managing travel for planned special events - FHWA Operations ...

Exclusive Bus RouteExclusive bus routes that cause a negligibleimpact to background traffic and adjacentneighborhoods represent the recommendedbus accommodation tactic. Advantages ofexclusive bus routes include: (1) use of thesame route during ingress and egress, (2)increased mobility and travel time reliability,and (3) better venue station accommodationsfor riders as temporary stations mayexist adjacent to bus routes, thus avoidingconflicts with event vehicle and pedestriantraffic.Depending on roadway network layout, aspecial event traffic flow plan may featurean exclusive bus route from corridor targetpoints and satellite parking areas direct todesignated pick-up/drop-off areas adjacentto the venue. Other bus routes may only divertbuses around known bottleneck locations.Figure 6-36 shows an exclusive busroute implemented for a major rural plannedspecial event. An exclusive bus route mustaccommodate minimum overpass height requirements,vehicle weight requirements,and vehicle turning radii.An exclusive bus lane represents a travellane for bus traffic only. Temporary applicationsinclude converting an existing roadwayshoulder or travel lane for bus use duringa planned special event. Table 6-29summarizes drawbacks associated with thetemporary operation of an exclusive buslane. A bus priority lane is used by bothbuses and general traffic between intersections.However, at intersection approachessuch as that shown in Figure 6-37, regulationslimit general traffic to a turningmovement, while buses can continue straightthrough the intersection and “jump” adjacentthrough-lane queues.Table 6-29Exclusive Bus Lane LimitationsLIMITATION• Lane may obstruct access to mid-block driveways.• Mid-block turning movements may createqueues in adjacent through travel lanes.• Congestion may occur upstream of the lanestart, especially if the lane utilizes an existingtravel lane.• Shoulder lane use may eliminate area foremergency stops.• Manned intersection control may be requiredto allow buses and cars to turn in front of theother.• Maintenance of signs and lane delineators arenecessary.• Special enforcement requirements are needed.Figure 6-36Exclusive Bus RouteExclusive/Priority Bus LaneFigure 6-37Bus Priority LaneOn-Demand CommunicationOn-demand communication with a commandcenter represents another bus accom-6-46