# Presentation: 704001

## HOV Pooled-Fund StudyHOV Lane Performance Monitoring,Evaluation, and ReportingHandbookHOV PFS MeetingJune 13, 2006

**◊**

**Notes:**
	This PowerPoint presentation summarizes the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Performance Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Handbook developed through the HOV Pooled Fund Study (PFS).  It is the longer, more detailed PowerPoint presentation describing monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the performance of HOV facilities is also available.  A shorter PowerPoint presentation is also available, which highlights the key elements of the PFS project and the handbook.

## Presentation

- Handbook Objectives/Audiences
- Overview of Handbook Chapters
- HOV Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

**Notes:**
	The presentation will cover five major topics.  The objectives of the HOV Pooled Fund Study and the participating agencies are described first.  Second, the handbook objectives are highlighted, and the audiences for the handbook and related documents are summarized.  Third, the handbook chapters are summarized.  Fourth, the major portion of the presentation describes the HOV performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting process.  The presentation concludes by highlighting other projects sponsored by the HOV Pooled Fund Study.

## Project Objectives

- Advance the State-of-the Practice in Monitoring, Evaluating, and Reporting on the Performance of HOV Facilities
- Communicate Benefits of Performance Monitoring and HOV Facilities

**Notes:**
The first objective of this project is to advance the state-of-the-practice in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the performance of HOV facilities.  The second objective is to communicate the benefits of performance monitoring and the benefits of HOV facilities to different stakeholders.

## Project Deliverables

- HOV Performance Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Handbook
- Outreach Material – Project Fact Sheets, Brochure, Primer, Frequently Asked Questions, PowerPoint Presentations

**Notes:**
The HOV Lane Performance Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Handbook represents the major product from this project.  Outreach materials developed through this project include project fact sheets, a brochure, a primer, frequently asked questions, and PowerPoint presentations.

## Audiences

- Handbook – Transportation Professionals Responsible for HOV Facilities
- Outreach Material – Agency Management Personnel and Policy Makers

**Notes:**
The handbook and outreach materials are targeted toward a variety of audiences and stakeholder groups.  The handbook is intended for use by transportation professionals responsible for planning, designing, operating, and traffic enforcement on HOV facilities.  The audiences for the outreach materials include agency management personnel and policy makers, as well as other groups interested in the performance of HOV facilities.

## Handbook Features

- Highlights Chapter at-a-Glance

- Highlights Good Ideas

**Notes:**
The handbook provides an easy to use guide to HOV performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.  Icons are used to highlight key points.  The eyeglass icons are used to highlight the chapter-at-a-glance at the start of each chapter.  The light bulb icon highlights good ideas based on best practice case studies.

## Handbook Features

- Highlights Keys to Successful Practices

- Highlights Case Study Examples

**Notes:**
The keys icon highlights keys to successful practices.  Finally, the notebooks icon highlights case study examples.  The case studies in the chapters provide examples to reinforce key points.  The case studies in Chapter 9 provide more detailed descriptions of ongoing HOV performance monitoring programs and expand on many of the examples in the chapters.

## Chapter One – Introduction

- Welcome
- Handbook Features
- Chapters-at-a-Glance

**Notes:**
This section of the presentation provides an overview of HOV performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.  It follows the major topics discussed in each chapter.  Chapter One presents the objectives and audiences for the handbook, highlights the use of the four icons, and summarizes the topics covered in each chapter.

## Defining HOV Facilities
Key Points of Each Chapter

- Key Points of Each Chapter

**Chapter Two – Executive Summary**

**Notes:**
Chapter Two provides an overview of HOV facilities and highlights the key points in each chapter.  HOV facilities are designed and operated to provide travel time savings and trip time reliability to buses, vanpools, and carpools.  HOV lanes increase the person-movement, rather than vehicle-movement, of congested travel corridors.  Currently there are approximately 130 HOV facilities on freeways and in separate rights-of-way in the 32 metropolitan areas shown on the map.

## Chapter Three – Developing HOV Performance Monitoring Programs

- Federal Interest in HOV Performance Monitoring
- Uses and Benefits of HOV Performance Monitoring
- Transportation Plans and HOV Systems
- Agencies Involved
- HOV Performance Monitoring Process

**Notes:**
Chapter Three covers the five topics listed on the slide.  It begins with an overview of the federal interest in HOV performance monitoring.  Next, the uses and benefits of HOV performance monitoring programs are described.  The relationship between the various transportation plans and HOV elements in metropolitan areas is then described, along with the agencies typically involved in HOV performance monitoring.  Finally, the HOV performance monitoring program is summarized.

