Between the hours of 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., the lane will be closed to single-occupant vehicles.
HOUSTON — METRO will implement new high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) restrictions on the I-69 North (Eastex) HOV/HOT lane starting Monday, July 7.
The updated policy will limit access to carpoolers only from 4:30 to 6 p.m., excluding single-occupant vehicles during the evening rush hour. The change is part of METRO’s broader effort to enhance mobility and align the Eastex corridor with other major HOV/HOT routes across the city.
“Through the METRONow plan, we are focused on improving regional mobility not just for our riders, but for the entire community,” said METRO Interim President & CEO Tom Jasien. “Maintaining free-flowing HOV/HOT lanes is essential to meeting our system-wide standards for reliability, and it also helps make travel easier and more predictable for drivers.”
The decision follows field observations and rider feedback stating that the Eastex HOV Lane often slows to stop-and-go traffic during the evening rush. METRO says the adjustment will help restore the intended benefits of the lane by reducing congestion and maintaining steady travel speeds for vehicles.
The morning HOV-only restriction, from 6:30 to 8 a.m., will remain unchanged.
To ensure a smooth transition, METRO has coordinated with the METRO Police Department and its HOV/HOT lane operations contractor to update the system and enforce the new rules.
The move reflects METRO’s ongoing commitment to improving traffic flow and reliability across Houston’s major commuter corridors.