Transit Priority

Transit priority measures are treatments introduced on a roadway that give an advantage to buses. These tools prioritize the movement of Halifax Transit buses over other vehicles, reducing travel time and increasing reliability. Examples include: 

  • transit only lanes that allow buses to bypass general traffic
  • dedicated bus lanes
  • queue jump traffic signals that allow buses to go before the general traffic green light

 

All about bus lanes


How do the bus lanes work?

 

a white diamond on a black background, a bus icon and a bike icon. 6AM-6PM, MON-FRI. This sign indicated that this is a bus lane during the specified hours.

Curb lane is reserved for buses (bikes permitted) at designated days / times

Do not drive or park in the lane at any time during these time periods, except for making right turns at intersections or driveways. Parking is permitted in some areas when the bus lane is not in effect. Make sure to check the roadside signs for parking regulations before you park.

A sign with a diamond symbol, bus icon, and arrow. This indicates a lane is a bus lane at all times.

Curb lane is reserved for buses (bikes permitted) all day, every day.

Do not drive or park in the lane at any time, except for making right turns at intersections or driveways. Parking could result in your vehicle being towed.

 

 

A diagram shows a car travelling in the centre lane, then moving to the right hand lane to complete a right hand turn


Making Right Turns

Vehicles may use the bus lanes to make right turns at driveways and intersections. To make a right turn, vehicles should merge into the bus lane on the approach to a driveway or intersection (check for buses first) and make the turn from the bus lane.

Intersections have signs that indicate that the curb lane is for right turning vehicles only, however, buses are permitted to proceed through the intersection from the right turn lane.

Bicycles

Bicycles are permitted to use the curb lane at all times, including when it is operating as a bus lane. Since the lanes will frequently be used by buses, cyclists are encouraged to seek alternate routes on parallel streets that provide a higher level of comfort. To help plan your route, try using the municipality’s Interactive Bike Map.