An analytical approach for modelling tolled bus lanes

High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) and bus lanes have been widely implemented in several countries as a measure to reduce highway congestion, or provide bus priority, in urban or suburban transportation networks. While general use lanes can be congested, if flows in bus or HOV lanes are low, these lanes can be severely underutilized. If ordinary vehicles, such as cars, are allowed in the bus lane at certain rates and in exchange of some toll, however, an optimized operation for all lanes could be achieved. Hence, the aim of this paper is to provide a generalized solution regarding the allowance rate of cars in the bus lane, as well as the toll rates that should be applied.