Case Study
Offering HOV discounts while reducing violations in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Each weekday, tens of thousands of drivers use GoCarma to qualify for a 50% toll discount across the network of TEXpress Lanes.
About the TEXpress Lanes
Eight major Dallas-Fort Worth corridors include a 120-mile network of managed lanes, known as TEXpress Lanes, which offer commuters a reliable travel speed of at least 50 miles per hour at all times. These speeds are managed through dynamic pricing. Drivers may choose to travel for free in a more congested general purpose lane or pay to access the TEXpress Lanes. This network connects throughout the metroplex to form a continuous road system and offer drivers more choice in their daily commutes.
A 50% toll discount is provided to high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) traveling with at least 2 people in the vehicle during weekday morning and evening peak periods.
Before GoCarma
Prior to GoCarma, there were HOV violation rates of more than 40%, which led to a significant loss in revenue and also degraded the performance of the managed lanes. This in turn led to an increase in toll costs for other customers.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Department of Transportation sought an automated solution that could work statewide.
Ruling out the use of costly and invasive roadside imaging technologies, they chose chose GoCarma, the only smartphone app that offers hands-free, fully automated HOV verification.
After GoCarma
Since launching in 2020, GoCarma has verified HOV status in the region more than 6 million times, with discounts applied directly on road users’ toll bills.
The app has also eliminated the need for roadside enforcement and reduced cash leakage by ensuring HOV discounts are only applied to verified HOVs.
Violation rates have decreased from 40% to less than 2% as a result of GoCarma’s automated fraud detection algorithms.
“I can’t speak highly enough about working with Carma. The company understands the industry and offers unrivaled partnership.”
— Dan Lamers, Senior Program Manager, Transportation Planning, NCTCOG ”
GoCarma makes it easy.
Automatic Activation
GoCarma awakens when you drive on certain roads, even if the app is fully closed on your phone.
No driver distraction. No forgetting to flip a switch. No unnecessary GPS tracking. No battery drain. No roadside camera, or cops.
Real-time Verification
The vehicle’s HOV status is verified based on the coordinated proximity of GoCarma app users in the vehicle.
For children, and those without a smartphone, GoCarma provides a Bluetooth-enabled Occupant Pass that is carried in the vehicle.
Fraud Detection
Persistent HOV cheaters are identified through big data analysis of anomalous usage patterns.
Drivers receive a series of escalating in-app warnings, before account suspension or violation penalty.
Our Partners
Awards
The success of GoCarma in Dallas-Fort Worth has been recognized by some of the industry’s leading organizations.
The collaborative partnership is recognized by the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations for excellence in metro planning.
GoCarma also holds a Toll Excellence Award From the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association for Private Sector Innovation.
Ready to try GoCarma in your region?
See exactly how the app can build sustainable revenue while reducing traffic congestion in your state.