To: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Michigan State Legislators

We, the undersigned residents, commuters, and concerned citizens, call for the removal of the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-75 in Oakland County, Michigan.

Since their introduction in late 2023, the HOV lanes between 12 Mile Road and South Boulevard have not delivered the promised benefits of reducing congestion or improving commute times. In fact, they have had a number of negative impacts:

-Increased congestion in the remaining general-purpose lanes during peak hours.

-Underutilization of the HOV lanes, which often remain empty while other lanes are backed up.

-Confusion and frustration among drivers regarding rules, signage, and enforcement.

-Unfairness to solo commuters who cannot feasibly carpool due to job requirements or personal responsibilities.

-Lack of transparency and public input on the project’s effectiveness.

-Wasted Supporting Infrastructure: Underutilized Carpool Lots.

In addition, several carpool parking lots constructed or designated to support the HOV initiative along this I-75 corridor remain largely empty or neglected. These lots, meant to encourage ride-sharing, have not seen meaningful use and now represent wasted public space and maintenance costs.

We believe these spaces can be repurposed for community benefit, such as:

-Electric vehicle charging stations to promote a clean-energy future.

-Community mobility centers with bike/scooter sharing or carshare services.

-Last-mile delivery hubs to ease residential traffic.

-Green infrastructure such as solar canopies, pollinator gardens, or native landscaping.

-Rotating mobile services, such as farmers markets, health clinics, or food truck events which would help engage undeserved communities around Southeastern Michigan.

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We urge MDOT and state leaders to listen to the public and reconsider the HOV lanes and related infrastructure on I-75. Our tax dollars should support flexible and proven transportation solutions that benefit all Michigan drivers and communities.

We request that:

1. The HOV lanes be removed and converted back into general-purpose lanes. 

2. A public report be issued detailing the cost-benefit analysis of the project to date.

3. The underused carpool lots be evaluated for community-friendly reuse and proposed to the public prior to implementation.

4. Robust public input be sought before any future HOV or similar projects are implemented elsewhere in Michigan and include clear accountability. 

Thank you for standing with Michigan drivers and communities.