ConnectSmart now has the ability to route and navigate you and your passengers along High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)/High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes in the greater Houston area! This means you can now see routes and travel times for HOV/HOT lanes, along with regular lanes on the freeway, when you have a passenger in your car, saving you time getting to your destination. Whether you are sharing a ride on I-10, I-45, US 290, or US 59, the app will provide a navigation option that takes advantage of the HOV lanes once you’ve entered the number of people in your car.
Please note that if you are using CarPlay/Android Auto you must select the number of people in your car on your phone before using the screen for Carplay. Check back in our blogs section or follow us on social media to learn about new features as we add them to the ConnectSmart app!
Not familiar with the Houston area’s HOV and HOT lanes? Here is important information you need to know before you go. HOV/HOT lane restrictions include:
Single occupancy vehicles (SOV) must have a valid EZ TAG or TxTag to use any HOV/HOT lanes (I-10 or I-45).
I-10 HOV/HOT: Single occupancy vehicles (SOV) must have a valid EZ TAG or TxTag and pay the toll on weekdays 5-11 a.m. and 2-8 p.m. in and outbound. The lane is open to all vehicles 24/7 with or without a toll.
I-45 N, I-69/Hwy 59 N, I-69/Hwy 59 S: The HOV lane is open everyday inbound 5-11 a.m. and outbound 1-8 p.m. Vehicles with 2+ people and motorcycles are allowed weekdays 6:30-8 a.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.
I-45 S: The HOV lane is open everyday inbound 5-11 a.m. and outbound 1-8 p.m. Vehicles with 2+ people and motorcycles are allowed weekdays 6:30-8 a.m. and 5-6 p.m.
US 290: The HOV lane is open everyday inbound 5-11 a.m. and outbound 1-8 p.m. HOV with 3+ people and motorcycles are allowed weekdays 6:30-8 a.m., HOV with 2+ people and motorcycles are allowed Monday to Friday 4:30-6 p.m., and weekends inbound 5-11 a.m. and outbound 1-8 p.m. The lane is open to all vehicles during other times.
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