## Federal Interest in HOV Performance Monitoring 

- Maintain Federal Investments
- Promote Efficient Use of HOV Lanes
- Source of Funds
- SAFETEA-LU Provisions
- FHWA HOV Program Guidance

**Notes:**
FHWA, FTA, and other federal agencies have an interest in HOV performance monitoring programs.  HOV facilities on freeways and in separate rights-of-way are typically constructed with federal funds and many are located on freeways that are part of the Interstate Highway system.  As a result, federal agencies have a responsibility to ensure that federal investments are maintained and that efficient use of HOV lanes is promoted.  The source of funds used to construct an HOV facility, provisions of SAFETEA-LU, and FHWA HOV Program Guidance influence HOV performance monitoring programs.  SAFETEA-LU includes requirements related to HOV performance monitoring and reporting when operating agencies allow certain exempt vehicles to use an HOV lane without meeting the occupancy requirements.  The exempt vehicles addressed in SAFETEA-LU include tolled vehicles, low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles, and buses.

## HOV Performance Monitoring Benefits and Uses

- Operating Decisions
- Determine if Goals/Objectives Met
- Communicate with Public/Policy Makers
- Planning for Future Projects
- Meet Requirements

**Notes:**
	The results from HOV performance monitoring programs may be used by agency staff responsible for operating the facility, staff responsible for planning and designing future projects, agency management personnel, policy makers,  federal agency staff, and transportation professionals in other parts of the country.  The following benefits may be realized by HOV performance monitoring programs.
Having information about the performance of an HOV facility is key to making operating decisions, including changes in operations that may be necessary.
Performance monitoring programs help determine if the HOV project goals and objectives have been accomplished.
Communicating the results to policy makers and the public can help build an understanding of, and support for, HOV facilities.
The results can enhance planning for future HOV projects.
The results can be used to meet applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including provisions of SAFETEA-LU requirements related to exempt vehicles.

## Transportation Plans and HOV Systems

**Notes:**
The plans developed by the state department of transportation, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and the public transportation agency in an area may have goals, policies, and objectives related to HOV facilities.  These goals and objectives provide guidance for the identification of objectives for HOV facilities that can guide performance monitoring programs.

## Agencies Involved

- State Agencies – Department of Transportation, Environmental Agency
- Public Transportation Agency
- Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
- Cities and Counties
- State and Local Law Enforcement
- Federal Agencies – FHWA, FTA, EPA

**Notes:**
The agency responsible for planning, designing, constructing, and operating an HOV facility is typically the lead agency in developing and conducting performance monitoring programs.  The state department of transportation is usually the lead agency for HOV lanes on freeways and state highways.  The public transportation agency is typically the lead on busway performance monitoring efforts and is frequently a key participant in freeway HOV performance monitoring programs.  Other participating agencies include the MPO, cities and counties, law enforcement, and FHWA and FTA.  State environmental agencies and the EPA may also participate.  Multi-agency teams are used in many areas to develop and conduct HOV performance monitoring programs. These teams help ensure the involvement of all appropriate agencies throughout all phases of the HOV performance monitoring program.

## Performance Monitoring Process

**Goals/Objectives**
****
**MOEs**
****
**Data Requirements**
****
**Collect Data**
****
**Analyze Data**
****
**                             ****Report Results     ****Operating Decisions**

**Notes:**
	This figure illustrates the major steps in the performance monitoring process. 
The process begins with the identification of goals and objectives for HOV facilities in an area.
Measures of effectiveness are identified for each objective.
The data requirements for each measure of effectiveness are outlined.
Data are collected using the procedures described in Chapter Five.
The data are analyzed using the techniques described in Chapter Six.
The results are reported to different stakeholders and used for operating decisions, future planning, and future investment decisions.  Chapter Eight highlights the various reporting methods.

## Chapter Four – HOV System Objectives, Measures of Effectiveness, and Data Requirements

- HOV Objectives and Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs)
- HOV Performance Data Requirements

**Notes:**
The objectives of an HOV facility or project should be clearly articulated and should be measurable, as the monitoring program focuses on gathering the data needed to analyze HOV performance and determine if the objectives have been met.  Measures of effectiveness (MOEs) identify specific performance levels.  The data needed to assess the MOEs can then be identified.

