HOV/HOT Lanes to Open Weekends for Summer Pilot Program

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Metro Press Release

Release Date: June 23, 2022
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

HOV/HOT Lanes to Open Weekends for Summer Pilot Program

The Express Lanes that help you avoid traffic on weekdays will soon be open seven days a week as part of a regional pilot mobility program approved by METRO's Board of Directors today. HOV/HOT (Express) Lanes managed by METRO will be open on weekends beginning Saturday, July 2 through Monday, Sept. 5. This includes the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays. Weekend and holiday operations will follow the same schedule, occupancy requirements and tolls as weekdays. 

Lanes included in the pilot program run down the middle of Interstate 45, U.S. Highway 59 and U.S. Highway 290. Click here for schedules and toll rates. 

59 HOV/HOT Lane

How to Access HOV/HOT Lanes

The lanes run in one direction, but are reversible depending on the time of day. In the mornings, vehicles travel toward downtown Houston. In the afternoons, they travel away from downtown Houston.

Toll requirements depend on the freeway, time of day and total number of people in your vehicle.

Click here or the image above for videos and an interactive map to learn more about how to access Express Lanes.

Laws of the Lanes

  • Carpools, vanpools and motorcyclists ride for free.
  • Solo drivers have the option of paying a toll to use the lanes.
  • Trailer towing is prohibited.
  • No trucks with more than two axles or a gross weight capacity of one ton or greater.
  • No bicycles (motorcycles permitted).
  • No pedestrians.