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160.93, Sec 7
The high occupancy toll lane legislation allows the Commissioner
of Transportation to implement user fees on high occupancy vehicle
lanes in Minnesota.
- Improve operating efficiency in truck highway corridors
- Provide more options to travelers
- May vary in amount by time of day
- May vary with congestion
- Repay trunk highway fund or other fund source for cost of equipment
and modifications in the corridor
- Costs of implementing and administering the fee collection
system
- Excess revenues shall be spent as follows:
- One-half for capital improvements in corridor
- One-half transferred to Metropolitan Council for expansion
and improvement on bus transit services in corridor in which
funds are collected
- Violators are guilty of a petty misdemeanor
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MnPASS is the Minnesota Department of Transportation's electronic
toll collection system. MnPASS drivers lease a small electronic transponder that
attaches to their windshield behind the rear view mirror. The toll is automatically deducted from their pre-paid
MnPASS account by toll recording equipment located on the road.
Fees vary in amount by the level of traffic
congestion in the MnPASS lanes.
MnPASS provides drivers with a choice, helps control congestion
on metro area roadways and provides a new source of revenue for
transportation.
MnPASS Express Lanes opened on I-35W in 2009, connecting southern communities with downtown Minneapolis.
Conversion of high occupancy vehicle lanes to high occupancy toll
lanes (HOT Lanes) was authorized
by the 2003 Minnesota Legislature. These lanes are also known
as the MnPASS Express Lanes. These lanes permit single occupant drivers
to pay a user fee to access the HOV lanes. This project is the
first of its kind in Minnesota, and is a new and significant change
in highway traffic management.
The project includes the use of various technologies such
as signage, computers, software and in-vehicle equipment. The project
also addresses enforcement issues, costs and hours of operation.
The I-394 MnPASS Express Lanes project was developed and completed through a public/private
partnership involving the State of Minnesota and service vendor
Wilbur Smith Associates. The private firm funded 20 percent of
the project's estimated $10 million price tag.
The goal is to maximize capacity in the I-394 corridor and make better use of the capacity in the high occupancy vehicle lane.
- Carpoolers and bus users have free access and priority
use.
- Speeds at or near the posted limits are maintained by "dynamic" pricing
that varies with demand and use of the lanes.
- Drivers of single occupant vehicles choose to use these
lanes on an as-needed basis by paying a fee.
- Collection of the fees is automated, i.e. no toll booths.
- Ensures continued priority in the corridor and enhanced services
for transit and carpoolers
- Provides a fast and reliable option for MnPASS
- Improves operating efficiency in the I-394 corridor
- Effectively manages the Express Lanes using the latest
technology
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