Transit Lanes Transit lanes are a portion of the street designated for the exclusive use of transit vehicles. This section focuses on the selection, design, and operational or management requirements of specific transit lane varieties. Read More
Offset Transit Lane Also known as “floating” or “parking-adjacent” lanes, offset transit lanes place transit vehicles in the right-most moving lane, but are offset from the curb by street parking, curb extensions, or raised cycle tracks. Read More
Curbside Transit Lane Curbside transit lanes can be implemented with varying levels of separation, increasing service capacity and allowing riders to board directly from the curb. Read More
Rail Lane, Side-Running Streetcar and light rail lines can be configured in the right-most travel lane, either curbside or offset by parking. Whether in dedicated or mixed-traffic lanes, rail paths must be kept clear from all but the briefest obstructions. Read More
Center Transit Lane Center transit lanes can play a key role in creating high-quality transit service, especially where traffic congestion may significantly affect reliability. While traditionally found on streetcar streets, center transit lanes can be used with buses as well. Read More
Peak-Only Bus Lane A peak-only bus lane can operate as a dedicated bus lane at peak travel periods and provide general curbside uses at other times. Wider lanes can enable an effective bicycle lane off-peak adjacent to parking. Read More
Shared Bus-Bike Lane Buses and bicycles often compete for the same space near the curb. Although not a high-comfort bike facility, in appropriate conditions, bus-bike lanes are an option on streets where dedicated bus and bicycle facilities cannot be provided. Read More
Contraflow Transit Lane Contraflow lanes are typically applied to transit routes to create strategic, efficient connections, but may also be applied to longer corridors in some types of street networks. Read More
Transitways Transitways are running ways dedicated to the exclusive use of transit vehicles, protected from incursion by physical separation. Transitways often involve a higher level of investment than transit lanes, but provide the highest level of transit reliability, speed, and comfort. Read More
Center Transitway Center transitways are separated from other vehicle traffic by vertical separation elements, and prioritizing transit movements at intersections and providing a high level of capacity and reliability for bus or rail service. Read More
Side Transitway Side transitways maintain the enhanced capacity and flow of fully separated transitways while enabling pedestrians to board directly from the sidewalk. They may also create enhanced boarding areas and buffer active users from vehicle traffic. Read More
Lane Elements The physical and operational characteristics of transit vehicles create special demands for designing transit lanes. The use of color, selection of pavement and marking material, and means of separation contribute to the success of transitways. Read More
Pavement Materials Though often dependent upon cost, durability, and contextual considerations, pavement material selection impacts the productivity and accessibility of all modes over the life cycle of each resurfacing. Read More
Green Transitway Green transitways transform the character of a transit street, providing large planted areas along and between tracks or bus guideways. They represent one of the best examples of the coordinated pursuit of mode shift, water sustainability, and quality of life Read More
Pavement Markings & Color Red or terra cotta colored pavement highlights the prominence of the transit system, while at the same time visually enforcing dedicated transit space. Implementation of “red carpet” treatments supports on-time performance and reliability. Read More
Separation Elements Vertical elements increase separation and prevent incursions on transitways. The level of separation provided depends upon available width, traffic conditions, and local laws or traffic conventions. Read More
Signs & Signals Sign, signals and markings standards vary by state and may have changed since the time of publication, and should be checked during the design process. Read More
Lane Design Controls At the outset of any redesign project, the project team sets forth key criteria governing the street design. These “design control” parameters critically shape decision making. Read More
Design Vehicles While transit goals and street design strategies should not solely cater to pre-determined transit vehicle types, transit vehicle selection directly affects street design decisions and constraints. Use transit design vehicles to accommodate comfortable and safe design speed. Read More
Vehicle Widths & Buffers Street users and vehicles occupy different amounts of space depending on their size and speed. Lane design should accommodate transit vehicles at a speed that is safe within the overall street context, supporting consistent and reliable operations. Read More
Design Speed An active approach to design speed uses speed as an output affected by geometric design rather than an input alone. Setting a target speed for transit and general motorized traffic can proactively create a safe walking and riding environment. Read More