Managed lanes: old concept: new applications

This paper explores the emerging concept referred to as and its relationship to the theme of treatment: juggling competing demands. Managed lanes is the term used to define a lane, or system of lanes, designed and operated to achieve an operational objective-which often includes providing preference to priority users, balancing competing needs and/or optimizing traffic flows. New technology and new applications are taking managed lanes to a more sophisticated level. An increasingly relevant objective is to provide unimpeded, efficient person/vehicle throughput during periods when the remainder of the facility is congested. Innovative managed facilities to address this are currently being implemented, or are planned for implementation, in many parts of the world. This paper presents examples of these, including value priced lanes (example HOT lanes, congestion pricing), new HOV lane considerations, bus rapid transit, and truck priority facilities; and explores the theory behind managed lanes and which management strategies should be considered for a given situation. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E212956.