Carpool, HOV, Transit lanes

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For the carpool feature in the app, see the Waze Carpool website.

Carpool lanes, High-occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, and Transit lanes are road lanes reserved for vehicles meeting special requirements, either carrying at least a specific number of passengers more than the driver, or being a specific vehicle type. The number of required passengers in the vehicle can vary depending on the specific road.

Although currently Waze does not support the requirements of routing over these types of lanes in the production app, there is testing going on so the restrictions are available in WME Production.

Supporting these lanes is a priority for Waze, and they are aware of the problems caused by such lanes.

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)

Note Until HOV and toll transponders are pushed to production you have to be careful to not adversely affect the production app users. If you haven't mapped the HOV lanes then probably best to just set up for HOV. If HOV lanes were already set up so that people can use HOV if they drive over the first segment then you can set it up to continue. Have the first segment set up properly using HOV allowed restriction and then add private vehicle and taxi to all the subsequent segments. If you have a toll road that only allows transponders then setting up for transponder use will prevent all production app users. Add private vehicle and taxi to all segments till transponders are pushed to production.

Intro

Waze has HOV routing! This feature puts Waze out in front of the other navigation systems, but we need to know how to properly configure the map for a great user routing experience. There are a lot of considerations for getting all the options properly included; warnings about bugs and some not so obvious requirements are discussed (ex. allowable restrictions need to cover all toll free restrictions). If you have questions, then please reach out to your State Manager or Regional Coordinator and we’ll get you some help.

Definitions

HOV

HOV – High Occupancy Vehicle. Has more than one person in the vehicle. It is often posted with a number after the acronym; HOV-2 or HOV2+. The number specifies the number of people to meet the HOV requirements; ex. HOV-3 means that three or more people need to be in the vehicle.

HOT

HOT – High Occupancy Toll. This is a combination of toll road and HOV. Sometimes called “Lexus Lanes” since people can buy their way onto roads with less congestion. Electronic toll roads often require a special transponder set to HOV which broadcasts that the car meets the requirements so that a toll is not charged.

Express Lanes

Express Lanes – There are three main types of Express Lanes on the interstate system. They can either be HOT lanes, lanes that have limited entrances/exits, or toll road to speed people willing to pay. This wiki section will just deal with the HOT type of Express Lanes and the segments should follow the guidance for HOT below. Express Lanes that have limited entrances/exits are just mapped as normal freeways. Express Lanes that are just toll roads and don't have different HOV rates are just mapped as a toll road freeway.

Clean Air Vehicle

Clean Air Vehicles – future feature These vehicles meet the requirements for low emissions for the state that the person is operating the vehicle. The vehicles are normally either a hybrid or electric or natural gas vehicle. Note some states require special permits or license plates to qualify. States that have a decal to allow holders to use HOV lanes should be listed in the Transponder/Pass list.

Toll attribute

The toll attribute has moved from under the road segment name to the first popup page of a Time Based Segment Restriction (TBSR). It is in the bottom left corner of the first TBSR popup window.

Mark a road segment as a toll segment only if the segment has a toll booth, transponder reader, or other tolling device and if no vehicles travel as toll free on that segment. See Toll road for additional information.

There are two ways to mark toll:

1. Toll attribute in bottom left corner of the first TBSR popup window
2. Toll free restriction is enabled in second TBSR popup window

Note if there is not a restriction then Add restrictions is shown; if there are TBSRs then Edit restrictions (#) is shown.

• Once a segment is marked as having the toll attribute on the first TBSR popup window, the toll attribute is displayed under the road segment name. You have to go to the TBSR to deselect the attribute.

• If at least one restriction is marked toll free, then it is assumed that all other vehicles not meeting the toll free requirements has to pay a toll.

Note the toll attribute is not shown on the segment if toll free is selected, but it is assumed that there is a toll for the other vehicles.

Next to carpool/HOV/bus lane attribute

• The Next to carpool/HOV/bus lane attribute is a check box that is used for designating roads that are close to the HOV lane so that Waze’s algorithm can differentiate between the varying speeds

• The Next to carpool/HOV/bus lane attribute is under the road type selection when a segment is selected

• DO NOT SELECT this attribute on the actual HOV road segments. Especially for road segments that have regular and HOV lanes on the same segment. (i.e. the segment has HOV in left or right lane.)

• Select the Next to carpool/HOV/bus lane attribute on all parallel road segments going the same direction as the HOV traffic.

Note subs5 find out if ramps also need to be designated

Note for reversible HOV lanes there may be road segments on both sides of the HOV lane that require the Next to carpool/HOV/bus lane attribute to be checked.

