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This is draft guidance, and we welcome your feedback |
The bus layover and driver facilities topic provides guidance related to planning, design, implementation and monitoring for bus layovers and driver facilities.
You can also download a printable copy of this topic:
Bus Layover and Driver Facilities - September 2024 [PDF, 2.9 MB]
Bus layover spaces and driver facilities are essential infrastructure for the delivery of a reliable and efficient bus service. This is because bus layovers provide space for buses to wait when out of service (between trips) and enable the next service to commence on time.
Where driver facilities are provided, layovers can allow drivers to take their designated breaks near the end of the route and not have to travel back to the depot saving on unnecessary travel time and fuel.
There are three key reasons why a layover is needed. These reasons inform the design and location of a layover and the type of driver facilities required.
Provides a place for a bus to wait between services and for a driver to take a rest break during the shift. This improves service reliability and enables driver fatigue management. Typically, buses are only at this type of layover facility for up to 15 minutes.
Normally 30 minutes in duration which allows drivers to take a break from work-related tasks during a shift. For a meal break to be taken at a layover space, nearby driver facilities need to be provided. Alternatively, a bus driver may return to the depot for the driver to take a meal break.
More common for long distance and low frequency services (for example intertown or intercity services) when there is a long wait between trips but is not practical to have the driver return to depot. Long term layover spaces are often co-located with coach parking spaces.
Layovers can also provide the opportunity for charging electric buses, please refer to the Battery electric bus charging guidance for advice on charging infrastructure.
Note that bus layovers are different to bus stops serving as timing points. Timing points are locations where buses may stand, with passengers on-board, for a short period of time along their service’s journey to help ensure the service runs to, rather than ahead of, schedule. Guidance on location planning for timing points is in the Bus stop topic.
Overview of workforce related legislation, and roles and responsibilities related to layovers and driver facilities.
This section provides guidance on layovers in terms of operational considerations, location, configuration and signs and markings.
This section provides guidance on planning and design considerations for bus driver facilities.
Guidance on the consultation and consenting processes for implementing bus layover and driver facilities.
Guidance on the maintenance and operations of bus layover and driver facilities so that they continue to meet the needs of bus operations.