## Example of Objective and MOEs

- Objective – The HOV lane should improve the capacity or person throughput of a congested corridor.
- MOE – Increase in carpools, vanpools, and bus riders.
- MOE – Increase in average vehicle occupancy (AVO).

**Notes:**
	This slide presents one example of a common objective of many HOV lanes in North America.  The objective is to increase the person throughput (not vehicle throughput) of a congested travel corridor.  Typical MOEs associated with this objective are to increase the number of carpools, vanpools, and bus riders, and to increase the average vehicle occupancy (AVO) rate.  Other common objectives relate to providing travel time savings and improving trip time reliability to HOVs over vehicles in the general-purpose freeway lanes, improving bus operating efficiencies and services, and providing safe operations for the HOV and freeway lanes.

## Data Requirements

- Vehicle Volumes/Vehicle Classifications
- Vehicle Occupancy
- Travel Times and Speeds
- Crashes
- Violations
- User/Non-User Characteristics and Perceptions

**Notes:**
	This slide highlights the basic data requirements associated with common HOV objectives and MOEs.  Vehicle volumes by vehicle classification, vehicle-occupancy, and travel time and speed data are key.  Data on crashes, occupancy violations, operating regulation violations, and the characteristics and perceptions of uses and non-users are also important.  Techniques to collect these data are described next.

## Chapter Five – HOV Data Collection

- HOV Facility Inventory
- Vehicle and Vehicle-Occupancy Counts
- Travel Time and Travel Speed
- Bus Routes and Ridership
- Park-and-Ride and Park-and-Pool Lot Use
- Violation Data
- User and Non-User Surveys
- Crash Data
- Emissions and Air Quality
- Cost-Benefit Data

**Notes:**
Chapter Five presents techniques for collecting the data needed to assess the MOEs.  Methods to collect each of the items listed on this slide are described next.

## HOV Facility Inventory

- List and Map of All HOV Lanes
- Type
- Length
- Operating Characteristics
- Access

**Notes:**
Maintaining an HOV inventory helps ensure the basic information on HOV facilities in an area is readily available, comprehensive, and up-to-date.  An inventory typically includes a list of HOV lanes with information on the type and length of lanes, operating characteristics, access points and types, and any unique features.  The information may be maintained in a spreadsheet, database, or geographical information system (GIS).  Information on supporting elements, such as park-and-ride lots, park-and-pool lots, transit stations, and bus routes may be included in the inventory.

## Vehicle Volumes and Classification

- Field Surveys
- Advanced Transportation Management Systems (ATMS)

**Notes:**
Vehicle volumes and vehicle classification data are collected either through field surveys or advanced transportation management systems (ATMS) or other advanced technology systems.  Vehicle volume and classification data is needed for the HOV lane and the general-purpose freeway lanes.  Field surveys involve personnel counting vehicles by type for the HOV and freeway lanes.  The count locations should provide a clear view of the lanes and a safe environment for field personnel who use traffic counters, data collection forms, or laptop computers.  In some areas, data on vehicle volumes and classification may be available from electronic sensors embedded in individual lanes, from an ATMS, or from transportation management centers.

## Vehicle-Occupancy Counts

- Field Observation

**Notes:**
Vehicle-occupancy counts are taken by field personnel recording the type of vehicle and the number of individuals in the vehicle.  The counts are usually taken at the same location as the vehicle counts.  Traffic counters, data collection forms, or laptop computers are used to record occupancy levels.

## Exempt Vehicle Counts

- HOT Vehicles
- Low-Emission/Energy-Efficient Vehicles
- Buses

**Notes:**
Counts of high-occupancy tolled (HOT) or tolled vehicles are typically obtained from the electronic toll collection (ETC) records.  Low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles may be recorded as part of the vehicle classification counts by recording the number of vehicles with special license plates or decals.  In some cases, extra counts may be taken focusing on just these vehicles, due to the potential difficulty in identifying them.  Buses with only a driver are counted during the vehicle-occupancy surveys.

