The Government of Ontario is proposing changes that would allow single-occupant vehicles to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes during off-peak hours.
The move, under the Highway Traffic Act, aims to reduce gridlock and better use existing highway infrastructure. Transportation modelling suggests the change would improve travel times, with faster speeds in both HOV and regular lanes.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria says congestion is costing the economy billions and taking time away from families.
Single-occupant vehicles remain the dominant mode of transportation on Ontario’s highways, representing 72 per cent of vehicles on provincial highways in 2022.
HOV lanes are currently limited to vehicles with two or more occupants, along with buses, taxis, motorcycles and some green vehicles. Those rules would still apply during peak commute periods.
The province plans public consultations before finalizing off-peak hours, with implementation possible before the end of 2026.
Ontario currently has 237 kilometres of HOV lanes, with more planned.
