Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Operations Near Transit Stops

This research project’s objective was to investigate the impacts of transit stop location (near-side versus far-side) on pedestrian safety and traffic operations at intersections. Three different video-based behavioral observation data collections at signals in Utah were utilized and studied: (1) transit stop events (interactions between transit vehicles and other vehicles) and transit rider crossing behaviors and vehicle conflicts; (2) pedestrian conflicts with right-turning vehicles (conflict severity, driver/pedestrian reactions); and (3) pedestrian crossing behaviors (crossing location, crossing behaviors). These outcomes were then statistically compared for near-side versus far-side transit stop locations. From the results, far-side transit stops are better for general traffic operations. Although transit departure delays are more likely and impactful at far-side stops, actions can be taken to improve transit operations there. On the other hand, the evidence pointed toward far-side transit stops being worse for pedestrian safety. Specifically, conflicts at far-side stops were more severe, and drivers were less likely to slow/stop for pedestrians. This finding corroborates prior Utah-based research results that there were more pedestrian crashes at intersections with more far-side transit stops. Reconciling these differing findings likely requires improving pedestrian safety at some far-side transit stops, and prioritizing safety over operational efficiency at other near-side transit stops.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=1207
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/78905
• Summary URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/78906
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Utah State University, Logan

  Civil and Environmental Engineering Department
  Logan, UT  United States  84332

  Mountain-Plains Consortium

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Singleton, Patrick A
  • Mandolakani, Fariba Soltani
  • Subedi, Atul
  • Mekker, Michelle
• Publication Date: 2024-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 41p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bus stops; Intersections; Location; Pedestrian movement; Pedestrian safety; Video
• Geographic Terms: Utah
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01940370
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MPC-693, MPC 24-550
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 19 2024 2:14PM