CDOT's HOV Express Lanes Change from HOV 2+ to HOV 3+ Starting Jan. 1, 2017

DENVER—The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) remind drivers that CDOT's High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Express Lanes will change from HOV 2+ to HOV 3+ on Jan. 1, 2017.

HOV 3+ equals a driver and at least two passengers. The change affects US 36 and I-25, two corridors with HOV Express Lanes in operation and/or development.

With the state's population exploding and transportation funding decreasing, CDOT and the HPTE must look at innovative ways to move traffic. The move to HOV 3+ helps provide uncongested travel in the Express Lanes as well as provide funding to help offset costs of the lane—including operations and maintenance. Drivers always have the option to travel for free in the general purpose lanes.

CDOT and HPTE know the transition will be challenging and want to ensure drivers are not surprised by the HOV 3+ change in 2017. They are working with the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), the Regional Transportation District (RTD), Smart Commute Metro North and 36 Commuting Solutions, and others to help people find and use additional ways to carpool, or take other modes of transportation.

In addition, if drivers plan to carpool only (we call these drivers "HOV purists"), they will be able to receive the $15 switchable HOV transponder for free in spring 2017 as another way to help ease the transition. HOV purists who have already purchased the switchable HOV Transponders will be reimbursed if they call ExpressToll.

Learn more at the CDOT Express Lanes website, and sign up for email alerts to stay informed.