About the I-25 HOV/Tolled Express Lanes
How do the HOV/Express Lanes Operate?
All vehicles use the same entrances to access the HOV lanes and the Express Lanes, as well as the same exits. Near 58th Avenue, the lane splits and signs designate the appropriate lane for HOVs and for toll-paying vehicles. Public transit buses may use either lane.
Carpoolers and Motorcyclists
Access to HOV lanes remains free for you.
Remain in the HOV lane when passing through the clearly marked toll collection zones, the only section in the facility where you must drive beneath the lane designated “HOV.”
If you accidentally drive through the lane designated “Toll” within a collection zone and you have a transponder in your vehicle, you will still be charged, regardless of the number of people in your vehicle. If you don’t have a transponder, you will be issued a violation in the mail.
Apart from the toll collection zones, you may drive in any lane.
Owners of carpool vehicles are encouraged to get transponders so they have the option of using Express Lanes when they are alone in their vehicle.
Solo Drivers
Remain in the Toll/Express Lane when passing through the clearly marked toll collection zones, the only section in the facility where you must drive beneath the lane designated “Toll". If you pass through the toll collection zone in the lane marked “HOV” you will be ticketed by law enforcement.
Apart from the toll collection zones, you may drive in any lane.
How are the I-25 HOV/Express Lanes different from other toll roads, like E-470 and Northwest Parkway?
HOV/Express Lanes are different from other Colorado toll roads in two ways:
1. There are no toll booths (all tolls are collected electronically). In order to use the lanes, a user must have an EXpressToll transponder.
Therefore no Insufficient Funds forms (ISFs) are used.
2. Prices vary by time of day. Toll rates are higher in peak periods to maintain current travel times in the HOV/Express Lanes. The purpose of the higher tolls is to ensure the HOV/Express Lanes never become congested.
What did the project cost?
The total cost of the project, including two feasibility studies, technology components, construction, and a reserve for two years of maintenance and operation costs, was originally estimated to be $10,075,900. CDOT received a $2.8 million federal grant for the project. This project was a partnership with the CTE, CDOT, the City and County of Denver, and the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The project was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and was only the fifth such project to incorporate pricing as a congestion management tool in the United States. Thus far, the CTE has not had to use the two-year reserve maintenance fund as tolls collected have more than covered operation and maintenance costs in FY 2007. Furthermore, the Board voted to return $2 million of the Transportation Commission loan since it will not be needed.
How are toll revenues used?
Revenue generated from the tolls are used for the operations, maintenance, and enforcement of the HOV/Express Lanes facility. This includes snow removal, law enforcement, day-to-day operations, and eventual reconstruction. Toll revenue covers the maintenance costs that used to be paid by RTD saving taxpayer dollars.
Are hybrids allowed to use the HOV/Express Lanes for free?
At this time, all hybrids are required to pay a toll if they use the lanes with only one occupant in the vehicle. CDOT is in the process of developing a permit program to allow hybrid vehicle use.
What about lower income people who can't afford to pay to drive on the toll lanes?
Studies from existing toll roads show that people of all income levels choose to drive on toll lanes. Consider a few examples of when it might be worth it for even the lowest income person to choose to pay a toll: someone who is late for work and risks losing their job or someone who needs to pick up a child from day care on time.
Why should I have to pay to use the HOV/Express Lanes?
The Express Lanes are about choice - they only present an alternative. The lanes allow people to choose whether or not to use the lanes based on traffic flow and what they feel their time is worth. No one has to use the Express Lanes. There will always be a non-toll alternative to use - either the HOV lane if they have others traveling in their vehicle or the adjacent toll-free general purpose lanes.
What is driving on the HOV/Express Lanes be like?
The new HOV/Express Lanes feel almost identical to the existing HOV lanes. Small changes include new changeable message signs, an enforcement zone where carpoolers are separated from toll-paying vehicles, and some additional vehicles. The travel times that carpools and buses have experienced remains the same. Travel time analysis indicates that the I-25 HOV/Express Lanes provides a reliable 7.5-9.5 minute trip through the facility. The adjacent general purpose lanes can be much higher in peak periods.
What has happened to existing carpoolers and bus riders?
Carpoolers and buses continue to use the HOV/Express Lanes toll-free. Toll rates for vehicles using the Express Lanes are adjusted regularly to ensure that travel times remain at current free flow speeds. Travel time detection equipment has been installed to ensure highway speeds remain reliable.
Will I be charged if I have a transponder but I also carpool or have others in my vehicle?
If you are carpooling or have others in your vehicle, even if you have a transponder, you must pass through the toll collection enforcement area in the designated HOV lane in order not to get charged. If you are alone and have a transponder, you will need to pass through in the designated Express Lane. If you pass through the Express Lane with more than one person in your vehicle rather than staying in the designated HOV lane, your transponder will be read and you'll be charged regardless of vehicle occupancy. If you don't have a transponder and pass through the Express Lane, you'll be issued a violation even if you have more than one occupant in your vehicle.
Who is responsible for the operations of the lanes?
The HOV/Express Lanes are operated and maintained by the Colorado Tolling Enterprise, a division of the Colorado Department of Transportation. |
