I have to take a relative to MD Anderson in rush hour traffic. I know where the entrance to the hov lane is, but how close can I get to MD Anderson? Is it worth taking the hov lane?
Thanks for any help.

In the morning? Yes, always worth it. Take the 290 HOV to I-10 East, then exit Studemont, turn right (becomes Montrose). Hang a right at the Mecom fountain, and you'll be in the Med Center. There was a thread a couple of weeks ago with other routes to the Med Center--check those out, too.

try the Houston board

Take 290 HOV to the transit center, then go 610 South past the Galleria to 59 North, and take it to the Greenbriar exit. Exit right on Greenbriar, take it all the way to University by Rice Stadium, then turn left and you'll head straight to the Medical Center.

If you are not familiar with how to get out of the HOV at the transit center and get to the Loop (or I-10 if you take that way), better take a few looks at either Mapquest, Google Maps, or maybe the Houston Metro site. It's pretty easy once you have done it once.

If you have to go in rush hour, do not try to take 290 WITHOUT the HOV. It will take too freaking long most days to take the main lanes with all of the regular folks.

I've made many trips to Methodist in the last two years, and M.D. Anderson is just on the other side of Methodist.

Thanks so much for the help!

Don't know how many people and what time, but keep in mind that the 290 HOV is 3+ passengers during most of the morning rush hour. And they patrol it. You could probably pick someone up at the 214 (Jones Road) Park and Ride, if you are comfortable with that. They stand in lines depending on where they are looking for rides to.

Yes, depending on the time of day, the HOV lane can save you a ton of time. I drive 290 daily in the regular lanes hitting 290 at 7:30. The worst time is about 7 - 7:45, but "rush hour" starts about 6 and carries through about 9. I give anywhere from 20-45 minutes from West to 610, but I get on 610 N. and there is little traffic at that interchange. The 610S is usually much more backed up.

HOV lanes close at 11 a.m. and reopen in the opposite direction at either 2 or 3, can't remember which. On the outward drive they are 2+ passengers.


[This message has been edited by TxElsie (edited 4/12/2009 10:41a).]

I am not trying to derail this thread but TxElise I have a question for you. Please forgive me in advance if I have the wrong poster or if this is too personal.

I am in the process of being diagnosed/ruled out with having MS and I believe you said your husband has it. Is there any way you would be willing to speak with me over e-mail regarding the process? Thanks.

Sure.

I'd be happy to try and answer any questions that I can.

[This message has been edited by TxElsie (edited 4/13/2009 7:04p).]

TxElsie,

I've traveled that route many times and only find the 3+ requirement very early in the morning most of the time.

Afternoons, it opens back up the other way at 2pm.

My husband travels it daily and the 3+ is in effect when he goes anywhere between 7 and 7:30. My point was to check before you turn up on it and find out that you can't take it. As I said, I've noticed it being patrolled almost daily the last two weeks. Seen a car pulled over almost every day.

Here is the schedule posted on metro's webpage:
http://www.ridemetro.org/SchedulesMaps/HOV.aspx

3+ is from 6:45 am - 8 am



[This message has been edited by TxElsie (edited 4/12/2009 2:45p).]

TxElsie,

Every day? Yikes. Al Gore would tell him he needs to telecommute!

Get that man a job a little closer to home!

We live in Houston (Cypress) and he takes the metro in.

[This message has been edited by TxElsie (edited 4/12/2009 7:43p).]

There will be three of us in the car - me plus both my parents, so we meet the minimum number. Once again, thanks for the info.

Then it is definitely worth using.