Toll transponders/passes/permits supported

The following is a list of all toll transponder companies, passes, permits, and special license plates supported by Waze. By default they are only displayed in their assigned states in the client, and they are listed alphabetically.

1. Alabama Freedom Pass
2. CAV decal
3. Clean Pass
4. E-Pass
5. E-ZPass
6. E-ZPass Flex
7. ExpressToll
8. EZ TAG
9. FAST
10. FasTrak
11. FasTrak Flex
12. GeauxPass
13. Good To Go!
14. Good To Go! Flex Pass
15. Hatem Brg E-ZPass
16. HOV Smart Pass
17. I-Pass
18. K-Tag
19. LeeWay
20. Metro HOT Lanes Toll Tag
21. MnPASS
22. NationalPass
23. NC Quick Pass
24. NC Quick Pass - E-ZPass
25. NEXUS
26. NPS America the Beautiful
27. Palmetto Pass
28. Pay Tollo
29. Peach Pass
30. PIKEPASS
31. RiverLink
32. RiverLink - E-ZPass
33. SENTRI
34. Single Facility / Road Pass
35. SunPass
36. TollTag
37. TxTag

We expect for Kalanianaole HOV, Ontario Green Plate, and Clean Air - Blue Skies Plate, Express Pass, C Decal to be added shortly. A new picture will be added when this goes to the live wazeopedia

How to map HOV lane segments

There are four types of HOV lanes

1. Dashed line separation HOV - HOV lane that is part of the road and can be accessed or exited at any time
2. Solid/double solid line HOV - HOV lane that is part of the road but can only be accessed or exited at certain places
3. Separate parallel segment HOV - HOV lane that is physically separated from the rest of the road by a wall, cement barrier, flexible barrier, or land; only accessed from ramp segments other than initial entrance or final exit.
4. Whole road HOV - HOV is entire road and there is no parallel path for non-HOV drivers

Mapping road segments and ramps

• All non-ramp road segments connecting HOV alternatives to their non-hov counterparts need to be marked with Allowed HOV restrictions. The only requirement is that they have an assigned "lane type" (Entire segment/Right/Center/Left). Make sure the second part of the line has the appropriate HOV/HOT/Express/etc label.

• Ramp segments can be marked with HOV Allowed restrictions. This helps to cover some mistakes in labeling so should be done as a good practice. Since the prohibition for trucks and vehicles towing a trailer can not be added to the main line segments, these prohibited restrictions can be set for the ramp going to the HOV lanes. Enter the "Entire segment" and make sure the second part of the line has the appropriate HOV/HOT/Express/etc label.

Enter/exit anywhere HOV

• HOV lanes that can be accessed or exited the entire time since drivers can cross the dashed line (or some areas a single solid white line) separations at any time. Usually the lane with be noted with the white triangle painted on the road way and have regulatory signs on the shoulder. Example is US-95 HOV in Las Vegas, NV.

Bottom line up front - The HOV lane is mapped on the same segment(s) as the regular lanes.

Remember DO NOT mark any road segment(s) with HOV lane(s) with the Next to carpool/HOV/bus lane attribute.

1. Map the applicable road segment(s) for the road
2. The road segments for a dashed line separation HOV look the same as a road without HOV.
3. HOV restrictions are added per the restrictions section below

Note Map if motorcycles are allowed by adding them as an allowed restriction. Note that until motorcycle is a supported vehicle type, the motorcycle user should just indicate that they meet the HOV requirement(s).

Limited enter/exit (transition zone) HOV

• Separated by solid or double solid lines from the normal lanes with periodic transition zones. Note for areas where it is legal to cross the single solid white line refer to Enter/exit anywhere HOV section above.

  

  Non-HOV travel is available on an adjacent parallel path (lane or segment). Waze will only route on this road if the person acknowledges that they meet the HOV requirement for this trip. When HOV routes are available they will see this display.

  

The user then would select a route that designates how many passengers are required.