## Travel Time and Speed

- Test Vehicle
- ATMS

**Notes:**
Travel time data measures the amount of time it takes a vehicle to travel a certain distance. Travel time data is collected for the HOV lane and the freeway lanes.  Travel time data may be collected through manual methods, including the test vehicle or floating car techniques, or through an ATMS.  The floating car technique involves making a number of trips in the HOV and freeway lanes.  Two people are needed per vehicle, one to drive and one to operate the stop watch and record the results or to operate a computer and the electronic distance measuring device or global positioning system (GPS).  In this technique, the driver operates the vehicle with the flow of traffic without exceeding the posted speed limit.  Speed data may be available for an HOV lane and freeway lane from electronic sensors, an ATMS, or transportation management center.  Travel times can be computed from the speed data.

## Bus Routes and Ridership

- Transit Agency
- Bus Operators
- Vehicle Counts

**Notes:**
Information on bus routes, services, service frequency, the number of buses, and the types of buses is typically obtained from the public transportation agency or agencies in an area.  Ridership data is obtained as part of the vehicle-occupancy counts.  Additional ridership information can also be obtained from the regular counts conducted by public transportation agencies and other bus operators.

## Park-and-Ride/Park-and-Pool Lots

- Count Parked Vehicles During Mid-Day

**Notes:**
Data on the use of park-and-ride and park-and-pool lots is obtained by field personnel counting the number of parked vehicles during the middle of the day. If lots are well utilized, personnel may count vacant spots and subtract from the total spaces at the lot to obtain occupancy levels.  The count information is recorded on prepared forms or entered into a laptop or a tablet computer.  Depending on the size of the lot, field personnel may walk or drive along the parking rows.

## Violation Data

- Vehicle-Occupancy Counts
- Citations Issued
- Peer Enforcement
- Toll Collectors

**Notes:**
Information on violations of vehicle-occupancy requirements, operating regulations, and non-payment of tolls on HOT projects is obtained from a number of sources.  Vehicle-occupancy counts provide data on the number of vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements, excluding any exempt vehicles.  The number of citations issued by enforcement personnel for violations of vehicle-occupancy requirements and operating regulations provides another source.  The number of calls to peer enforcement hot lines can be monitored in areas with these programs.  Non-payment of tolls with HOT projects is monitored through ETC systems.

## Information and Perceptions of Users and Non-Users

- Surveys of Carpoolers, Vanpoolers, Bus Riders, and Motorists
- Surveys of General Public
- Focus Groups
- Interviews with Stakeholders
- Internet Surveys

**Notes:**
Information on previous modes of travel, perceptions about HOV lanes, and socio-economic characteristics may be obtained through a variety of market research techniques.  These techniques include mail surveys of carpoolers, vanpoolers in the HOV lane and motorists in the general-purpose freeway lanes; on-board surveys of bus riders; interviews with stakeholders; focus groups; and Internet surveys.  A number of techniques may be used to distribute different surveys.  These methods include recording license plate numbers of vehicles in the HOV and general-purpose lanes and mailing surveys to the owners, distributing surveys on buses and at park-and-ride and park-and-pool lots, randomly selecting area residents, recruiting focus group participants, posting surveys on the Internet, and interviewing individuals from specific groups.

## Other Data

- Crashes
- Emissions and Air Quality
- Cost-Benefit Data

**Notes:**
Data on crashes is typically used in HOV performance monitoring programs to assess objectives and MOEs relating to providing a safe operating environment and not negatively impacting the general-purpose lanes.  Information on crashes is typically obtained from the enforcement agencies responsible for monitoring the HOV and general-purpose lanes.  State departments of transportation, state or local departments of public safety, or law enforcement agencies may maintain crash databases.  Information on the number, type, and severity of crashes can be obtained from these sources.  Care should be taken with the use of these sources as it is often difficult to determine the cause of a crash, the exact location the crash started and ended, and other factors.  It is also important to ensure that similar procedures are used in reporting crash data.  The data needed to assess possible emissions and air quality impacts of HOV lanes typically include vehicle volumes and classification, vehicle-occupancy levels, and vehicle speeds.  Information on the capital and maintenance costs associated with an HOV lane and the freeway are needed to analyze the cost-benefit ratio, along with the benefits from the facility.

## Chapter Six – HOV Data Reduction and Analysis Techniques

- Data Reduction, Storage, and Management
- Analysis Techniques

**Notes:**
Data reduction, storage, and management and data analysis techniques used to assess various MOEs are discussed in Chapter Six.  Elements to consider in data reduction, storage, and management are discussed next, followed by examples of commonly used analysis techniques.

