New AASHTO design guide to improve integration of transit facilities in roadway environment

Washington, D.C. — The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials created a design guide to help transportation planners successfully integrate transit facilities into the roadway environment. The Guide for Geometric Design of Transit Facilities on Highways and Streets is a user-friendly publication that provides a single, comprehensive reference of current best-practices for a wide range of transit facilities including buses, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, streetcars, and light rail transit systems.

"In urban areas, public transportation makes it possible to move millions of workers into heavily traveled employment centers every day," said Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director. "It also provides mobility for people living in rural areas who are unable to drive or do not have access to motor vehicles. No matter where transit facilities are constructed, they intersect with streets and highways and this guide gives planners the information needed to keep people, vehicles, and bicycles moving safely on and around roads, rails, and pedestrian walkways."

The basis for this guide was the need for a single, comprehensive resource that documents and builds upon industry best practices. Prior to this guide, transportation planners had to develop their own standards focused on specific modes, such as bus stops, rapid transit, and light rail transit, in response to specific agency needs.

"The absence of a single reference guide made it difficult to communicate basic design standards to consultants when contracting out work," said King Gee, AASHTO Director of Engineering and Technical Services. "This guide puts everyone on the same page — giving planners easy access to the best standards available."

Transportation providers at the state, county, and municipal level are required to plan, design, or modify streets and highways to accommodate public transportation vehicles and facilities. This solutions oriented guide provides clear and uniform guidance for high-quality planning, design, and operation of transit facilities.

For more information, visit https://bookstore.transportation.org/item_details.aspx?ID=2215.