ENFORCEMENT OF PRIORITY TREATMENT FOR BUSES ON URBAN STREETS

Priority treatment for buses on urban streets generally involves the use of buses on arterial facilities that have limited access from abutting property and permit off-peak turning movements. Enforcement becomes a major consideration when other roadway functions are restricted in favor of the bus. Project design must recognize the importance as well as the expense of enforcement, and incorporate features in the design to encourage self enforcement. Design guidelines are presented for (a) concurrent-flow bus lanes, (b) contraflow bus lanes, (c) bus-only and automobile-restricted zones, and (d) signal preemption. However, project design cannot substitute for a total program of enforcement, which includes extensive coordination and cooperation among the agencies involved in planning, designing, operating and enforcing the project, public education programs, use of traditional and nontraditional enforcement techniques, and establishment of adequate penalties for violators. (Author)