Bus on shoulder allows transit buses to use designated shoulders of highways or arterials during periods of congestion, enabling them to bypass traffic and maintain schedule reliability. This cost-effective strategy improves transit speed and performance without requiring major roadway expansions.
Improving transit service reliability and speed will subsequently improve the convenience of transit and encourage people to rely less on private vehicles. The impact on VMT will vary on the methods of improvement. While there is no direct quantification method for this strategy as it is relatively new, linked transit strategies may be used if this strategy is paired with new transit service. Quantification for increasing transit service frequency may be used if this strategy allows for reduced headways and therefore increased service.
Transit improvements should prioritize areas with high concentrations of transit-dependent populations, including low-income residents, seniors, and essential workers. Late-night and weekend service is critical for shift workers. Equity goals should include minimizing headways in underserved areas and ensuring accessible transit for riders with disabilities through ADA-compliant infrastructure and real-time info tools.
Requires planning, engineering, safety, enforcement, and potentially shoulder improvements. Potential funding sources include FTA bus and transit programs, Caltrans State Transportation Improvement Program funding, CMAQ, Solutions for Congested Corridors Program, Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, and local transportation funds.
This project evaluated the potential of utilizing highway shoulders and the branch line for bus operations to improve public transit efficiency in the region. This study is part of the broader initiative included in the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments’ Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and its Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS).
San Diego MTS Bus on Shoulder (BOS) Pilot Project
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has launched the Transit Only Lane Demonstration Project, a three-year pilot initiative featuring Bus on Shoulder (BOS) operations to alleviate traffic congestion along Interstate 805 (I-805) and State Route 94 (SR 94) between Downtown San Diego and National City. This project, aimed at enhancing transit efficiency, allows South Bay Rapid buses (Route 225) to use freeway shoulders during periods of heavy traffic, thereby reducing travel times and improving service reliability.
