An Evaluation of the Katy Freeway HOV Lane Pricing Project (E 305001)

This paper describes the QuickRide program on the Katy high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in Houston, Texas. The QuickRide program allows two-person carpools to use the HOV lane during peak periods for $2.00 when the lane has a three or more person restriction. The use of QuickRide during its first year is discussed along with an analysis of the demand for the program and an analysis of the effectiveness of the program. QuickRide usage and before-and-after implementation data are used to analyze user travel patterns, observed travel time savings, and changes in person throughput in the Katy Freeway corridor. QuickRide usage, reported travel behavior, and demographic data are used to analyze user travel patterns, travel time savings, and users' frequency of use. These results suggest: (1) the total demand for HOV2 value pricing may be limited in major travel corridors, despite large potential time savings; (2) substantial shifts in mode and time are possible with HOV2 value pricing; and, (3) household size and income are good indicators, but HOV lane use is a poor indicator, of the demand for HOV2 value pricing.