ATI The Alliance for Traffic Improvement

Seeking cost effective ways to reduce traffic congestion on Oahu

 

 Lexus Lanes?
Actual data on HOT lane use discredit the “Lexus Lane” critique. Studies of the SR 91 Express Lanes indicate a statistically significant correlation between income and frequency of toll lane use.
9 While the data indicate the proportions of commuters who choose the Express Lanes increase with income, commuters of all income levels use the lanes. High income individuals (those with annual incomes greater than $100,000) utilize the toll lanes at greater rates than lower income individuals, but lower and moderate income individuals also make substantial use of the toll lanes. Although roughly one-quarter of the motorists in the toll lanes at any given time are in the top income bracket, data demonstrate that the majority are low and middle-income motorists. The benefits of the HOT lane are enjoyed widely at all income levels.

Lower income motorists may use the HOT lane periodically, when circumstances dictate that the reliability of their trip time is more important than under ordinary circumstances – for example, when critical appointments loom, or when day care facilities charge fees for late pick-up of children. The same applies to self-employed contractors and other small business people, who must make appointments on time or risk lost business.

…….

San Diego I-15 Express Lane Survey
An 800-person telephone survey of I-15 Express Lane users completed in the summer and fall of 2001 demonstrates that motorists of all income levels recognize the benefits of HOT lanes. The following survey results show that the equity concerns are not shared by actual HOT lane users and other motorists in San Diego:

91 percent of those surveyed think that travel time savings options provided by the I-15 Express Lanes are a “good idea”;

66 percent of drivers who do not use them support the I-15 Express Lanes;

73 percent of non-HOT lane users agree that the HOT lane reduces congestion in the corridor;

89 percent of I-15 users support the extension of the Express Lanes;

The extension of the Express Lanes was the top choice of both HOT lane users and non-users for reducing congestion in the corridor; and

80 percent of the lowest income motorists using the I-15 corridor agreed with the statement that, “People who drive alone should be able to use the I-15 Express Lanes for a fee.” Despite equity concerns that have been raised in locations without HOT lanes, low income users in San Diego were more likely to support the statement than the highest income users.

As demonstrated by surveys conducted in Washington, Minnesota and Florida, a majority of motorists in many congested areas would be willing to pay to avoid congestion, with no statistical correlation evident between income levels and willingness to pay.

Public Support For The HOT Lane Concept

As in San Diego, public opinion research conducted around the country demonstrates that the public understands the value of pricing concepts and that a majority of motorists in many congested areas would be willing to pay for improved travel conditions. These results demonstrate that the public may be more willing than its political leaders to support HOT lane projects.

 

Source: Federal Highways Department, Guide to HOT lane development, Chapter 4.