HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE (HOV) FACILITIES POLICY AND OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES IN QUEENSLAND

The Integrated Regional Transport Plan (IRTP) for South East Queensland (SEQ) has set regional targets to increase average vehicle occupancy in the next 10 years. It is also an objective of the IRTP to increase public transport modal share of all trips. However, public buses travel in congested traffic along arterial roads, reducing the potential of these services to attract patronage. The recently completed Brisbane HOV Arterial Roads Study was undertaken to assist in the creation of a strategic HOV framework. The study identified general policy, planning, and design issues associated with priority lanes and recommended solutions/approaches for Brisbane. Given the significant priority placed on increased public transport patronage in the IRTP for SEQ, there was a need to establish effective and consistent Statewide policies and practices for use throughout Queensland. This paper provides an overview of the policies and guidelines developed for the use and operations of HOV facilities. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E208379.