Moving Beyond Lexus Lanes: Equity Considerations for Managed Lanes

Managed lanes facilities have existed in some form for over 30 years. As urban areas continue to experience severe traffic congestion from rapid population growth and transportation agencies face continual crises in funding, the HOV concept has been modified to meet a broad array of transportation challenges. The pricing of roadways and managed lanes facilities is becoming a popular option for transportation agencies that must do more with fewer resources. The pricing of infrastructure is not at all popular with the public. Facilities that incorporate a pricing element are often viewed as unfair. One of the most popular and often quoted charges leveled against priced managed lanes facilities is that they only benefit the rich. The term “Lexus Lanes” is a popular pejorative used by critics of such facilities that has proven particularly effective at eliciting populist sentiment and severely hindering, and even halting, the implementation of managed lanes projects across the nation. While upper income drivers may use such facilities at a higher rate than lower and middle income travelers, the facilities nonetheless offer benefits to all travelers. Managed lanes can offer strong incentives to utilize public transit and carpooling and help users avoid significant penalties due to delay. Payment options can be modified to better accommodate low income residents without access to credit cards or checking accounts. In addition, the cost of use associated with managed lanes projects are typically borne by higher income travelers; as such facilities are generally located in high income areas.