Downtown Median Transit Street

On a busy downtown street, creating a transitway along a central median provides a high-capacity transit facility with few conflicts, and can be used to create a series of linear plazas, transforming the character of the street.

The downtown median transitway preserves the priority of a long route such as a BRT or LRT line as it transitions from larger corridors or off-street rights-of-way; it can also serve a set of local routes that come together on a downtown street. This configuration, similar in size to many neighborhood main streets, fits well in moderately sized downtown streets, and other pedestrian-friendly places, with accommodation of private motor vehicles and bikes in a low-speed shared lane for local access by all modes. Traffic volumes can be further reduced by providing block-long plazas on alternating sides of the street, with opportunities for bicycle-only or bus and bike access in the side lane.

1The transitway is separated through grade changes, textured pavement, curbs, or other barriers, so general traffic is either deterred or physically prevented from entering the transitway.

Stations promote the visibility and attractiveness of transit service, with the opportunity for high-quality amenities, passenger information, and streetscape beautification.

3At intersections, special attention is required. Use separate turn phases, prohibit left turns across the median transitway, or prohibit left turns when transit vehicles are present. Extend vertical elements to the intersection edge where turns are prohibited. Use transit signals and either active TSP or transit signal progressions (see Intersections).

4Crosswalks from median to median enable safe and convenient pedestrian access to stations, and should be provided when turns across the transitway are prohibited.

5Large refuge spaces accommodate groups of alighting passengers, and improve pedestrian safety and access by shortening crossing distances, and reducing the number and complexity of movements and potential vehicle conflicts that pedestrians are exposed to. Refuges allow slower pedestrians to break up their crossings, and allow more flexible signal timing plans.¹ Where pedestrian crossings traverse tracks and bus transitways, audible warnings ensure all pedestrians are aware of oncoming transit vehicles. 

Bicyclist volumes will likely be high due to the high density of destinations along the corridor. Where space exists, protected bike lanes are recommended. Bicycles may also be accommodated in shared travel lanes where speeds are low. Accommodate bicycle turns at right angles using two-stage turn queue boxes (see Bicycle Rail Crossings). Where motor vehicle through-traffic is prohibited, consider providing a cycle track through the plaza.