Evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes, 1988. Technical report

Technical Report · Wed Jul 20 04:00:00 EDT 1988

OSTI ID:6622930

Ulberg, C

The cost-effectiveness of high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes was analyzed by comparing the costs and benefits of existing HOV lanes with the hypothetical alternatives of doing nothing or adding a lane for general traffic. Three specific sites in the Seattle area were studied. A life-cycle costing approach was used. The main result of the study was that (for the three locations studied) the construction of HOV lanes was the most cost-effective alternative. The marginal net present value of each of the projects was positive (on the order of $50 to $600 per commuter per year, depending on the specific comparison). The marginal benefit/cost ratio was greater than six for all cases. These findings showed that the three projects under consideration are very cost effective and should remain in place as HOV lanes. The methodology developed for the study was incorporated into an easy-to-use computer program that assesses the cost-effectiveness of the construction of HOV lanes in other locations.

• Research Organization: Washington State Transportation Center, Pullman (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6622930
• Report Number(s): PB-89109094/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
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