The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) implemented the state’s first optional toll lane project called the I-394 MnPASS in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.  This project, which opened in May 2005, converts the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-394 into high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, allowing solo drivers the opportunity to pay an electronic fee to bypass congestion.  This very unique design necessitated an innovative approach to traffic management and open road tolling. As a HOT facility, the lanes remain open to HOV use at no charge for transit riders, car pools and motorcyclists.