At the March LNTC meeting, commission members heard a presentation from Lynn Purnell of Parsons-Brinkerhof on the topic of ‘managed lanes’ as it relates to the improvement of I-77 traffic flow and possible new construction.  No action was taken, although the item was referred to the I-77 Task Force for consideration.

Essentially, should the State of NC decide in conjunction with our regional planning entity, MUMPO, to adopt managed lanes, the current HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes north and south would be converted to a HOT (high occupancy/toll) lane.

The difference is that the HOV lane requires two or more riders to legally use the lanes 24 hours a day at no cost to the vehicle, while a HOT lane is available anytime to a single driver--but that driver would pay a fluctuating fee based on time of day.

In other words, a single driver may choose to stay in the general purpose lanes at no cost, or enter and use the HOT lane, but would pay for that trip.  A transponder/camera would receive a signal from a device in the vehicle or note the license tag and invoice the person who owns the vehicle.   Typical fees per trip would range from $1 to $5.  An option--two or more riders could use the HOT lane at no charge.