Bottom line up front: separate road segment(s) for the HOV with transition zone to/from regular lanes using ramps

1. Map the applicable regular lane road segments
2. Map parallel road segments for HOV lanes that have transition zones with the regular lanes
3. HOV restrictions are added per the restrictions section below
4. Add ramps for the transition zone as follows:

• Add a set of entrance/exit ramps to make a V at the entrance to HOV lanes
  • Add a ramp with to [Road name/Route number] HOV coming from the regular lanes to the start of the transition zone (Prompts user to enter the HOV lane). Ramp should be about 6-7 m long and flow traffic into the HOV lane at the start of the transition zone (start of dashed white lines).
  • Add a ramp with to Return to [Road name/Route number] Regular Lanes (Prompts user to exit HOV lane either for upcoming exit or if traffic is faster in regular lanes). Ramp should originate at the start of the transition zone and be about 6-7 m long.
• Add another set of entrance/exit ramps to make a V at the end of the transition zone, if the zone is over 0.5 miles/xxxx meters long
  • Add a ramp with to [Road name/Route number] HOV coming from the regular lanes to the end of the transition zone (Prompts user to enter the HOV lane). Ramp should be about 6-7 m long and flow traffic into the HOV lane at the end of the transition zone (start of solid white lines).
  • Add a ramp with to Return to [Road name/Route number] Regular Lanes (Prompts user to exit HOV lane either for upcoming exit or if traffic is faster in regular lanes). Ramp should originate at the end of the transition zone and be about 6-7 m long.
• For a very long transition zone, other set(s) of entrance/exit ramps to make a V can be added every 0.5 miles/xxxx meters

Note Map if motorcycles are allowed by adding them as an allowed restriction. Note that until motorcycle is a supported vehicle type, the motorcycle user should just indicate that they meet the HOV requirement(s).

Separate parallel segment HOV

HOV only on the separate road segment; separated by a physical distance from the normal lanes (ex. land, curbs, shoulders), a concrete barrier, or a flexible barrier from the normal lanes. Non-HOV travel is available on an adjacent parallel path (lane or segment). Waze will only route on this road if the person acknowledges that they meet the HOV requirement (and transducer if required) for this trip. Example is I-395 by the Pentagon (Arlington, VA).

Bottom line up front: separate road segment(s) for separate parallel HOV

1. Map the applicable regular lane road segments
2. Map parallel road segments for HOV lanes
3. Add applicable entrance and exit ramps
4. HOV restrictions are added per the restrictions section below

Note Map if motorcycles are allowed by adding them as an allowed restriction. Note that until motorcycle is a supported vehicle type, the motorcycle user should just indicate that they meet the HOV requirement(s).

Whole road HOV

All travel is HOV only on the road. Non-HOV travel is not available adjacent parallel path (lane or segment). Waze will only route on this road if the person acknowledges that they meet the HOV requirement (and transducer if required) for this trip. There are not very many implementations of this type of set up. Example is I-66 inside the beltway in Northern Virginia; morning rush hour traffic is HOV-2+ only for eastbound traffic.

Bottom line up front: separate road segment(s) for whole road HOV

1. Map the applicable road segment(s) for the road
2. The road segments for a whole road HOV look the same as a road without HOV.
3. HOV restrictions are added per the restrictions section below

Note Map if motorcycles are allowed by adding them as an allowed restriction. Note that until motorcycle is a supported vehicle type, the motorcycle user should just indicate that they meet the HOV requirement(s).

Entering HOV restrictions

Warning There is a bug the will reverse the Toll free/Allowed/Prohibited restrictions if too many are selected and they are not all aligned A-B or B-A. You can select two segments and the restriction will be properly aligned even if A-B on one and B-A on the other. It is fairly obvious if editing one way segments since the restriction coloration will not show on the segment if the other direction has the restriction. If editing two way segments (i.e. reversible road segments) then it is recommended that each be reviewed so that you don't break the routing.

Note - ALL segments need to have the HOV/HOT/Express restrictions marked. This is required for the HOV algorithm to work. Do not just mark the entrance segment. Follow current guidance for mapping toll segments only where there is a toll booth, toll transponder, or other collection device. If there is any toll free travel then ALL segments need the toll free restriction. The HOV/HOT/Express/Bus/etc will be used for voice prompts in the app soon. It is best to have them all the same; make sure that none is not inadvertently selected since that will adversely affect routing.

Note Restrictions for Toll free/Allowed/Prohibited are treated as AND conditions when comparing the separate lines on the first popup window. Within in a single restriction type on the second popup window, the various restrictions are treated as OR conditions. So saying that private vehicles with HOV-2+ and taxis are allowed will route either type of vehicle IF in the same restriction (on the second popup window). If they are entered as two separate restrictions on the first popup window then nothing will be routed since you have to simultaneously be both a private vehicle with HOV-2+ and a taxi; this is not possible. If something is an allowed restriction then only that type of condition(s) can pass on the road, all others are considered to be prohibited Do not use conflicting restrictions - ex all vehicles with Sunpass are allowed but taxis are prohibited. A taxi can have a Sunpass and the algorithm is not set up to have a precedence yet, so improper routing can happen.

