Use of High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOV) (SAFETEA-LU Section 1121) enhances and clarifies provisions governing the use and operation of HOV lanes. This section of SAFETEA-LU mainstreams the ability of DOTs to convert HOV lanes to use as High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane facilities. All states are allowed to make an unlimited number of conversions, with the caveat that variably priced tolls must be used to maintain superior traffic service on the HOT lanes. Automatic toll collection is required on the HOT lanes, together with enforcement and monitoring programs.
Value Pricing Pilot Program (SAFETEA-LU Section 1604(a) Continues the Value Pricing Pilot Program by encouraging implementation and evaluation of up to 15 value pricing pilot projects, including areawide pricing, pricing of multiple or single facilities or corridors, single-lane pricing, and implementation of other market-based strategies. A total of $59 million is available to support these pilot projects. 14 of the 15 state allotments have already been designated.
Express Lanes Demonstration Program (SAFETEA-LU Section 1604 (b)) permits tolling on up to 15 demonstration projects – on either new or existing capacity – to manage congestion, reduce emissions in a non-attainment area, or finance added Interstate lanes for the purpose of reducing congestion. No dedicate funding is provided through this program
Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot Program (SAFETEA-LU Section 1604(c)) Authorizes up to three facilities on the Interstate system to toll for the purpose of financing the construction of new Interstate highways. Tolling must be the most efficient and economical way to finance these facilities.
Interstate System Reconstruction & Rehabilitation (R&R) Pilot Program. SAFETEA-LU continues the program as established under TEA-21. The R&R toll pilot program allows tolling on up to three existing Interstate facilities (highway, bridge, or tunnel) to fund needed reconstruction or rehabilitation on Interstate highway corridors that could not otherwise be adequately maintained or functionally improved. Each of the three facilities must be in a different state, in cases where the costs to fund needed reconstruction or rehabilitation are demonstrated to exceed available resources.
Title 23 Section 129(a) can provide Federal funding for toll facilities that are not part of the Interstate system. Section 129 loan recipients can be a public or private entity and is selected according to each state's specific laws and process. A dedicated repayment source must be identified and a repayment pledge secured. The Federal-aid loan may be for any amount, up to the maximum Federal share of 80 percent of the total eligible project costs. A loan can be made for any phase of a project, including engineering and right-of-way acquisition, but cannot include costs prior to loan authorization.
Loans must be repaid to the state, beginning five years after construction is completed and the project is open to traffic. Repayment must be completed within 30 years from the date Federal funds were authorized for the loan. States have the flexibility to negotiate interest rates and other terms of Section 129 loans. The state is required to spend the repayment funds for a project eligible under Title 23.
