area and peak period HOV is most appropriate for this region. First, I-5 is very congested for several hours each day, but mainly during the peak period. The level of congestion in the corridor can offer reliable travel time for shared ride trips. Second, right of way in the I-5 corridor is very constrained. Reverting the HOV lane to general purpose capacity during the off-peak period would occur at a time when there would otherwise be little travel time difference between an HOV lane and general purpose travel lane, and therefore, no incentive for HOV use. In addition, it would benefit midday traffic operations in the I-5 corridor for all users of the transportation system, including freight.
