National Academies Press: OpenBook

Bus Use of Shoulders (2006)

Chapter: Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies

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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Supporting Materials from Case Studies." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006. Bus Use of Shoulders. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13950.
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54 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 Miami–Dade County Metropolitan Planning Organization Special Use Lane Study Phase II: Scope of Services C5 Miami–Dade County Shoulder Use Listing of Key Concerns C6 Toronto, Ontario, Bus Driver Training Presentation

55 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.

56 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.

57 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, a. Purpose of Measure, Applicability, Conditions for Use by Buses: b. Days and Times of Use: Shoulder use is permitted Monday through Friday during the following times: 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. 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. 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

58 c. Shoulder Use Location: d. Authorized Buses: e. Operations and Responsibilities: f. Training: g. Administrative Procedures and Communications: Thomas F. Farley, VDOT NOVA District Administrator Date XXXX, XXXX County Executive 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). Only public transit buses going to the WFC Metro Station shall be allowed to use the shoulder. 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. All bus drivers assigned to this route should have appropriate safety training for this specific shoulder operation as outlined in this letter. 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.

59 C4 MIAMI–DADE 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 Miami–Dade 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 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), Miami–Dade Expressway Authority (MDX), Public Works 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). Department (PWD), the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and the consultant.

60 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.

61 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

62 • 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 Miami–Dade 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

63 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.

64 $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. Miami–Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) E. Miami–Dade Public Works Department F. Miami–Dade Transit (MDT) G. And other entities as needed. VI. STUDY FUNDING

65 C5 MIAMI–DADE COUNTY SHOULDER USE LISTING OF KEY CONCERNS Summary of concerns discussed among the participants in the project that needs clarification. 1. Engineering Issues a. Some sections of the shoulders along the referred facilities are paved for 10 feet and due to specific design criteria are not considered travel lanes. A travel lane of less than 12 feet is not considered without a written and approved design exception from the Florida Department of Transportation Central Office. b. The cross slope of the shoulders is not designed for travel lane use. c. The pavement structure of the shoulders is not compatible for travel lane use. d. The shoulder transitions from roadway to bridge and other structures are a deterrent to through bus movements. e. Use of the shoulder as a travel lane reduces the clear zone. f. Some sections of the shoulders along these facilities are lined with rumble strips that would fall in the wheel path of buses. 2. Safety Issues a. Shoulders are constructed for general vehicles to use in case of breakdown. Buses using the shoulder and encountering a parked vehicle would have to merge back into the travel lane reducing the level of service and increasing accident potential on a high speed facility. b. Shoulders are also used by police, fire, and emergency vehicles during incidents. Buses on the shoulder would again have to merge back into traffic during these periods. 3. Legal Issues a. There may be liability issues that would have to be considered by permitting buses to operate on a non-through lane structure. b. State law in Florida has to be amended to allow buses to utilize shoulders. 4. Enforcement Issues a. Permitting only buses to use shoulders for travel lanes while other vehicles are stopped or slowed may become an enforcement problem. If other drivers see a bus using the shoulder, what will prevent them from following the bus and compounding the problem? There are already occurrences of vehicles trying to use the shoulders to get around crash sites, which increases congestion. Most of these issues along with others are included in the Scope of Work for discussion and solution.

66 C6 TORONTO, ONTARIO, BUS DRIVER TRAINING PRESENTATION

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TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 64: Bus Use of Shoulders explores transit agencies' experiences with policies and regulations that permit buses to use shoulders on arterial roads or freeways to bypass congestion either as interim or long-term treatments. The report examines the issue from the transit and highway perspectives.

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