Section 149.7.

(a) A regional transportation agency, as defined in Section 143, in cooperation with the department, may apply to the commission to develop and operate high-occupancy toll lanes, including the administration and operation of a value pricing program and exclusive or preferential lane facilities for public transit, consistent with the established standards, requirements, and limitations that apply to those facilities in Sections 149, 149.1, 149.3, 149.4, 149.5, and 149.6.

(b) The commission shall review each application for the development and operation of the facilities described in subdivision (a) according to eligibility criteria established by the commission. For each eligible application, the commission shall conduct at least one public hearing in northern California and one in southern California.

(c) The number of facilities approved under this section shall not exceed four, two in northern California and two in southern California.

(d) A regional transportation agency that develops or operates a facility, or facilities, described in subdivision (a) shall provide any information or data requested by the commission or the Legislative Analyst. The commission, in cooperation with the Legislative Analyst, shall annually prepare a report on the progress of the development and operation of a facility authorized under this section. The commission may submit this report as a section in its annual report to the Legislature required pursuant to Section 14535 of the Government Code.

(e) No applications may be approved under this section on or after January 1, 2012.

(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 474, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2010.)