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APPENDIX C
Supporting Materials from Case Studies
C1 Minnesota Enabling Legislation
C2 Minneapolis Shoulder Use Operating Rules
C3 Virginia Operating Agreement Regarding Bus Use of Shoulders
C4 MiamiDade County Metropolitan Planning Organization Special Use Lane Study Phase II: Scope of Services
C5 MiamiDade County Shoulder Use Listing of Key Concerns
C6 Toronto, Ontario, Bus Driver Training Presentation
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C1 MINNESOTA ENABLING LEGISLATION
Sec. 10. [169.306] [Use of shoulders by buses]
(a) The commissioner of transportation may permit the use by transit buses and
metro mobility buses of a shoulder of a freeway or expressway, as defined in section
160.02, in the seven-county metropolitan area.
(b) If the commissioner permits the use of a freeway or expressway shoulder by
transit buses, the commissioner shall also permit the use on that shoulder of a bus with a
seating capacity of 40 passengers or more operated by a motor carrier of passengers, as
defined in section 221.011, subdivision 48, while operating in intrastate commerce.
(c) Buses authorized to use the shoulder under this section may be operated on the
shoulder only when main line traffic speeds are less than 35 miles per hour. Drivers of
buses being operated on the shoulder may not exceed the speed of main line traffic by
more than 15 miles per hour and may never exceed 35 miles per hour. Drivers of buses
being operated on the shoulder must yield to merging, entering, and exiting traffic and
must yield to other vehicles on the shoulder. Buses operated on the shoulder must be
registered with the Department of Transportation.
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C2 MINNEAPOLIS SHOULDER USE OPERATING RULES
BUS-ONLY SHOULDER
OPERATING RULES
FOR TRANSIT BUSES
Only public transit buses may use the shoulders, and then only during the posted hours.
Here are some operating rules you need to know. They were formulated with the
approval of the State Highway Patrol, and are designed to ensure safe operation. Please
abide by these rules. If there are accidents involving your bus and the shoulder
lanes, it could cause the privilege to be taken away.
1. Use shoulder lanes only when and where signs permit. Be aware, however, that the bus
lanes are continuous through right turn lanes, through intersections and through entrance
and exit ramp merges. It is not necessary to merge back into regular traffic at these
locations.
2. If traffic is stopped, buses should not exceed 15 mph.
3. If traffic is moving, bus speed should be no more than 15 mph faster than the traffic,
up to a maximum of 35 mph.
4. If traffic is moving 35 mph or faster, buses must operate in the regular traffic lane.
5. Operate slowly and cautiously when there is snow, ice or water on the road.
6. Always yield to cars entering the shoulder lane. Remember that you are in the best
position to avoid an accident. If a car is stalled on the shoulder, merge back into traffic
and go around it.
7. The Highway Patrol encourages you to turn on your four-way flashers and use your
horn to alert motorists. Use your best judgment.
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C3 VIRGINIA OPERATING AGREEMENT REGARDING BUS USE OF
SHOULDERS
November 7, 2000
Mr. XXXX,
XXXX County Executive
Address 1
Address 2, Virginia 22035
Re: Dulles Airport Connector Road; right emergency shoulder
Magarity Road to West Falls Church Metrorail Station off-ramp
Use of Shoulder by Transit Buses
Dear Mr. Griffin,
This letter outlines the common understanding between VDOT and Fairfax County
regarding the principles for use of the eastbound Dulles Airport Connector Road
widened shoulder by Fairfax Connector buses headed to the West Falls Church
(WFC) Metro Station, as requested by Fairfax County letter dated November 6,
1998.
a. Purpose of Measure, Applicability, Conditions for Use by Buses:
The purpose of the measures is to allow transit buses headed to the WFC Metro
Station to bypass other traffic and thus avoid delays. Use of the shoulder by buses
shall be limited to periods of traffic congestion (generally defined as when mainline
speeds are 25 mph or less), during the days/times listed in b below. The following
conditions shall apply:
- The primary use of the shoulder is for emergencies. Buses may only use the
shoulder when it is safe to do so. If a driver becomes aware (by observation or
through notification by others) that the shoulder is being used by a
disabled, stopped, or emergency vehicle, he/she shall not use the shoulder
west of the incident. Shoulder shall not be used when snow or ice con-
ditions make its use unsafe.
