The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Systems Pooled Fund Study (PFS) is intended to serve as a forum and provide an opportunity for the participants to identify, address and collectively take on the key issues and challenges that are common among public agencies that are responsible for managing and operating HOV facilities. The HOV PFS focuses on the critical program, policy, technical, and other issues that arise throughout the life cycle of an HOV facility. The HOV PFS also provides an opportunity to facilitate the interaction, sharing of information, and successful practices with a broader audience to advance and improve upon the current state-of-the-practice related to the management, operation, and performance of HOV facilities.

The goal of this study is to assemble regional, State, and local agencies, service providers, and FHWA to: 1) identify issues common among HOV systems managers, operators, and service providers; 2) suggest approaches to addressing identified issues; 3) initiate and monitor projects intended to address identified issues; 4) provide guidance and recommendations and disseminate results; 5) provide leadership and coordinate with others with HOV interests; and 6) promote and facilitate technology transfer related to HOV issues nationally.

The following are offered as broad topics or examples of issues that might be addressed within the intended scope of the HOV PFS: · HOV System program and policy issues; · Facility, corridor, and system planning issues and techniques; · Operational policies, procedures, and plans; · Program support services and Transportation Demand Management issues; · Air quality impacts and modeling tools; · Transit facilities and intermodal transport; · Facility and system design; · Performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting; · Contracting and procurement practices and issues; · Implementation and construction work zone issues; · Enforcement and traffic incident management; and · Marketing and public information outreach. The HOV Systems PFS is now entering its third year. Five projects have been selected and are being initiated based on available funds. Details of the projects and products that have been produced to date are available at the HOV PFS web site at http://hovpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/. An overview of current and future HOV PFS activities is available at http://hovpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/overview.cfm.

Desired level of contribution is $50,000 per year for each agency. However, desired level of commitment may vary, based on size and type of agency (e.g. county and city). Desired minimum level of contribution is $10,000 per year per agency. State Agencies may join online. Other agencies, such as cities, counties, regional transportation agencies, toll authorities, and port authorities, may join by submitting a commitment form available at the HOV PFS web site via the link below.