## Data Reduction, Storage and Management

- Establish Lead Agency
- Develop Process
- Quality Control
- Procedures to Access/Use

**Notes:**
Steps to consider as part of the data reduction, storage, and management process include establishing the lead agency responsible for the data, developing the actual process, establishing quality control steps, and identifying procedures to access and use the data.  The agency responsible for the HOV performance monitoring program is typically the lead agency for data reduction, storage, and management.  The agency may contract with a university, university-affiliated transportation institute, or consultant to perform these functions, however.

## Quality Control

- Check Downloaded/Re-entered Data
- Check for Suspect/Invalid Data
- Check Field Crew Comments/Data Logs
- Check Problems at Data Collection Sites

**Notes:**
Key elements of a quality control programs including checking data that is downloaded or re-entered from field forms and computers, checking for suspect or invalid data, and checking field crew comments and data logs for occurrences (crashes, incidents, weather) that may have an impact on normal operations and data collection.  Checking for problems at data collection sites, and correcting any ongoing issues, is also important.

## Data Analysis Techniques

- Vehicle Volumes
- Vehicles Per Lane Per Hour (vplph)
- Person Volumes/Person Throughput
- Persons Per Hour Per Lane (pphpl)
- AVO

**Notes:**
The next series of slides present data analysis techniques commonly used with HOV performance monitoring programs.  Vehicle volumes are the total vehicles passing a specific point for a certain time period, typically the peak hour and peak-period.  Vehicles per lane per hour (vplph) is the estimated vehicle volume at a specific freeway location adjusted for the number of lanes and the time period of the measurement.  Person volumes or person throughput is the number of individuals in all vehicles at the data collection points for a specific period of time.  Person volume, person throughput, or persons per lane per hour (pplph) are calculated for the HOV lane and the freeway lanes and compared.  The total for the full facility can also be calculated by adding the HOV and freeway lanes together.  The AVO can be calculated by vehicle classification for the HOV lane and the freeway lanes, and for the total facility.  AVO by vehicle classification is obtained by dividing the person volumes for that classification by the number of vehicles in that classification.  The AVO for the HOV lane is obtained by dividing the total person volume in the HOV lane by the total vehicles.  The same process is used for the freeway lanes.

## Data Analysis Techniques

- Travel Times/Travel Time Savings
- Travel Time Index
- Buffer Index

**Notes:**
Travel time and travel speed data can be analyzed in a number of ways.  The analysis techniques will depend somewhat on the data collection methods.  Some analysis techniques require the multiple data points and the ability to measure day-to-day differences provided by ATMS or electronic sensor technology.  Travel time data collected through the test vehicle, floating car, or other manual method is downloaded or manually transferred into a computer database.  The results from multiple runs can be averaged, presented, and compared for the HOV lane and the freeway lanes.  Data from an ATMS or from electronic sensors can be analyzed in the same way.  Additional analysis techniques, such as the travel time index and the buffer index, can also be used.  These analysis techniques are described more on the following slides.

## Data Analysis Techniques

- Bus Riders
- Park-and-Ride
- Park-and-Pool Lots

**Notes:**
Information on bus volumes and ridership is typically presented numerically for specific time periods.  The bus AVO can also be calculated.  The people moving benefit of transit may be highlighted by presenting the percentage of buses and bus riders comprising the total vehicles and person volume of an HOV lane by dividing the number of buses and riders by the total vehicles and persons using the HOV lane during specific time periods.  Park-and-ride and park-and-pool lot data is usually presented as the total vehicles parked and the percent utilization at an individual lot and at all lots along the HOV lane.  The percent utilization is obtained by dividing the number of parked vehicles by the number of available parking spaces.

## Data Analysis Techniques

- Occupancy-Violation Rate
- Number of Citations
- Operating Regulation Violations
- Peer Enforcement
- Toll Violations

**Notes:**
The occupancy-violation rate is calculated from the vehicle volume and vehicle-occupancy counts.  The rate is calculated by dividing the number of non-exempt vehicles in the HOV lane without the proper number of occupants by the total number of vehicles in the lane for a specific time period.  The number of citations issued for violation of occupancy and operating regulations can be reported, as can the number of calls to peer enforcement hot lines.  The toll or HOT-violation rate is calculated by dividing the number of non-paying HOT vehicles by the number of HOT vehicles.

