The Growing Popularity of HOT Lanes

An interview with HOT lane expert Jack Finn of HNTB, which asks the tough questions, like are these "Lexus lanes" bad for the poor, or the environment?

1 minute read

December 17, 2010, 8:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


Eric Jaffe at the Infrastructurist conducted this interview:

"I. Some have criticized HOT lanes for being unfair to the poor.

JF: The ones in California, when they first opened, people started to call them the 'Lexus lanes.' Then they started doing studies and it turns out everybody from all income levels and age groups uses the lanes. If you gotta punch a clock and were late two days before, you're willing to pay to make sure you get to work on time."

Finn also discusses whether HOT lanes encourage single-riders, and how to guarantee a 60 mph speed at all times.

Thursday, December 16, 2010 in The Infrastructurist

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A colorful Via transit bus next to a brick building.

San Antonio approves $1.1 billion transit agenda

The agency has also begun construction of its Via Rapid Green line, which will service passengers from the San Antonio International Airport.

30 minutes ago - San Antonio Business Journal

A woman sits on a bus stop bench and looks at her phone.

Guerilla urbanists’ DIY benches joined by sanctioned seats in Chicago

The group behind the original homemade benches said they will continue installing them across bench-less bus stops in Chicago.

1 hour ago - Block Club Chicago

A group of people walk past Boston's purple commuter rail.

Boston spent $765 million to lease battery-powered trains

The trains will serve Boston’s Fairmount Line for fifteen years.

2 hours ago - Grist