Equity Analysis of the Houston, Texas, QuickRide Project

Abstract

The equity considerations involved with the QuickRide program along the Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas, are examined. QuickRide allows two-person carpools to use the Katy Freeway high-occupancy vehicle lane during peak periods for a $2 fee. Survey data gathered on QuickRide enrollees, along with 1998 QuickRide usage data, were analyzed for potential equity issues that might exist with the QuickRide program. QuickRide usage did not vary significantly by respondent income, occupation, age, or household size. Additionally, the difference between respondents’ stated and actual use of QuickRide did not vary significantly by the respondents’ income, occupation, age, or household size. However, QuickRide enrollees had significantly higher incomes and were significantly younger than drivers on the Katy Freeway main lanes. Therefore, although income was not an indicator of the amount of QuickRide use among enrollees, it was a significant indicator of whether an individual enrolled in the program. This result raises some equity concerns about the ability or interest of low-income individuals to enroll in the program. However, no drivers were made worse off as a result of the program. Additionally, once enrolled, the QuickRide program is a benefit to most travelers, as long as the occupants of the vehicle value their travel time at a rate that exceeds $3 per hour each.