## Data Analysis Techniques

- Crash Data
- Emissions/Air Quality
- Cost-Benefit Ratio

**Notes:**
The number of crashes on an HOV lane and the freeway lanes may be obtained and examined as part of an HOV performance monitoring program.  Documenting crash data for two or more years before an HOV lane opens is important to provide a baseline.  It is often difficult to determine the cause, and possible impact on an HOV lane, from the summary information provided in most crash databases maintained by law enforcement, state, and local agencies.  Resources are not typically available to examine every crash record individually.  Examining the location of crashes can help identify possible problem areas that may need to be addressed through design or operational modifications.  Crash data is often summarized on an annual basis by the number of crashes per 100 million vehicle miles of travel (VMT) or 100 million passenger miles of travel.  The rates for freeways with HOV lanes can be compared to the statewide average and to freeways without HOV lanes.  Information on vehicle volumes, classification, and occupancy rates, and passenger miles traveled may be used to update models used in the planning process to estimate the impact of the HOV lanes on vehicle emissions and air quality levels.  Another approach is to estimate emissions with and without the HOV lane.  Cost-benefit ratios may be used to assess the cost-effectiveness of HOV projects.  The total cost (capital and operating) of an HOV project is needed, along with the value of the benefits. As a conservative approach, only the benefits associated with travel time savings of HOV lane users are applied.  If the benefit-cost ratio is above one based on this approach, the facility is usually considered cost-effective.

## Chapter Seven – Conducting Ongoing HOV Performance Programs

- Developing a Data Collection Program
- Frequency of Data Collection
- Potential Funding Sources
- Staffing and Resources

**Notes:**
Chapter Seven describes conducting ongoing HOV monitoring programs.  The four major topics presented are developing a data collection program, the frequency of data collection, potential funding sources, and staffing and resource needs.

## HOV Data Collection Program

- Identify Data Needs
- Establish/Maintain Procedures
- Identify Agency Roles and Responsibilities
- Identify Funding

**Notes:**
Key steps in developing a data collection program include identifying the data needs based on the objectives and measures of effectiveness, establishing and maintaining the procedures to collect and analyze the needed data, identifying the roles and responsibilities for the various agencies, and identifying funding sources.  It is important that consistency be maintained in the procedures used to collect and analyze data.  If major changes are made in these procedures, such as the implementation of an ATMS in a area, these changes and the potential impact on the HOV monitoring program should be documented.

## Frequency of Data Collection

- Collect and Analyze Before Data
- Initial Operating Phase
- Early Years
- Ongoing Program

**Notes:**
The frequency of data collection, analysis, and reporting will depend on a number of factors.  These factors include the type of HOV lane, the maturity of the system, available resources, and changes or anticipated changed in operations.  For new HOV projects, a baseline of key data should be established on conditions before the HOV lane is open.  It is recommended that key data, such as vehicle volumes and occupancy rates, be collected monthly when a new facility is opened.  During the first few years of an HOV lane, collecting key data on a quarterly basis is suggested.  An ongoing monitoring program with a mature HOV lane may involve collecting key data on an annual basis, with surveys of users and non-users conducted on a 3-to-5 year cycle.

## Potential Funding Sources

- Federal Programs – Metropolitan Planning, Statewide Planning, Transit Programs
- State Funding
- Local Funding

**Notes:**
Data collection activities related to HOV monitoring programs may be funded from a number of federal, state, and local sources.  At the federal level, data collection for HOV lanes, freeways, and other transportation components are eligible expenses under metropolitan planning, statewide planning, and transit programs.  HOV-related data collection activities are incorporated into the unified planning work programs (UPWP) of some MPOs, as well as state departments of transportation and public transportation agencies.  In addition, federal funds may be used to support crash recording and databases.  State and local funding sources may be used to match federal programs and to conduct additional data collection activities.

