Published: Dec. 7, 2016

Express lane signs at MM 39.8 Buffalo Highway, Boulder County | CC Photo by Xnatedawgx, April 2016According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado has "passed the point where it can build its way out of [traffic] congestion." With the population exploding and transportation funding decreasing, a resolution was passed in February 2013 to change all High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) express lanes from HOV 2 to HOV 3.Ìý

This change will go into effect starting Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. Free access to the express lanes will requireÌýat least three people (a driver plus two passengers)Ìýin each vehicle. Additionally, carpools using HOV lanes now must have an ExpressToll account with a transponder to enjoy free use.

Solo drivers and those with only one passenger must pay to travel in the express lane. However, motorcycles and buses will continue to be allowedÌýfree access.

The HOV policy revision ensures that express lanesÌýremain free-flowing,Ìýso that those who choose to ride the bus, pay a tollÌýor carpool always have a reliable and faster trip. Plus, getting more people into carpoolsÌýreduces overall congestion and vehicle emissions.

If the new express laneÌýrequirementsÌýaffectÌýyour daily commute, there are many transportation options available to you.

  • Use the general purpose lanes.ÌýFree general purpose lanes always exist alongside express lanes. Drivers benefit from less congestion in those lanes because of the traffic that diverts to the express lanes.
  • Ride the bus.ÌýRTD has many options for a fast commute, including bus rapid transit (BRT) along the U.S. 36 corridor. Visit theÌýÌýto explore your options.
  • Pay a toll.ÌýGo toÌýÌýto get a pass, and pay lower tolls for a quick-and-easy trip.
  • Find an additional friend and carpool.ÌýCDOTÌýwill be providing free HOV switchable transponders to those who wish to exclusively carpool. Get yours atÌý. CDOT has also provided a list of partners to help you find a third person for your carpool, including:

For more information and to review campus carpool parking options, please .ÌýYou can alsoÌýemail buffscommute@colorado.edu with any questions or concerns.