Enter/exit anywhere HOV

To mark a segment for HOV use including the required number of passengers:

1. Select the applicable road segment(s), see Warning above
2. Click the Add restrictions button in the sidebar and receive the first restriction popup

   

3. If no toll is required for the segment, then skip to step 5
4. If a toll is required for all vehicles including HOV vehicles, then select the toll attribute in bottom left corner (ex. I-93 N's HOV / Express to Airport / S Station in Boston, MA),
5. Click the add new button the appropriate direction (A>B, B>A, or TWO WAY) on the popup screen
6. Second restriction popup screen appears

   

7. Select appropriate Left lane/Center lane/Right lane in the Applies to section
8. Select HOV in the Applies to section. If locals call the lane one of the other options then use that HOT/Express/Bus/etc, but one must be used and it should be consistent for the run of the road. May transition to another type if HOV changes to Express
9. Select appropriate Days HOV restrictions apply
10. Select appropriate Hours for time-based HOV or leave all day checked for 24-hr HOV lanes
11. Ensure Every week is selected for normal use; Note Range can be used for planned time shifts between summer/winter or for holiday changes particularly on reversible segments
12. Driving is _____ for

    

13. Select allowed for HOV vehicles
14. Click the + on the green add restriction banner and a drop down menu will appear

    

15. Select Minimum passengers from the menu
16. Default HOV allowance of At least 2 passengers appears

    

17. If more passengers are required to meet the HOV eligibility, then click the At least 2 passengers and select the appropriate number from a drop down menu that appears (At least 3 passengers or At least 4 passengers)
18. If a transponder or tag is required to use the HOV for either certifying the appropriate number of people are present or to pay the toll, click the + while remaining on the same restriction line and select Requires a pass
19. Default transponder of Sunpass is added to the restriction line

    

20. If another transponder is required, then click Sunpass and a drop down menu will appear with available companies
21. Select the applicable transponder company
22. If a particular vehicle type is required to use the HOV lane, then click the + while remaining on the same restriction line and select Vehicle type.
23. Default vehicle type Private is added to the restriction line

    

24. If another type is required, then click Private and a drop down menu will appear with available vehicle types
25. Select the applicable vehicle type

Note only private vehicle and taxi are available selections in the app; you can add other allowed vehicle types motorcycles, bus, public transportation, but Waze Staff states that prohibited vehicle types not supported should not be added as a restriction until we are notified that the programming is changed.

1. Click Add button in bottom right corner
2. Repeat for any additional HOV restrictions required for the segment(s) selected
3. If the HOV lane is open to all traffic for the rest of day, then no other time restrictions are required (traffic travels in the same direction rest of the day)
4. If a reversible segment, then
   • Add the appropriate time restrictions for when the original direction is closed
   • Select "prohibited" in Driving is _____ for, and leave "Any vehicle" selected:

     

   • Add the appropriate HOV restrictions for the opposite direction
   • Add the appropriate time restrictions for when the opposite direction is closed
   • While entering restrictions, remember there is often a transition time gap between traffic direction reversals to prevent collisions
5. Click Save icon on the grey waze bar

Note be sure to add the Driving is Prohibited period(s) if a reversible lane does not allow traffic to prevent misrouting.

Limited enter/exit (transition zone) HOV / Separate segment HOV / Whole road HOV

To mark a segment for HOV use including the required number of passengers:

1. Select the applicable road segment(s)
2. Click the Add restrictions button
3. First restriction popup screen appears

   

4. If no toll is required for HOV, then skip to step 6
5. If a toll is required for HOV vehicles, then select the toll attribute in bottom left corner (ex. I-93 N's HOV / Express to Airport / S Station in Boston, MA)
6. Select the appropriate direction (A>B, B>A, or TWO WAY) on the popup screen
7. Click the apply button in the bottom right corner
8. Second restriction popup screen appears

   

9. Select Entire segment in the Applies to section

   

10. Select HOV in the Applies to section
11. Select appropriate Days, Hours, and Every week [Note can enter a date range, but probably not used for HOV]
12. Driving is _____ for
13. If toll attribute is already selected, then skip to step 16
14. Remember toll attribute must not be selected to be able to properly save a toll free TBSR
15. Select toll free if free for HOV vehicles, restriction's background color should change to blue

    

16. Select Minimum passengers by clicking the + on the blue add restriction banner and a drop down menu will appear

    

17. At least 2 passengers is added

    

18. Select number of passengers required by clicking the At least 2 passengers and a drop down menu will appear with selections for At least 3 (4) passengers

    