## Staffing and Resources

- Type/Number of HOV Lanes
- Data Collection and Analysis Methods
- Equipment
- Training
- Frequency

**Notes:**
Staffing and resources associated with an HOV monitoring program will depend on a number of factors.  These factors include the type and number of HOV lanes, data collection and analysis methods, equipment needs, training for personnel, and the frequency of data collection.  Obviously, the more HOV lanes in an area, the greater the staffing and resource needs.  The data collection methods will influence both the number of personnel needed for data collection and the skill sets of these individuals.  The data collection methods will also impact the type of equipment needed.  Training for field personnel, and staff responsible for data retention, storage, analysis, and reporting is an ongoing cost.  Finally, the frequency of data collection and analysis will influence staff costs.  Depending on these and other local factors, a conservative estimate of the annual costs associated with a basic data collection and analysis program (annual vehicle volume, vehicle classification, vehicle occupancy, travel time runs, violation data, transit and park-and-ride and park-and-pool counts, and crash data) is between $150,000 to $200,000 per HOV lane corridor.  Surveys of users and non-users and other market research techniques would be in addition to this basic level.

## Chapter Eight – HOV Performance Reporting

- Stakeholder Information Needs and Reporting Methods
- HOV Performance Reporting Methods

**Notes:**
Approaches for reporting the results of HOV performance monitoring programs to different stakeholders is presented in Chapter Eight.  Use of the information by various stakeholder groups is discussed and reporting methods are presented.

## Stakeholder Groups

- Agency Staff
- Agency Management Personnel
- Policy Makers
- Federal Agency Staff/Other Agencies
- Media
- Public and Interest Groups

**Notes:**
      A variety of stakeholder groups may use the results of an HOV performance monitoring program.  These groups and uses of information include the following.
Agency staff use the information for operating decisions, including changes in operating requirements, as well as for planning and designing future HOV lanes.
Agency management personnel use the information to determine if project goals and objectives have been met, to make decisions on future projects, and to allocate staff and resources.
Policy makers use the information for developing policies and making funding decisions related to HOV facilities.
Federal agency staff use the information to ensure that federal investments are being maintained and used effectively.  Staff at other agencies throughout the country use the information as comparisons for their systems.
The media uses the information in news stories.
The public and interest groups are interested in the results that show how HOV lanes impact travel in a specific corridor and the overall transportation system in an area.

## Reporting Methods

- Online Data
- Technical Reports
- Fact Sheets
- Brochures
- PowerPoint
- Internet
- Video/DVD

**Notes:**
The results of HOV performance monitoring programs can be presented in numerous ways.  As identified on this slide, these methods include online data, technical reports, fact sheets, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, Internet sites, and videos/DVDs.  The slide shows the cover of the executive summary brochure used to present the results of an HOV performance monitoring program conducted by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

## Stakeholder Groups and Reporting Methods

- Focus on Key Performance Measures
- Match Method/Content to Group
- Maintain Consistency
- Use Graphics

**Notes:**
The information presented, the level of detail, and the communication method should be tailored to the needs of the various stakeholder groups.  The scope, content, and detail used in different documents and presentations should be appropriate for the audiences being addressed.  The information presented should focus on the key performance measures.  Maintaining consistency among the different reporting approaches can help save staff and financial resources.  For example, the same key information and graphics can be used in reports, fact sheets, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, and the Internet with slight changes.  The accompanying text can be expanded or reduced as appropriate.  A name, telephone number, e-mail address, and Internet sites should be included in all reporting methods for follow-up questions or comments. 

## Stakeholder Groups and Reporting Methods

|  | Stakeholder Groups |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Reporting Methods | Local Technical Staff | National Technical Staff/
Researchers | Agency Management Personnel | Elected/
Appointed Officials | Media | Public/
Interest Groups |
| On-Line Data | ● | ● |  |  |  |  |
| Technical Reports/
Summaries | ● | ● |  |  |  |  |
| Fact Sheets | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Brochures |  |  | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| PowerPoint |  | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Internet | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Video/DVD |  |  | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| ● − Primary Audiences |  |  |  |  |  |  |

**Notes:**
This slide highlights the reporting techniques that may be most appropriate for the various stakeholder groups.  The more detailed technical reports are usually intended for agency staff, while methods that highlight the key information are targeted toward agency management personnel, policy makers, the media, and the public.

## Chapter Nine – Case Studies

- Puget Sound Region
- Los Angeles
- Northern Virginia
- Houston
- Minneapolis
- San Diego

**Notes:**
Chapter Nine present more detailed case studies on HOV performance monitoring programs in the six areas listed on the slide.  The case studies provide information on the HOV objectives and measures of effectiveness, the data collection techniques, the data analysis methods, and the reporting approaches used with HOV monitoring programs in these areas.  The Northern Virginia case study includes a discussion of monitoring exempt low-emission and energy-efficient vehicle use of the HOV lanes and the Houston, Minneapolis, and San Diego case studies include information on monitoring HOT vehicles.  A few key elements of each case study are highlighted on the next slides.

