Carpool lanes open for business

Ontario has officially opened its first carpool lanes on major highways in the Greater Toronto Area.

The first High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes were opened Tuesday on Highways 404 and 403, where new lanes have been added alongside the existing roadways.

On Highway 404, an HOV lane now runs southbound between Beaver Creek (just north of Highway 407) and Highway 401.

On Highway 403, HOV lanes have been added in both directions between Highways 407 and 401.

• MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION: High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes

Only vehicles carrying two or more people are permitted to use them.

Motorists without passengers who are caught using the lanes face fines starting at $100.