Evaluation of Road User Comprehension and Compliance with Red Colored Transit Priority Lanes

Christopher Monsere, Portland State University

Co-investigators:

Summary:

As part of the City of Portland Enhanced Transit Corridors Plan, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is working with TriMet and Jacobs Engineering to evaluate the impact of red colored transit priority lanes at key locations in and around downtown Portland. Transit priority lanes restrict access to certain lanes, prioritizing transit movement, while sometimes allowing for other users or specific actions - for example shared bus and bike lanes, or shared bus and right-turn lanes. Red coloring is used to reinforce the transit priority with the goal of improving the reliability, safety and compliance with the lane restrictions. PBOT requested and received approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to experiment with the red transit priority lanes, which will fall under the cities “Rose Lanes” initiative. Portland State University is working with the project partners to evaluate road user comprehension and compliance with the red transit priority lanes. The evaluation will include collecting and analyzing video at transit priority locations before and after the application of red paint in order to assess the impact of the red coloring on user behavior. The analysis will examine the frequency and circumstances of lane violations. Surveys will be conducted to assess comprehension and experience of road users on these streets, including seeking to identify if users understand the facilities, markings and signage. In addition to the PSU evaluation component, the larger project will assess the effect of the lane markings and color on transit delay.

Project Details

Project Type:
Research
Project Status:
Completed
End Date:
July 31,2021
UTC Grant Cycle:
non-UTC project