Parking in Transit zones

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please feel free to contact Transit Director, Wade Coombs 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.