Colorado has passed the point where it can build its way out of congestion. With the state's population exploding and transportation funding decreasing, CDOT and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) must look at innovative ways to move traffic across the state.

Express Lanes, which are being built throughout the state, help relieve congestion without the need for a lot of infrastructure (new or widened highways) and provide a desperately needed source of funding for transportation. HOV 3 ensures that those lanes remain free-flowing now and into the future, so that those who choose to ride the bus, pay a toll, or carpool always have a reliable and faster trip.

In addition, getting more people into carpools with HOV 3 reduces overall congestion and vehicle emissions—a good thing for a state with a growing population.