- Bus drivers are asked to refrain from entering the shoulder if they become
aware of an emergency or incident along the mainline which, in their
judgment, may require imminent use of the shoulder by emergency vehicles.
b. Days and Times of Use:
Shoulder use is permitted Monday through Friday during the following times:
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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c. Shoulder Use Location:
Authorized buses may use the eastbound Dulles Airport Connector Road widened
shoulder from east of the Magarity Road overpass to the ramp leading to the WFC
Metro Station, where appropriate signs are installed (approx. distance: 1.3 miles).
d. Authorized Buses:
Only public transit buses going to the WFC Metro Station shall be allowed to use
the shoulder.
e. Operations and Responsibilities:
It is the responsibility of the bus driver to: keep the bus's headlights on at all times
while on the shoulder; maintain a safe driving speed not to exceed 25 mph, notify
the dispatcher if he/she becomes aware of a negative condition restricting use of
the shoulder (referred to in a above).
It is the responsibility of the dispatcher to notify his/her bus drivers of any negative
conditions restricting use of the shoulder that he/she becomes aware of.
f. Training:
All bus drivers assigned to this route should have appropriate safety training for this
specific shoulder operation as outlined in this letter.
g. Administrative Procedures and Communications:
Fairfax County will periodically install a monitoring device in the pavement of the
shoulder in order to gather data on its use, and will forward the information
collected to VDOT. VDOT and the transit operators authorized to use the shoulder
shall meet periodically, at the request of either agency, to evaluate the performance
and use of the shoulder.
Thomas F. Farley, VDOT NOVA District Administrator Date
XXXX, XXXX County Executive
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C4 MIAMIDADE COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
SPECIAL USE LANE STUDY PHASE II
SCOPE OF SERVICES
I. OBJECTIVE
To develop a bus service implementation plan for the Express Core System as
recommended in Phase I of this study. This second phase will include detailed analyses
for implementing express service along the Turnpike, SR-826 (Palmetto Expressway),
and SR 836 (Dolphin Expressway).
II. PREVIOUS WORK
In the First Phase of this study a two-tier approach was conducted to evaluate congested
corridors in MiamiDade County. In Tier I, sixteen (16) corridors were evaluated using
nine (9) criteria to determine those for consideration in Tier II. As a result, 9 corridors
were evaluated in detail for improvements. These corridors were: I-95, SR-826, SR-836,
Biscayne Boulevard, Flagler Street, Kendall Drive, NW 27th Avenue, LeJeune Road, and
Douglas Road. Among the alternatives considered for implementation was the
establishment of: reversible lanes, HOV lanes, Zipper lanes, and Bus Rapid Transit
(BRT), among others.
As a result two scenarios were recommended for further analyses:
1. Express Core System
This scenario recommends the implementation of express bus services along
the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike (HEFT), SR-826, and SR-
836. This recommendation includes the use of the roadway shoulders for these
services. Additionally, a recommendation is also made to improve transit
services along Kendall Drive to provide a connection between the Turnpike,
SR-826, and Metrorail.
2. Arterial Core System
This scenario proposes the development of BRT along Flagler Street and
Biscayne Boulevard.
III. BACKGROUND
When this study was originally developed, it was divided into two phases. The First Phase
would identify the corridors and strategies for implementation, while the Second Phase
will produce detailed plans for implementation (if needed).
The total cost of the First Phase was $64,750.00 and it was completed on schedule in
ninety (90) days. Based on the recommendations made in the study, a meeting was
scheduled to discuss these results. Two meetings were held with the participation of the
Turnpike Enterprise, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 6, Miami
Dade Transit (MDT), MiamiDade Expressway Authority (MDX), Public Works
Department (PWD), the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and the consultant.