19. If toll free, then skip to step 24
20. Click the + again while remaining on the same restriction as the number of passengers to select Requires a pass
21. Sunpass is added to the restriction line

    

22. Click the Sunpass area and a drop down menu will appear with available companies

    

23. Select the applicable transponder company
24. Click Add button in bottom right corner
25. Click Save icon on the grey waze bar
26. If HOV lane is only for part of the day, Open to all rest/part of day, or Reversible lane then set appropriate prohibited restriction(s)

    

27. Make sure one restriction period is added for the segment(s) then add additional restrictions till all appropriate times are added for one direction
28. If a reversible segment, then add the appropriate time and restrictions for the opposite direction

Note be sure to add the Driving is Prohibited period(s) if a reversible lane does not allow traffic to prevent misrouting.

Entering HOT/Express lane restrictions (HOV or toll allowed)

Enter/exit anywhere HOT/Express lanes

This type of configuration only occurs at the start or finish of the HOT/Express lanes. No restriction is required.

Reason for not having dashed line separation in the middle of the HOT/Express lane segments is that there is no way of charging a toll to the non-HOV compliant vehicles.

Limited enter/exit (transition zone) HOT/Express lane / Separate parallel segment HOT/Express lane / Whole road HOT/Express lane

Normally the HOV vehicle is allowed to use the lane for free while other vehicles have to pay a toll. The toll rate can be variable with surge pricing to control the number of vehicles that are not HOV on the road. Therefore this is setting up or statements. A vehicle can use the road for free if meeting the HOV requirements or the vehicle has to pay a toll.

Where to mark toll free / toll segments

1. Mark a road segment with a toll free restriction along the entire path of toll free travel; this is required for it to work properly
2. Marking a segment as toll free makes the segment act as a toll for all other users (even though toll attribute is not checked)
3. Do not mark the toll attribute; which would prohibit adding a toll free restriction
4. If the HOV has to pay a toll then only select the toll attribute on the segments with a toll booth or transponder; other segments are not marked.

Adding HOT/Express lane restrictions

1. Select a segment that has a toll booth, transponder reader, or other tolling device
2. Do not select a segment with the final toll booth, transponder reader, or other tolling device, unless at least one route does not have one previously marked
3. Select Add restrictions (Time Based Segment Restrictions) on the left panel when the segment is selected
4. Do not check the toll road attribute in the bottom left corner of the popup box; this prevents having toll free restrictions

   

5. Select the appropriate direction (A>B, B>A, or TWO WAY) on the popup screen
6. Click the add new button under the direction of the restriction
7. Second restriction popup screen appears

   

8. Select Entire segment and HOT in the Applies to section
9. Select toll free on the Driving is ____ for section

   

10. Select Minimum passengers by clicking the + on the blue add restriction banner and a drop down menu will appear

    

11. At least 2 passengers is added

    

12. Select number of passengers required by clicking the At least 2 passengers and a drop down menu will appear with selections for At least 3 (4) passengers
13. Select Requires a pass by clicking the + on the blue add restriction banner and a drop down menu will appear

    

14. Select applicable transponder company by clicking the Sunpass and a drop down menu will appear with all available companies

    

15. Click Add button in bottom right corner
16. Add the toll for other vehicles on this segment

    

17. Select the appropriate direction (A>B, B>A, or TWO WAY) on the popup screen
18. Click the add new button under the direction of the restriction
19. Second restriction popup screen appears

    

20. Select Entire segment and HOT in the Applies to section

    

21. Select Allowed on the Driving is ____ for section
22. Note ALL vehicles that are Toll free MUST be listed in the Allowed section too. Vehicles that are not listed in the Allowed section will not be routed onto the segment.
23. Select Requires a pass by clicking the + on the green add restriction banner and a drop down menu will appear

    

24. Select applicable transponder company by clicking the Sunpass and a drop down menu will appear with all available companies

    

25. Click Add button in bottom right corner
26. Click Save icon on the grey waze bar
27. If HOT lane is only for part of the day, Open to all rest/part of day, or Reversible lane then set appropriate prohibited restriction(s)

    

28. Make sure one restriction period is added for the segment(s) then add additional restrictions till all appropriate times are added for one direction
29. Make sure you restrict the applicable vehicle types that are not allowed; example trucks or vehicle pulling a trailer. If selection of a truck vehicle type is allowed as a future feature and there is an allowable restriction for any vehicle with a certain transponder then a truck with that transponder would be routed improperly.
30. If a reversible segment, then add the appropriate time and restrictions for the opposite direction

Note be sure to add the Driving is Prohibited period(s) if a reversible lane does not allow traffic to prevent misrouting.

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