Bus lanes and corridors change the game of urban mobility. When they work, they reduce delays, organize traffic, and make the street more predictable.
The problem is that small design or operational errors turn time savings into conflicts and crashes. The checklist below focuses on the essentials of road safety in large cities.
1) Clear and continuous physical separation
A safe corridor does not rely only on paint on the asphalt. Predictability comes from well-resolved physical separation along the entire stretch.
Points of attention:
- Continuous physical elements (curbs, bollards, or low medians) reduce car and motorcycle intrusions. - Frequent discontinuities create conflict zones, especially near intersections. - The height and design of the separation should allow drainage and emergency access without becoming an obstacle.
Where risks usually arise
- Driveway entrances and service stations without adequate treatment. - Sections where segregation "disappears" to gain roadway space.
2) Intersections and crossings designed for the worst-case scenario
Most crashes in corridors happen at intersections. That is where buses, pedestrians, cyclists, and cars compete for the same space.
Essential items on the checklist:
- Exclusive signal phases for buses when there are conflicting turns. - Shorter pedestrian crossings, with a central refuge when possible. - Reduced curb radii to force lower speeds for vehicles crossing the corridor.
Signage that aligns with the design
- Reinforced pavement markings before the intersection prepare drivers for bus priority. - Well-positioned traffic signals prevent sudden braking and last-second decisions.
3) Operations that control speed and behavior
Even a good design loses safety if operations fail. Excessive speed and improper use of the corridor increase risk for everyone.
Operational checklist:
- Speed limits compatible with the urban environment, not only with bus performance. - Visible enforcement against invasions and illegal stopping. - Stops located outside curves and away from intersections.
Direct effect on travel time
- Fewer conflicts mean less braking, fewer crashes, and fewer interruptions. - Service regularity improves when the corridor is predictable and respected.
Safe bus lanes and corridors do not depend on complex solutions. Clear separation, well-resolved intersections, and consistent operations already reduce risks and keep the system flowing in large cities.
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