Energy Savings Potential of Preferential Treatment Projects

More than half the U.S. petroleum supply is used for transportation, and highway transportation use can be cut substantially. This can be accomplished through the use of high occupancy vehicles—particularly carpools, vanpools and buses. A major incentive for high occupancy vehicles is preferential treatment projects that provide significant time saving. A concerted effort is needed to develop preferential treatment projects and the associated policies which will complement the physical improvements. A major Federal program is recommended that would develop physically separate preferential treatment projects in urban radial corridors. Policies to encourage ride-sharing and discourage single occupant vehicles are also recommended. Energy savings of up to 10 percent of total highway usage could be achieved nationwide.