## Puget Sound HOV Facilities

- Ongoing Monitoring Program
- WSDOT and TRAC
- Evolution of Techniques
- Internet Use

**Notes:**
The Puget Sound HOV case study highlights the following elements:
Monitoring HOV lanes in the Puget Sound region has evolved over the years.
The monitoring, analysis, and reporting process represents the coordinated efforts of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC), transit agencies, and other groups.
Many of the data collection techniques have evolved from manual methods to the use of electronic detectors and other advanced technologies as part of the FLOW system.
The Internet is used extensively to disseminate information, including providing access to different databases.

## Los Angeles HOV Lanes

- Evaluation of El Monte Busway
- Periodic Monitoring
- LAMTA Performance Monitoring Program

**Notes:**
	The Los Angeles case study highlights the following elements:
Extensive evaluations conducted of the busway from 1973 to 1976 as part of a federal demonstration project.
Periodic ongoing monitoring by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
Extensive assessment of all HOV lanes in Los Angeles County during the late 1990s and early 2000s, sponsored by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LAMTA), and conducted by consulting firms and university institutes lead by Parsons Brinckerhoff.

## I-395/Shirley Highway HOV Lane

- Evaluation of Initial Demonstration Project
- Periodic Assessments
- Ongoing Monitoring by WASCOG
- Monitoring Virginia Special Clean Fuel License Plates

**Notes:**
	The I-395/Shirley Highway case study highlights the following elements:
The initial Express-Bus-on-Freeway Demonstration project was monitored and evaluated as part of a federal-sponsored program from 1971 to 1975.
Additional assessments were conducted in the 1980s and 1990s, often in response to Congressional interest.
WASHCOG, the MPO for the metropolitan area, has conducted an ongoing monitoring program in cooperation with VDOT and other agencies.  Data collection and analysis focuses on vehicle classification and occupancy counts, travel time runs, and transit ridership.

## Houston HOV Lanes

- Evaluation of I-45 North Contraflow Demonstration
- Ongoing Monitoring Program – TxDOT, METRO, TTI
- Evolution of Techniques
- QuickRide Project Monitoring

**Notes:**
	The following elements are highlighted in the Houston case study:
An extensive evaluation was conducted of the I-45 North contraflow demonstration project with federal funds.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) sponsored an ongoing monitoring and evaluation program conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI).
The data collection and analysis techniques have evolved over time, with manual techniques being replaced by the use of ITS and other advanced technologies.
The QuickRide HOT project on two HOV lanes has been included in the monitoring program.

## Minneapolis I-394 HOV Lane

- Before/After Evaluation
- Ongoing Quarterly Monitoring
- Downtown Parking Garages
- MnPASS Project Monitoring

**Notes:**
	The I-394 HOV lane case study in Minneapolis highlights the following elements:
Extensive evaluation of interim HOV lane (called the Sane Lane) and final HOV lanes from 1984 to 1993.  Evaluation sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and conducted by local consulting firm SRF, Inc.
Ongoing quarterly monitoring of vehicle volumes, classification, and occupancy levels by Mn/DOT.
Quarterly monitoring of the use of three parking garages in downtown Minneapolis with direct link to HOV lane by carpoolers.
Monitoring of HOT project starting in 2005.

## San Diego I-15 HOV Lanes

- HOV Monitoring
- FasTrakTM Project Monitoring

**Notes:**
	The I-15 HOV lane case study focuses primarily on the monitoring and evaluation of the different phases of the HOT project, including the use of pre-paid monthly tags and the variable pricing using electronic toll collection (ETC).

## HOV Pooled Fund Study

**Project Website**
- _[http://hovpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/index.cfm](http://hovpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/index.cfm)_
**Contact Information**
- Mr. Neil Spiller
- Federal Highway Administration
- Voice: (202) 366-2188
- E-mail:  neil.spiller@fhwa.dot.gov

**Notes:**
More information on HOV Pooled Fund Study projects, including the HOV Performance Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Handbook, can be obtained from the website shown on the slide or by contacting Neil Spiller at FHWA.