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At a meeting of all interested parties and after evaluating both scenarios it was decided to
proceed with a more detailed analysis focusing on the Express Core Scenario. This will
require exploring how to implement express bus use of shoulder lanes on the
recommended expressways. Additionally, the MPO will prepare a Scope of Work (SOW)
to continue with the Second Phase of the study as indicated in the original SOW and
approved by Resolutions TPC #15-04 and MPO #18-04, but addressing only this element
of the Special Use Lane Study.
IV. METHODOLOGY
A. TASK 1: Perform Study Administration
1. Set the study schedule.
2. Establish close coordination with MDT, FDOT District 6, MDX, the Turnpike
Enterprise, and the PWD. The MPO Project Manager will assemble a Study
Advisory Committee (SAC), if needed. The representatives of these agencies
and others as appropriate will review and comment on study documents, and
provide input on study findings and recommendations.
3. Conduct/attend meetings.
a. Prepare progress reports as appropriate.
b. Conduct meetings as appropriate to discuss the progress of the study.
c. Conduct presentations for the standing committees associated with the
study (6 presentations).
B. TASK 2: Perform Background Research
1. Review literature regarding use of shoulders for public transit along
expressways in other cities. The consultant should contact:
a. The Minnesota DOT to obtain additional information regarding the use of
shoulders for public transit. In Minneapolis, the transit agency has been
using this strategy for over 10 years. This information should include the
following aspects, among others:
Transit operations
Highway operations
Legal issues
Engineering
Safety (signage and record of accidents)
Enforcement
Funding.
b. FHWA and FTA to obtain information regarding requirements and
regulations that will allow the use of the shoulders for public transit along
expressways.
c. FDOT District 6, the Turnpike Enterprise, MDX, MDT, and the Miami
Dade PWD to obtain information regarding their concerns in
implementing this strategy, as well as existing regulations for using the
shoulders.
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2. Additionally, the consultant should contact other state agencies that may
regulate public transit services.
3. Finally, the consultant should research state statutes that may prevent or limit
the use of shoulders along expressways for public transit.
C. TASK 3: Legal Assistance
Based on previous discussions, the involved parties concurred that legislation
needs to be introduced at the state level to allow the use of shoulders for public
transit along expressways. The consultant will assist the county and participating
entities with technical information and legal support obtained in Task 2 to prepare
the necessary documentation to introduce legislation for allowing the
implementation of this project.
D. TASK 4: Data Collection
1. The consultant will coordinate with the involved entities in obtaining current
traffic and roadway data along SR-826 (Palmetto Expressway), SR-836
(Dolphin Expressway), the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
(HEFT), and I-75, within the boundaries of the proposed transit services as
shown in the attached exhibits.
2. Additionally, it is requested that the same information be obtained for the I-95
(from SR-112 to downtown). The purpose of this information is to evaluate
the possibility for improving the existing MDT service from Golden Glades to
downtown by using the shoulders from SR-112 to downtown Miami.
3. The consultant will also conduct field inspections along these corridors to
obtain necessary data for implementing the proposed services.
4. These data will include, but not be limited to:
a. Traffic volumes
b. Level of service (LOS)
c. Number of lanes
d. Lane width
e. Number of accidents
f. Access ramps
g. Pavement markings
h. Height requirements
i. Lighting
j. Existing signage
k. Weaving distance
l. Availability of park and ride facilities
m. Potential locations for limited stops, if finally recommended
n. Shoulders
Shoulder width
Pavement type and thickness
Pavement condition
Cross slope
Continuity of shoulders
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· Numbers of potential obstructions (ramp entrances and exits, bridges,
etc.)
· Rumble strips.
E. TASK 5: Data Analysis
The consultant will evaluate all aspects listed below along the corridors that may
impact positively and negatively the operation of the proposed express bus routes.
1. Engineering Issues
The consultant will evaluate all engineering aspects along the corridors as
indicated in Task 4.
2. Traffic Impacts
The consultant will determine current and future impacts of traffic conditions,
including traffic volumes, LOS, travel delays, and travel time, among others.
