Stop Types

Transit stop configurations should be based on transit typology, vehicle dimension, capacity, ridership, and frequency. The illustrations below show six of the most common configurations

for transit stops. Each of these must be studied in relationship to the local context and can be used with a variety of vehicle types.

In-Lane Stops

These stops allow transit vehicles to pick up passengers without exiting the lane, thereby reducing transit dwell time. In-lane stops are applicable where transit operates in a dedicated lane where motor vehicle volumes prevent buses from reemerging from stops or where travel speeds are low to moderate. In-lane stops confer transit the highest priority.

Island Stops

These are platforms flanked by travel lanes on both sides, allowing transit vehicles to run in the center lane where there are fewer conflicts with other users. They provide a dedicated space for passengers to wait. They should be located adjacent to pedestrian crossings, where passengers can easily access the pedestrian crossing. Separate island stops are required for each direction of transit service. Stops may be staggered, which can allocate space for turn lanes while providing the benefits of far-side stops for both travel directions.10

Median Stops

These stops are located in the center of a street and serve transit lines in both travel directions on both sides of the platform. They require transit vehicles to have doors on the driver’s side. Access to median stops should be provided through conventionally located, at-grade pedestrian crossings.

Pull-Out Stops

These stops provide a bay for transit to pull into the curb for boarding, allowing other vehicles to pass. On streets with dedicated transit lanes, pull-out stops should only be used to allow rapid service to bypass local service, enabling intraroute transfers or to enable buses to bypass vehicles queued at intersections. Pull-out stops or bus bays may also be appropriate where buses must stop and wait for a period of time, such as at the end of a route or at a high-traffic transfer point.

Boarding Lanes and Transit Stands

Boarding lanes are provided at specific locations such as transfer points, hubs, or key destinations to improve transfer efficiency by providing designated locations for specific routes. Good design and enforcement reduce conflicts and increase safety at these locations, especially in crowded environments. The recommended width for these lanes is 3 m for minibuses.

Shared Stops or Easy Access Stops

These stops share the loading space for waiting transit users with vehicular travel lanes. Pedestrians wait on the sidewalk and when the transit vehicle arrives, cars, cycles, and other vehicles stop at the raised travel lane behind the transit vehicle, allowing pedestrians level boarding access. Once the transit vehicle leaves the stop and disembarking passengers have left the shared space, vehicles and cycles can resume movement. This type of stop is highly dependent on local context, compliance levels, and enforcement.