Skip to Main Navigation
QuickRide

HomeAbout QuickRideSign Up for QuickRideThe HOV SystemLinks

The HOV System

HOV Area Map

Recognized as the leading network of its kind in the world, METRO's High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) network continues to move commuters where they need to go quickly and efficiently. Built primarily for buses, the HOV also promotes ridesharing through vanpools and carpools, which reduces traffic congestion and provides cleaner, healthier air throughout the region.

Physically located in the center of most major freeways, our HOV lanes are a network of barrier-separated roadways that allow buses, vanpools and carpools to move higher volumes of passengers to and from Downtown, and other locations in between.

METRO operates and maintains HOV lanes on six of Houston's major freeway corridors to serve the eight-county metropolitan area:

Additions to the Southwest, Katy and Eastex HOV lanes are currently under construction. By 2003, METRO's entire HOV network will have grown from nearly 100 miles to almost 112 miles in length.

Diamond Lanes

An addition to Houston's HOV network are the Katy Diamond Lanes. The Diamond Lanes operate the same as the other HOV lanes with one exception - no outside barrier. In its place are two distinctive stripes, which help guide commuters to their destination quickly and easily while warning mainstream traffic not enter. There are only three points of legal entry.

Use of HOV Network

METRO's HOV network is open to buses, vanpools, carpools and motorcycles. Simply observe the occupancy requirements, rules of the road and hours of operation.

Vehicles Not Allowed on HOV Lanes

  1. Single Occupant Vehicles.*
  2. Vehicles towing trailers of any sort
  3. Trucks with more than two axles or a gross weight capacity of one ton or greater

*Periodically, METRO allows cars with a single occupant on a portion of the HOV network. These temporary exceptions will be posted at the appropriate Park & Ride lots.

Inbound vs. Outbound

HOV lanes move morning rush-hour traffic inbound toward Downtown, Monday-Friday, 5-11 a.m. During afternoon and evening rush hours, 2-8 p.m., the HOV lanes reverse, moving traffic outbound away from Downtown. There are two exceptions which allow traffic to travel both inbound and outbound.

Access Ramps to HOV Lane

Strategically placed ramps along the lanes allow drivers to enter or exit the HOV from Park & Ride lots, Transit Centers or from mainstream traffic.

One-way ramps operate as an entrance in the morning and exit in the evening.

Two-way ramps all both entrance and exit, mornings and evenings. Pay attention to directional signs to follow traffic flow.

Cross ramps are designed to allow access to/from both sides of the freeway. Pay attention to directional signs to follow traffic flow.

Slip ramps allow you to merge into or out of freeway traffic. Most HOV lanes start/end with this type of ramp.

Signs leading to the entrance of an HOV lane or Park & Ride lot are typically posted within two miles of the actual lane or access ramp. The "trailblazer" signs provide direction, and depending on the level of direction needed may also include two additional signs. The top sign is added to direct you to the access ramp at a Park & Ride or Transit Center facility. The bottom sign is added to show direction.

The signs shown here are found in and around METRO's Park & Ride lots, Transit Center ramps and along the freeways. The identify the HOV lane as an access point as well as provide directional information.

Lanes, Schedule & Occupancy Requirements


Lanes Schedule Occupancy Requirements
I-45 North
North Freeway		 Mon.–Fri. 5-11 a.m. Inbound 2+
2-8 p.m. Outbound 2+
US 59 North
Eastex Freeway		 Mon.–Fri. 5-11 a.m. Inbound 2+
2-8 p.m. Outbound 2+
I-45 South
Gulf Freeway		 Mon.–Fri. 5-11 a.m. Inbound 2+
2-8 p.m. Outbound 2+
US 59 South
Southwest Freeway		 Mon.–Fri. 5-11 a.m. Inbound 2+
2-8 p.m. Outbound 2+
I-10 West
Katy Freeway		 Mon.–Fri. 5-6:45 a.m. Inbound 2+
6:45-8 a.m. 3+
8-11 a.m. 2+
1-5 p.m. Outbound 2+
5-6 p.m. 3+
6-8 p.m. 2+
Saturday 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Outbound 2+
Sunday 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Inbound 2+
US 290 West
Northwest Freeway		 Mon.–Fri. 5-6:45 a.m. Inbound 2+
6:45-8 a.m. 3+
8-11 a.m. 2+
2-8 p.m. Outbound 2+

QuickRide

During Peak rush hours, some HOV lanes raise the minimum requirements to 3+ passengers. QuickRide is a program that allows commuters with less than three passengers to continue driving the HOV during these times for just $2 each way. Times vary per freeway, and registration is required.

For more information on QuickRide, call 713-224-RIDE, 888-606-RIDE (toll free) or send your e-mail to rideshare@ridemetro.org.

HOV Safety

The HOV network was designed and built as a high-speed lane for mass transit buses and vanpools. Carpools were included to increase efficiency These lanes are at least 19 feet 6 inches wide, which is sufficient clearance for buses to pass when one has pulled over to the right.

If you experience mechanical problems while in an HOV lanes, please follow these guidelines:

  1. Exit the first available ramp. Avoid stopping in the lane if possible.
  2. If you cannot make it to an exit ramp, pull over to the right, as far right as possible. Leave as much clearance as possible for traffic to pass. If you are passing traffic, slow down.
  3. Turn on your emergency flashers.
  4. If you have a telephone, call METRO Police at 713-224-2677.

Hero Hotline

Motorists play an important part in monitoring the HOV lanes for proper use. Drivers are asked to report HOV lane violations such insufficient occupancy, speeding or improper passing by calling the HERO Hotline at 713-921-HERO (4376). When calling, include the vehicle license plate number, vehicle description, date, location and time the violation occurred. All calls are confidential and violators will be mailed information regarding the proper use of the HOV lanes.