Bus stops with shared paths

Where a bus stop is next to a shared path, the design considerations are similar to those for bus stops next to cycleways. Passengers need to be warned that they are stepping into a path where cyclists may be present, and oncoming cyclists need to be warned of passengers crossing their path.

The design elements are similar to those for a standard bus stop, but on a wider path.

PTDG: Bus stop layouts

Key considerations and differences are as follows.

• Cyclists and micromobility users can come from either direction of the shared path. The bus shelter should account for this by having clear or transparent walls.
• To account for cyclists passing pedestrians or other cyclists, a minimum 2.5m clear path width should be allowed to all sides of the bus shelter wall.
• Red pavement markings at both ends of the bus stop across the full width of the shared path will act as threshold treatment. These markings are optional if cyclist volumes are low or the bus stop serves lower frequency routes.
• Shared path markings near the bus stop doors face alighting passengers, so they are aware they are stepping into a cyclist zone.
• Street furniture can influence the path of shared path users. Strategic placement of plantings or street furniture such as signs, seats, trees or rubbish bins near the kerb can realign the path of cyclists and micromobility users away from alighting passengers. However, balance this with maintaining the horizontal clearance at bus stops so buses do not hit these street elements.

For more information, see:

PTDG: General clearance requirements

The figure below shows the design elements of a bus stop with a bus boarder – the preferred design on a shared path. This preferred design requires a minimum 1.1m bus boarder kerb build out. To achieve the desired 2.5m clear width in front of the bus shelter build out a wider boarder or have a narrower shelter (for example, cantilever).

The preferred design places the bus shelter at the back of the shared path. The shelter may be toward the front of the shared path only if a clear path exists of at least 1.5m (1.2m absolute minimum) in front of the shelter and 2.5m behind the shelter. This separates bus passengers and shared path users. Note the shelter sides need to be clear or transparent to allow visibility between path users coming from either direction.

Bus stop with bus boarder to support shared path. View larger image [JPG, 74 KB]

Where the preferred design of a shared path with bus boarder (figure above) cannot be achieved, consider a shared boarding zone design (see figure below).

Shared path with shared zone boarding design. View larger image [JPG, 73 KB]

With the shared boarding zone design:

• the bus shelter is expected to be located off the shared path to maintain a 2.5m clear width
• a cantilever shelter can be used (since it is a constrained site)
• the location of the bus stop sign should encourage shared path users away from the kerb while balancing minimum clearance widths.