Bay Area brings network appeal to express lanes

The San Francisco Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission is converting a significant portion of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) and carpool lanes to express lanes. HOV lanes can reduce travel time, but they are often underused. It is hoped that express lanes will help reduce congestion within budget constraints. There is already an existing fourteen-mile express lane in use in the region, but this project will convert 150 miles of HOV lanes as well as adding another 120 miles of new lanes. Vehicles with multiple occupants will be able to use the express lanes free or at discounted rates. Toll revenues will help fund construction.