The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has proposed a dedicated bus lane pilot project for the upcoming summer and fall seasons on University Boulevard for 2.1 miles between Amherst and Dennis avenues, according to MCDOT.
A dedicated bus lane is a lane that allows for buses to travel separately from other vehicles. This protects buses from traffic congestion leading to better punctuality and reduced travel times. The lanes are easily identifiable with signs and pavement markings.
Although the county is not authorized by the Maryland Code to utilize automated camera enforcement, drivers using the lane incorrectly can still be ticketed. Only buses, emergency vehicles and bikes can travel on the bus lane. School and charter buses are not permitted to use the lane as they are not considered to be transit vehicles.
Vehicles turning right can use the bus lane to do so. However, they must enter the lane 100 feet before the turn, as indicated by the solid line turning into a dashed line. They must yield to buses and bikes already in the lane.
Buses and bikes are expected to share the lane, so normal rules still apply. If a bus is approaching a bike from the rear, it should slow down. If a bicyclist is uncomfortable using the bus lane, they can use alternative routes or the sidewalk. However, e-bikes and e-scooters are still not allowed on sidewalks.
During the pilot, MCDOT will be evaluating travel speeds, crash data, public input and on-time performance and reliability. It will then use these components to determine whether or not the bus lanes were beneficial and if they’ll remain after the pilot timeframe.
According to MCDOT, the C2/C4 bus route is experiencing a 19.2% delay as a result of traffic. Bus lanes are known to save between 7 and 30% of trip time, so they’re expected to alleviate the problem.
This project is a part of MCDOT’s Bus Priority Project initiatives and is a partnership with Ride On and WMATA Metrobus. Other bus lanes are being planned elsewhere in order to improve public transportation throughout the county. More information on this project can be found here.
🚌ICYMI🚌
MCDOT is proposing a dedicated bus lane pilot this Summer/Fall on University Boulevard, between Amherst Ave and Dennis Ave.
To learn more and sign up✍️to receive updates ▶️https://t.co/zn1DO3arXE@MDSHA #MDTraffic @wmataGM @Luisa_fer_car #WheatonMD @MoCoCouncilMD pic.twitter.com/olOmVk6oQ9— MCDOT (@MCDOTNow) June 8, 2023
