The Bay Area's first-ever "high occupancy toll" lane will hit 680 next year. The HOT lanes, according to KCBS, "would be designated for non-carpool drivers who pay a toll to use a high occupancy vehicle or HOV/carpool lane." In addition to easing traffic and generating revenue, the HOT lanes will now allow solo drivers to take a ride in the VIP lanes. The premiere HOT lane will "stretch 14 miles on southbound 680 between Alameda and Santa Clara counties."