3. Transit Operation
The consultant will determine current and future potential ridership of the
proposed express services.
4. Safety Conditions
The consultant will identify conflictive locations along the corridors where
accidents could affect the implementation of the service.
F. TASK 6: Development of Conceptual Alternatives
Based on the results of the previous tasks, the consultant will develop conceptual
plans for each service listed below. The plans shall include signage, enforcement,
and incident management for each service.
1. SR-826 (Palmetto Expressway)
a. Dadeland South Metrorail Station to Westland Mall
Evaluate potential extension to Miami Lakes
Access to end terminals
Access to Palmetto Metrorail Station
Connection to Bird Road.
b. Kendall Drive/Turnpike/SR-836 (Dolphin Expressway)
c. West Kendall to the Miami International Airport/MIC
d. West Kendall to downtown
e. West Kendall to downtown via the Dolphin Mall/International Mall
f. Dolphin Mall/International Mall to the Miami International Airport/MIC
g. In all these routes consultant should check:
Access to end terminals
Locations for end terminals
Connections to Bird Road and FIU
Potential problems along Kendall Drive, NW 107th Avenue, and
LeJeune Road regarding traffic and transit operations, as well as
physical conditions that may deteriorate the service.
2. West Broward to MiamiDade via Palmetto Expressway
a. Evaluate change in the proposed route alignment
· Pembroke Lakes Mall to and from the Palmetto Metrorail Station via
Flamingo Road and the Palmetto Expressway
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Pembroke Lakes Mall to and from the Palmetto Metrorail Station via I-
75, Miami Gardens Drive, Ludlum Road, and the Palmetto Expressway
Pembroke Pines west on I-75 on Pines Boulevard to Palmetto Metrorail
Station.
b. Identify locations for end terminals
c. Connection to potential Park & Ride lot at Miami Gardens Drive.
3. Golden Glades to downtown via I-95
This route will consider using the shoulder from SR-112 to downtown Miami.
G. TASK 7: Action Plan
The consultant will develop implementation plans for the proposed services along
the Turnpike, SR-826, SR-836, I-75, and I-95. These plans will include, among
other things:
1. Recommended service along the corridors.
2. Identification of potential locations where service can be disrupted due to
physical impediments, safety issues, continuity of operation through entrance
and exit ramps and toll plazas, etc.
3. Recommended engineering options as well as operating alternatives to solve
the situations identified in the conflictive locations listed previously.
4. Time schedule.
5. Estimated cost.
Additionally, the plan should include details of actions to be accomplished
regarding changes in state laws, signage, operational changes, operator training,
public involvement, education of automobile drivers, etc. The recommended time
frame should take into considerations MDT's plan to initiate service with buses
operating in mixed traffic by April 2005.
H. TASK 8: Prepare Final Report
The consultant will prepare a comprehensive final report summarizing all
activities conducted in the study. This will include illustrations, pictures, and
sketches of the current conditions and proposed actions.
V. STUDY DELIVERABLES
A. Twenty (20) copies of the Final Report (full color). Pictures, charts, diagrams,
maps, and tables should be included to facilitate the reading and illustrate the
results of the study.
B. One hundred (100) copies of the Executive Final Report (full color in a newsletter
format and no more than 8 pages is recommended).
C. A Power Point presentation with the highlights of the study.
D. Any brochure or printed material that contributes to enhance the study.
E. Final Report and Executive Summary will be also submitted in electronic format
(CD-ROM) for further reproduction and distribution.
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VI. STUDY FUNDING
$75,000 (including 10% for contingency).
VII. TIME SCHEDULE
This is a 6-month study.
VIII. PROJECT MANAGER
Jesus Guerra
IX. PARTICIPANTS
A. MPO (lead agency)
B. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 6
C. Florida Turnpike Enterprise
D. MiamiDade Expressway Authority (MDX)
E. MiamiDade Public Works Department
F. MiamiDade Transit (MDT)
G. And other entities as needed.
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