Under what circumstances may a bus use a high occupancy vehicle lane?

The use of a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane is generally designed to encourage carpooling and reduce traffic congestion. Buses are often permitted to use these lanes as a means to facilitate the efficient movement of multiple passengers, regardless of their current occupancy status.

Allowing buses to operate in HOV lanes at any time enhances public transportation accessibility and promotes a more effective transportation system. This flexibility is crucial, as it enables buses to bypass traffic in these designated lanes, thus improving their schedules and reducing travel time for passengers. Consequently, regardless of whether a bus is carrying a small number of passengers or is at full capacity, it is allowed to utilize HOV lanes to support efficient transit operations and encourage more riders to consider bus travel as a viable transportation option.