Meeting_Body
REVISED
AD HOC CONGESTION REDUCTION COMMITTEE
JANUARY 20, 2016
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: METRO EXPRESSLANES TOLL POLICY
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
ADOPT the ExpressLanes Toll Policy as shown in Attachment A.
Issue
ISSUE
One of the primary goals of the ExpressLanes program is to provide a safe, reliable, predictable commute for customers of the ExpressLanes. In 2015, during the morning peak period, the northbound I-110 and westbound I-10 ExpressLanes have seen increasing congestion jeopardizing our ability to meet this goal. The ExpressLanes have regularly gone into "HOV Only" mode, whereby they are shut down to toll paying customers, with only those qualifying non-toll paying HOV commuters allowed into the system. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that zero/low emission vehicles are allowed to remain in the ExpressLanes during "HOV Only" periods contributing to additional congestion.
The "HOV Only" operating mode signals that the ExpressLanes are becoming too congested and conditions are deteriorating below established performance requirements. Demand has exceeded capacity and the current toll maximums do not motivate enough toll paying customers from entering the ExpressLanes. The ExpressLanes operate in the "HOV Only" mode until traffic densities (traffic volume/average travel speed) improve and capacity can be restored. Once capacity is restored, toll paying customers are allowed back into the ExpressLanes.
The policy framework in Attachment A updates policies to operate, maintain and administer the ExpressLanes to ensure program goals are met. The policies of particular importance to attaining the program goals are: Performance Requirements; and Toll Rate Setting.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Performance Requirements
Section 166 of Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, requires that the ExpressLanes operate at 45 miles per hour (or traffic densit...
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