DDOT Announces the Start of Phased Automated Bus Enforcement for the Clear Lanes Program

Phase 1 of Clear Lanes Program to Begin Ticketing on November 15, 2023

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has announced that ticketing for Phase 1 of the Clear Lanes program will begin on November 15, 2023. The Clear Lanes program, in partnership with Metro, aims to improve bus travel times and enhance bus stop safety and accessibility. This will be achieved by using cameras mounted on Metrobuses to identify vehicles illegally operating, parking, standing, or stopping in dedicated bus lanes and bus zones. Photos of violating vehicles will be sent to DDOT for verification of qualifying offenses.

Phase 1 Enforcement

Starting on November 15, 2023, Phase 1 enforcement will begin. During this phase, drivers who illegally park, stand, or stop in a bus zone (area around a bus stop) may receive a $100 fine. DDOT will announce a future date for dedicated bus lane enforcement as part of Phase 2 enforcement.

Importance of Clear Lanes Program

“Ensuring that buses can pull fully to the curb for boarding and avoid having to change lanes on our busiest corridors will improve the accessibility, safety, and reliability of our transit network,” said Interim DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. “These improvements are an important contribution to our moveDC plan to encourage drivers to make the shift to the bus.”

“Clear bus zones and lanes mean a more efficient trip for our customers as buses don’t have to wait for traffic congestion,” said Metro’s Senior Vice President of Bus Services Leroy Jones. “Not only does it save time and money, it also creates safer trips for customers and bus operators as they navigate around fewer obstructions. We at Metro — and our bus customers — thank the District and DDOT for administering this vital program.”

Guidance on Bus Zones

Bus zones are areas along the curb within 80 feet of the approach side and 20 feet of the departure side of a bus stop flag, unless otherwise signed. Unauthorized vehicles should not stop, stand, or park in a bus stop zone except to avoid conflict with other traffic.

Authorized vehicles include:

• Public transit buses and school buses
• Maintenance vehicles (DC or Metro vehicles that are actively making repairs)

Guidance on Bus Lanes

Bus lanes are lanes of roadway designated for the use of public transit buses, typically marked by red paint and signage. Many bus lanes are active only at certain times of the day, as indicated by signage.

Unauthorized vehicles should not stop, stand, or park in a bus lane or enter a bus lane except to:

• Enter a legal parking space
• Pull over for emergency vehicles
• Turn within 40 feet of an intersection or driveway, as typically marked by signage or dashed red road markings

Authorized vehicles include:

• Public transit buses, tour buses, school buses, and streetcars
• Bikes, e-bikes, and scooters
• Maintenance vehicles (DC or Metro vehicles that are actively making repairs)
• Emergency vehicles (while responding to an emergency)
• Accessible transportation service vehicles (wheelchair-accessible vehicles registered with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission that are actively transporting someone with a disability)

For more information about bus lane and bus zone enforcement and to view an interactive map of all dedicated bus lanes, visit ddot.dc.gov/clearlanesprogram. To learn more about DDOT’s work to improve bus travel times and reliability in all eight wards through Mayor Bowser’s Bus Priority Program, visit buspriority.ddot.dc.gov/pages/buslanes.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article addresses the issue of improving bus travel times and enhancing bus stop safety and accessibility through the use of technology (cameras mounted on Metrobuses) to identify and enforce violations in bus lanes and bus zones.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the importance of improving the accessibility, safety, and reliability of the transit network through the enforcement of clear bus lanes and zones, which can contribute to creating more efficient and sustainable transportation systems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure – The article aims to improve bus travel times and enhance bus stop safety and accessibility through the implementation of the Clear Lanes program.
• SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all – The article focuses on improving the accessibility, safety, and reliability of the transit network by enforcing clear bus lanes and zones.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Enforcement of illegal parking, standing, or stopping in bus zones (Phase 1 enforcement) – This can be measured by the number of fines issued for violations in bus zones.
• Enforcement of illegal parking, standing, or stopping in bus lanes (Phase 2 enforcement) – This can be measured by the number of fines issued for violations in bus lanes.
• Improvement in bus travel times – This can be measured by comparing the average travel times before and after the implementation of the Clear Lanes program.
• Enhancement of bus stop safety and accessibility – This can be measured by evaluating the reduction in obstructions and conflicts in bus zones and lanes, as well as the feedback from bus operators and customers regarding safety and accessibility improvements.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: ddot.dc.gov

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