HOT Lanes Permit Applications and Renewals Now Open
Ontario has opened the next round of permit applications and renewals for Canada's first High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes, which provide another commuter option and help manage congestion.
The HOT lanes are on 16.5 kilometres of the QEW in both directions - from Trafalgar Rd. in Oakville to Guelph Line in Burlington. Vehicles with two or more occupants, or green licence plates, can travel in the lanes for free, while drivers of single-occupant vehicles can apply to purchase a permit.
"Research has shown that our QEW HOT lanes are working effectively and the pilot continues to save drivers’ time in their daily commutes. The results of the pilot are helping us build a more comprehensive network of High Occupancy Vehicle and HOT lanes across the region, when and where it makes sense to do so. This is part of our government’s commitment to keep Ontario moving in an efficient manner."
— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
Analysis suggests that commuters who normally use the general purpose lanes could save 10 minutes on average during peak times by using the HOT lanes.
Applications to purchase or renew permits valid from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2017 are now open until Aug. 31, 2017. Permit holders wishing to renew who have already renewed twice will have to re-enter the application draw.
Providing more commuting options to improve travel is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
QUICK FACTS
- Permits cost $180 and are renewable for a maximum of two terms. This allows for a fairer allotment of permits during the pilot. Permit applications will be accepted each February, May, August and November and can be submitted at Ontario.ca/HOTLanes.
- Up to 1,000 HOT permits will be made available for each three-month term. If an applicant is not successful in the draw, they can enter a future draw during the HOT lanes pilot project, which is expected to last two to four years.
- Ontario is including HOT lanes provisions in Greater Toronto Hamilton Area highway expansion projects currently in design or under construction, beginning with Highways 410 and 427.
- As part of the HOT lanes pilot, Ontario is seeking innovative technologies to support tolling, compliance and performance monitoring of HOT lanes. This supports the province’s innovation sector by providing an opportunity to test emerging traffic management and tolling technologies throughout the pilot.
- HOT lanes complement other congestion-reducing initiatives, including GO Regional Express Rail that will increase GO train trips by 50 per cent over the next five years with more stops serving more communities.
