Abstract Manager

As part of TransLink’s Bus Speed and Reliability Program, the City of Burnaby retained Parsons to investigate methods for improving bus speed and reliability at nine indented bus bays along the Canada Way corridor in the City of Burnaby. The intent of the study was to identify and mitigate delays between a) the total number of bus passengers with the existing indented bus bays, and b) the total number of general-purpose drivers, passengers and freight vehicles with in-filled bus stops introduced.

The study aims to reduce transit travel times, improve reliability, and enhance safety while minimizing impacts on other road users. Using data from Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and Automatic Passenger Counter (APC) systems, traffic counts, and collision history, a microsimulation model (VISSIM) was developed to evaluate four transit priority options:

Option 1: Existing conditions

Option 2: Infilled bus bays for in-lane stops

Option 3: Downstream Transit Signal Priority (TSP)

Option 4: Upstream and downstream TSP

The study identified Options 2 and 4 as the most effective treatments for improving bus speed and reliability. Option 2, which involves infilling bus bays, demonstrated travel time savings for buses with some impact to car travel times. Option 4, incorporating upstream and downstream TSP, provided additional transit benefits but introduced potential delays for general-purpose traffic at certain intersections. Option 3 was screened out due to limited benefits and higher negative impacts. A stop-by-stop evaluation refined the recommendations, with Option 2 prioritized for most stops and Option 4 applied selectively where TSP offered greater benefits.

A safety assessment was conducted as well to highlight potential concerns at specific intersections, including sightline issues and collision risks related to bus stop movements. Recommendations include relocating certain bus stops, optimizing signal operations, and implementing TSP pilots to address these concerns.

An implementation strategy was developed to prioritize projects based on transit travel time savings, cost, and constructability. Six projects were identified, including bus bay infills, TSP pilots, and signal optimizations. These treatments align with regional transit goals and serve as foundational steps toward establishing Canada Way as a future RapidBus or BRT corridor. Further design development, safety reviews, and performance monitoring were also recommended to ensure successful implementation and inform future transit priority initiatives.