HOV/HOT Express Lanes
HOV stands for High Occupancy Vehicle. HOT stands for High Occupancy Toll. Both refer to a barrier-separated lane in the middle of I-45, Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 290. The lane runs in one direction, but it’s reversible depending on time of day. In the mornings, vehicles travel toward downtown Houston. In the afternoons, they travel away from downtown. Lane usage, and whether or not a toll is required, depends on the freeway you’re using, time of day and total number of people in your vehicle.