Carpoolers need three to ride for free on CDOT’s HOV express lanes on I-25 and US 36
Information provided by CDOT
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) remind carpoolers that as of January 1, CDOT’s high occupancy vehicle (HOV) express lanes is now HOV 3+.
The change means a vehicle must have a driver and at least two passengers in order to be in the HOV lanes. The change affects the US 36 and I-25 express lanes (Speer to US 36 and US 36 to 120th Avenue), corridors that offer free carpooling in designated lanes. The move to HOV 3+ is needed to provide uncongested travel now and in the future on the express lanes, as well as to provide funding to help offset costs of the lane – including operations and maintenance.
CDOT and HPTE are working with the Denver Regional Council of Governments, the Regional Transportation District, Smart Commute Metro North, 36 Commuting Solutions, North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, Lyft, Uber and others to help people find and use additional ways to carpool, or take other modes of transportation. To explore different options, visit www.codot.gov/programs/expresslanes/hov-3. Drivers also always have the option of driving in the free general purpose lanes.
Carpool purists – drivers who use their switchable HOV transponder in carpool mode only will be able to receive the $15 transponder for free in spring 2017 as another way to ease the transition. Drivers can get a switchable HOV transponder at www.ExpressToll.com.
