Description
Bus on shoulder allows transit buses to use designated shoulders of highways or arterials during periods of congestion, enabling them to bypass traffic and maintain schedule reliability. This cost-effective strategy improves transit speed and performance without requiring major roadway expansions.
Implementation Details
- Continue to advance project development on US 101 in Marin County.
- Continue to advocate for state guidance on Bus on Shoulder Facilities and ensure US 101 conditions are incorporated.
Mitigation Potential
Improving transit service reliability and speed will subsequently improve the convenience of transit and encourage people to rely less on private vehicles. The impact on VMT will vary on the methods of improvement. While there is no direct quantification method for this strategy as it is relatively new, linked transit strategies may be used if this strategy is paired with new transit service. Quantification for increasing transit service frequency may be used if this strategy allows for reduced headways and therefore increased service.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Transit improvements should prioritize areas with high concentrations of transit-dependent populations, including low-income residents, seniors, and essential workers. Late-night and weekend service is critical for shift workers. Equity goals should include minimizing headways in underserved areas and ensuring accessible transit for riders with disabilities through ADA-compliant infrastructure and real-time info tools.
Funding Sources
Capital funding to provide continuous shoulder operations would be required. Funding sources include a mix of local, regional, state, and federal.
Implemented in Marin County
Current TDM Implementation
TAM is currently progressing on the implementation of a 10-mile southbound bus on shoulder transit lane along US-101 from Novato to San Rafael. This project is funded by an MTC grant following a feasibility study that TAM conducted in 2021.
TDM Benefit Locations
The in-progress Novato to San Rafael bus on shoulder project will provide precedent for future opportunities to implement this TDM measure, potentially in the northbound direction or along other segments of US-101.