Introduction
As COVID-19 becomes endemic and more Americans return to the office, vehicle miles of travel per capita are reaching or exceeding their pre-COVID peak.
As a result, traffic congestion is returning in many urban areas, particularly during afternoon peak periods.
While the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides some funding dedicated to reducing congestion, not every solution requires a multi-billion dollar highway expansion.
To improve traffic speeds, provide commuters a choice, and enhance bus service, state departments of transportation (DOTs) and local governments have been converting their high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes into high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes or express
