Create an HOV lane on the highway

In other words, each directional lane of the PBR was to function as a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) during those periods. HOV lanes are an effective tool to help manage traffic congestion by moving more people in fewer vehicles. An HOV lane is a highway lane reserved for the use of transit and carpooling vehicles.

The lane is identified by a white diamond symbol painted in the centre of the lane surface.

Some of the advantages of HOV lanes include:

• Reduce traffic volume during peak travel hours;

• Improve the predictability of the trip ti me;

• Increase in the people-moving capacity of the roadways;

• Reduction in the peak period travel time for transit;

• Reduction in the amount of single-occupant vehicle (SOV) travel; and,

• Increase in the proportion of commuters using ridesharing and transit in the corridor.

There typically must be six or more general purpose lanes in the corridor, in order to consider converting one directional lane for HOV. The right lane (median lane) is recommended for highways, because HOV lanes are designed to provide fast travel.

Restricting HOV traffic to the innerrmost lane allows the lane to operate safer, leaves general and HOV traffic room to enter and exit the highway and prevents the fl ow of HOV lanes themselves from being disrupted by merging traffic.

The following are typically eligible to use HOV lanes:

• Motorcycles, regardless of the number of riders;

• Emergency vehicles during an emergency;

• Transit vehicles, including PTSC, maxi-taxis and taxis;

• Privately-owned buses Commercial trucks are not allowed to use any designated HOV lane in North America. This restriction is applied for safety reasons and because allowing trucks does not encourage ridesharing during peak commute periods.

The Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) made a good decision to discontinue use of the PBR for HOV private auto use. It should never have been permitted. However, the MOWT should have used the opportunity to suggest HOV for the Churchill- Roosevelt Highway.

The Priority Bus Route (PBR) was created as a busway. This means it was conceived as dedicating its two lanes for the exclusive use of buses. It is an extremely valuable asset whose capacity should not be jeopardized by illegal or inappropriate use. Since its primary function is to move people, other non-public transport uses should be prioritised and only be granted a pass when they will not impact on the primary function. In other words, the PBR should be given priority for High Occupancy Transit Vehicles, such as PTSC Buses and maxi-taxis, with a heavy emphasis on very large buses such as articulated, accordion-types.

Traffic signals should be coordinated along the PBR to emphasise its priority. This would be the beginning of the functioning of the PBR as a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System. A BRT system provides a high quality of service along dedicated or close-to-dedicated routes, with increased service frequency, capacity and speed.

It is suggested that the innermost lane of each carriageway (right lane) of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway between Port of Spain and Piarco be used exclusively for vehicles with three-or-more persons and all transit vehicles (provided that they have three-or-more persons).

All other vehicles with a single occupant, as well as all trucks and other commercial vehicles must use the other two lanes only.

In order to use an HOV lane, motorists should enter the highway and merge into the rightmost lane signifi ed by a diamond symbol and overhead signs. The suggested HOV lane layout is non-buffer separated.

This is the least expensive method and can be implemented most quickly. With this treatment, the HOV and general purpose lanes are separated by traffic marking. Access to the HOV lane is continuous (i.e., no physical barrier). In most cases, HOV traffic is allowed to freely cross the stripe either into or out of the HOV lane, thereby eliminating the need for specific ingress and egress points.

Weaving is the most critical requirement in the operation of HOV lanes, that is, the safe transition of motorists across lanes in order to access HOV lanes or entry/exit ramps.

It is suggested that the HOV lane should be operated all day.

The success of HOV lane operation depends on enforcement. Enforcement is necessary to achieve acceptable levels of compliance. It is suggested that there be dedicated motorcycle policing.

Effective public education is necessary before implementation, since this measure is usually resisted by the motoring public