Offset Bus Lane

• Avoids conflicts at the curb, preserving it for other uses, review Curb Management
• Can be in effect 24 hours/7 days per week 
• Enhances bus speeds and reliability by keeping buses separate from mixed traffic congestion and reducing the need for buses to merge at bus stops
• Buses are able to pass each other if one is stopped at the curb 
• Provides opportunities to construct Bus Bulbs or Bus Boarding Islands when bike lanes are present, adding more space for pedestrians and bus stop furnishings. Review Seating and Information and Services. Review Tree Bed
• Provides means for emergency vehicles to bypass traffic

• Typically requires removal of general traffic lane 
• Consider the available street width, for two-way streets approximately 30 feet is needed from the center line of the street to the curb to accommodate a general traffic lane, offset bus lane, and curb lane
• Left turns must often be restricted or bus lanes must often transition to the curb to accommodate a left turn bay (example: Utica Avenue, Brooklyn; Main Street, Queens)

• Use an offset bus lane where possible, particularly when parking needs to be maintained; Bus Stops can be made at the curb, at Bus Bulbs, or at Boarding Islands 
• Consider on all streets with high bus volumes or bus ridership and adequate roadway width
• Avoid on streets where the roadway geometry prevents the safe operation of a bus lane in conjunction with other necessary uses of the roadway
• Congested streets with heavy demand at the curb

Review Markings

• Typically 11 to 12 feet in width
• Color Surface Treatment is preferred 
• Truck loading zones and meters may be added where appropriate to prevent double-parking in bus lane
• Can be combined with a Curb Bus Lane to provide a double bus lane (typically 21-24 feet in width)
• Can also be implemented as a contraflow lane where conditions are appropriate (typically 12- 14 feet in width)
• Automated enforcement is used to keep bus lanes clear