Bus stop markings

Legislation

Bus stops must be marked as specified in Schedule 2 of the TCD Rule, some of the options are shown in Figure 16‑1 and Figure 16‑2. For more layouts, refer to TCD manual Part 13.

Figure 16‑1

Figure 16‑2

TCD manual Part 13

Layouts for bus lanes are contained in typical layouts. 

Typical layouts

Figure 16‑1: Road markings for bus stops

View larger image [JPG, 75 KB]

In summary, clause 12.4(5) of the Rule states that:

A marking is not required for a bus stop unless:

(a) the bus stop is located within a parking zone declared under 12.4(13) [of the TCD Rule]; or

(b) the space reserved for a bus extends more than 6 m on either side of a single ‘Bus Stop’ sign.

If a bus stop is longer than 12m or extends further than 6m from a bus stop sign, then the requirements for signage and marking are given in clause 12.5 of the TCD Rule. This clause of the TCD Rule prescribes that such bus stops must be indicated by either:

• Signs:
  • at each end of the section of roadway affected; and
  • at or near both sides of any intervening intersection; and
  • at distances of not more than 100m between any two signs.

or

• Markings, as shown in Figure 16‑1, which must include the ‘BUS STOP’ lettering if the bus stop is longer than 30m in total, and signs:
  Figure 16‑1
  
  • within the area and close to the end of the area furthest from an approaching driver; and
  • at distances of not more than 200m between any two signs.

Guidance

For urban areas it is better to mark the bus stop outline and have a single sign rather than to have multiple signs and not mark the bus stop outline. The typical urban bus stop consists of outline marking and words ‘BUS STOP’ and one sign.

Cycle lanes at bus stops

Bus stops may be marked where cycle lanes are in a kerbside position if buses are not frequent (fewer than about 10 buses per hour) and if buses stop only briefly. Where the buses are more frequent, alternatives such as taking the cycle facility off the roadway or indenting the bus stop should be considered. Refer to cycle lanes at bus stops and shared paths and off-road paths of this manual for guidance on these layouts.

Cycle lanes at bus stops
Shared paths and off-road paths

A bus stop used for “layover” should not be provided within a kerbside cycle lane. In legal terms, a cycle lane stops where the bus stop starts, and commences again beyond the bus stop.

Typical layouts of two types of marked bus stops with cycle lane markings are provided in Figure 16‑2.

Figure 16‑2: Typical Layout of bus stop with cycle lane

View larger image [JPG, 445 KB]

Refer also to cycling provisions at bus lanes of this manual for information on cycling provision in special vehicle lanes

Cycling provisions at bus lanes