Ontario to open HOV lanes to allow solo drivers during off-peak hours

The Ford government announced Tuesday that it intends to allow single-occupant vehicles to drive on High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes during off-peak hours.

In a released statement, the Ministry of Transportation is seeking to reduce gridlock and keep traffic moving on provincial highways by amending the Highway Traffic Act.

“Gridlock is costing our economy billions of dollars every year and robbing Ontario drivers of valuable time and quality of life,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation in the statement. “By allowing single-occupant vehicles to use HOV lanes during off-peak hours, we would help keep drivers moving across the province, so they can spend less time in traffic and more time with their families and friends.”

Vehicles with at least two people in it — including the driver — in a car, van, light truck, commercial truck less than 6.5 metres long with a gross weight of 4,500 kg or less, or a vehicle towing a trailer of combined length of less than 6.5 metres can drive in the HOV lane.

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Some vehicles can use the lanes at all times as exceptions, including buses of all types, licensed taxis and airport limousines, emergency vehicles, vehicles with Ontario green license plates and motorcycles.

Ontario currently has 237 kilometres of HOV lanes, with plans to add another 146 kilometres to the network.

The statement said the province will identify when these “off-peak hours” will be following analysis of traffic data and consultations.

It does say that these times would not include the busiest weekday morning, or evening commute periods.

The province said, once it is finalized later this year, the new off-peak hours will be set out in regulation.

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