Parking in Transit zones
For safety reasons, it is illegal to park in a transit zone - Traffic Safety Bylaw 16-2015, designates a 35-metre no-parking zone to allow buses to maneuver fully alongside the curb, safely pull out into traffic, and allow passengers to board the bus in an unobstructed manner.
This bylaw improves safety in the following ways:
- Preventing slips and falls
Operators need to get right next to the curb to deploy the kneeling function of the bus or put down the ramp. This enhances accessibility, and reduces the chance of a passenger falling between the bus and curb, especially in winter. If operators have no access to the curb where bus stops are located, passengers must be let out where there is an opening on the street - possibly placing them a great distance from their destination or in traffic - Allowing smooth traffic flow
If motorists don't allow for enough access to the curb for buses, operators must remain in the traffic lane when they drop passengers off. This stops traffic and slows your commute. - Protecting parked cars
Leaving ample space to move next to and away from the curb, ensures your car will not be accidentally hit by the bus as it pulls in and out of the transit zone in inclement weather. Operators can't control the weather or road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Does this affect where I can park?
Permanent link to Does this affect where I can park?This bylaw may reduce the availability of curb parking in some areas, requiring residents to change their parking arrangements for extra vehicles or visitors.
Transit makes every effort to place bus stops in locations where the fewest people are inconvenienced, usually near an intersection, so that the bus can naturally pull up to the stop. However, if there is no safe way to place a stop in such a location, due to traffic, sight lines, existing structures, distance or access to curbs, Transit must place stops in front of homes.
We regret the inconvenience and hope that residents will understand the importance of safety for our community.
Safety and accessibility are paramount when planning routes and stops. Transit bus stop guidelines currently try to place bus stop 300 m apart on routes and attempt to ensure a resident doesn't have to walk more than 400 m to get to a bus stop. This makes traveling by bus an effective means of transportation.
As we plan our routes for the 2014 opening of the Bethel Transit Terminal, we are trying to create routes that allow for the best access for the majority of residents.
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2. There is a stop in front of my neighbours. Does it affect me?
Permanent link to There is a stop in front of my neighbours. Does it affect me?Possibly. The transit zone is 35 metres, which is longer than any individual's property, so there is a good chance that the bus zone will impede parking in front of a number of residences. There is no parking allowed in a transit zone, and these zones are in effect 24 hours a day.
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3. How will I know I am in a transit zone?
Permanent link to How will I know I am in a transit zone?At frequently violated transit zones, signs will be erected to clearly define the front and back of the transit zone, to help residents understand the distance. In other locations an additional sign will be mounted to existing bus stop sign posts defining and reminding motorists what the parameters of the transit zone are.
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4. How will the bylaw be enforced?
Permanent link to How will the bylaw be enforced?We are providing a grace period to help residents adjust to changes related to Traffic Safety Bylaw 16-2015. A $57 fine will be issued to motorists who violate this bylaw beginning January 1, 2013. Until that time, individuals parked in transit zones will be given warnings without a monetary penalty.
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5. Who can I talk to if I have any further questions?
Permanent link to Who can I talk to if I have any further questions?Please feel free to contact Transit Director, Wade Coombes at wade.coombs@strathona.ca. Please provide your comment and your contact information and he will do his best to respond to your comments and questions as quickly as possible.
Further information:
Transit
Phone: 780-464-RIDE (7433)
Email: transit@strathcona.ca