15.10 Sight Distance Considerations for Urban Bus Stop Locations

Where bus stops are placed depends on several factors, including vehicle delays, bus delays, pedestrian waiting areas, cost, and safety. Table 15.4 highlights sight distance considerations for stops located in different places.

Table 15.4 Design Guidelines for Urban Bus Stops
Bus Stop Location	Sight Distance Issues	Motorist Crash Risks
Signage	Could block sight distance for crossing vehicles and crossing pedestrians	Potential increase in rear-end crashes
Markings	Could block sight distance for crossing vehicles stopped to the right of a bus, crossing pedestrians, and curbside traffic control devices	Increased conflicts with right-turning vehicles
Midblock Stop	None	Pedestrians are more likely to cross midblock

Locate bus stops to provide maximum sight distance to all critical roadway elements.
Do not locate bus stops near driveways, on curves or superelevated segments, or on steep grades.
Ensure that no trees, poles, buildings, signs, or other object obscure bus stops.
Provide adequate lighting at bus stops.
Avoid the use of near-side bus bays. They can obstruct sight distance to traffic control devices and pedestrians.

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