HOV Southern Nevada Study

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is conducting a study to evaluate the use and effectiveness of High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in Southern Nevada. As part of this effort, NDOT is undertaking a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study and seeking community input. The HOV lanes are designed to provide faster, more reliable travel options for carpoolers and transit users. The NEPA study is anticipated to be completed by 2027. NDOT, in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Nevada Transportation Board of Directors, will analyze the study results to inform potential future improvements.

As part of the NEPA evaluation of HOV lanes in Southern Nevada, the Fall 2024 HOV Lane Survey gathered public feedback on how drivers use these lanes on I-15 and US-95 and their preferences for future improvements. The results highlight diverse opinions, with strong support both for keeping and modifying the system, as well as calls for its complete removal.

View the complete Fall 2024 survey summary here.

Key Findings:

• HOV Lane Usage: 53.8% of respondents use HOV lanes during operational hours, while 46.2% do not.
• Effectiveness Perceptions:
  • 45.3% believe the lanes are beneficial.
  • 55.9% say HOV lanes do not improve commute time, gas savings, or stress.
• Carpooling Impact: 31.2% say HOV lanes encouraged them to ride with others more often, but 68.8% say they have not changed their habits.
• Primary Concerns: Underutilization, enforcement issues, and congestion were the most cited frustrations.
• Majority Opinion on Changes:
  • 36% want HOV lanes removed or converted to general-use lanes.
  • 25.6% want extended HOV hours or more interchanges.
  • Other suggestions include stricter enforcement, better access, and potential toll conversion.

Survey Results Breakdown:

• HOV Lane Usage
  • 31.1% of users drive on both I-15 and US-95.
  • 46.2% never use the HOV lanes, with 69.5% of non-users driving alone during operational hours.
• Perception of HOV Lanes
  • While 53.8% of respondents use HOV lanes, only 45.3% say they are beneficial.
  • 55.9% do not see positive effects on commute time, gas savings, or stress levels.
• Reasons for Using HOV Lanes
  • 81.2% ride with family and friends.
  • 30.9% drive alone (which may indicate misuse or the need for enforcement).
  • 14.4% carpool with coworkers.
  • 6.4% use them for rideshare/transit work (Uber/Lyft/buses).
• Reasons for Not Using HOV Lanes
  • 69.5% drive alone during restricted hours.
  • 12% find them inconvenient.
  • 3.9% find them confusing.

Public Recommendations for Change:

Survey participants were asked what modifications they would like to see. Responses varied significantly:

Support for Keeping HOV Lanes

• 13% of comments supported keeping the current HOV system, emphasizing reduced travel times during peak hours.

Support for Modifying HOV Lanes

• 33% wanted changes, such as:
  • Extended hours (24/7 operations)
  • Better enforcement of lane restrictions
  • Allowing EVs or HOT (toll-based) lanes
  • More interchanges and exits

Support for Removing HOV Lanes

• 54% of comments favored removal, citing:
  • Underutilization leading to traffic congestion
  • The unique 24-hour city lifestyle of Las Vegas, making standard carpooling less feasible
  • Perceived waste of road space

Additional Public Concerns:

• Stricter enforcement (188 comments): Many respondents called for better enforcement to prevent single-driver misuse.
• Traffic congestion (56 comments): Many feel HOV lanes worsen traffic for general drivers.
• Speeding issues (30 comments): Complaints that drivers treat HOV lanes as high-speed bypasses.
• Lane confusion (200 comments): Drivers find lane entry/exit confusing.
• Barrier additions (31 comments): Requests for physical dividers to prevent illegal merging.
• Toll conversion (36 comments): Some suggested pay-per-use express lanes for improved traffic flow.

Conclusion:

The Fall 2024 HOV Lane Survey highlights the significant role HOV lanes play in Southern Nevada’s transportation network. With over half of respondents using these lanes, they serve as a valuable tool for commuters, rideshare drivers, and those traveling with family and friends. Many users recognize their benefits in reducing travel times and supporting carpooling efforts, particularly during peak congestion hours.

While some respondents expressed concerns about enforcement and accessibility, many offered constructive suggestions to improve the system rather than eliminate it. Expanding HOV-only interchanges, extending operational hours, and increasing enforcement could further enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, some respondents supported innovative approaches such as HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lanes or incentives for electric vehicles to encourage smarter commuting choices.

As NDOT continues its evaluation, feedback from the community will help shape policies that maximize the efficiency of HOV lanes while addressing concerns about enforcement and accessibility.

Visit dot.nv.gov/HOV more information on the HOV system of Southern Nevada.