TDM Toolbox

Mitigation Calculator

Subsector: Parking or Road Pricing/Management
High Occupancy Toll Lanes
VMT Reduction Potential: 4
Cost: 4
ROI: 3
StanCOG Relevancy: 1
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional
Timing: Long Term (10+ years)
Implementors-Public: Caltrans, Regional Agencies
References: Caltrans Express Lane Policy Guidance, Federal Highway Administration Managed Lanes Resources, StanCOG 2026 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, San Joaquin Council of Governments I-205 Managed Lanes Project

Description

High occupancy toll lanes offer variable toll rates to manage congestion and encourage carpooling by providing faster travel times for high-occupancy vehicles and toll-paying motorists.

Implementation Details

  • Coordinate with Caltrans and neighboring regional agencies to evaluate the feasibility of managed or HOT lanes on major regional corridors serving Stanislaus County.
  • Conduct corridor-level studies to determine whether HOV, HOT, transit-priority, or other managed-lane treatments are appropriate.
  • Evaluate connections between HOT lanes and existing regional transit and commuter services.
  • Consider toll discounts or exemptions for carpools, vanpools, transit, and income-qualified users.
  • Dedicate a portion of future toll revenues, where legally permissible, to transit, first/last-mile connections, and transportation improvements serving disadvantaged communities.

Mitigation Potential

HOT lanes increase the cost to drive, discouraging unnecessary trips. Pricing can encourage sustainable mode alternatives, such as carpooling or ridesharing. Impacts on VMT will vary depending on the length, locations, and restrictions deployed. The effectiveness of tolls depends on origin and destination patterns.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

To ensure HOT lanes do not worsen mobility inequities, programs can offer toll discounts or exemptions for income-eligible users, especially in areas with limited transit access. Equitable design includes multilingual outreach, simplified eligibility verification, and integrated fare platforms for carpoolers using SunLine or other shared modes.

Funding Sources

HOT lane projects require substantial capital investment for lane construction or conversion, tolling technology, enforcement, communications systems, and ongoing operations. Potential funding sources include federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA), MEGA, CMAQ, state transportation programs, Caltrans funding, and regional transportation revenues. Toll revenue may provide a long-term source for operations and transportation improvements, subject to state and federal requirements.

Examples/Case Studies

San Joaquin Council of Governments – I-205 Managed Lanes

The I-205 Managed Lanes Project in the Tracy area is one of the most directly relevant examples for StanCOG. The project is evaluating managed lanes that could include HOV and toll lanes, along with transit hubs and park-and-ride facilities. The project is intended to address heavy commuter and truck congestion on I-205 and improve connections between the Central Valley and the Bay Area.