The use of dedicated bus shoulders is a key method for implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in areas that do not have the resources or space for the installation of additional infrastructure. However, the narrow width of the bus shoulder and the need to anticipate and interact with other traffic in the adjacent lane are both significant stressors for bus drivers. Driver stress in response to these conditions should be a significant concern for transit operators. Technology may be harnessed to support the driving task in narrow shoulders and high traffic volumes associated with BRT services. This pilot study evaluated a prototype Lane Support System (LSS) that provides a coping function in support of vehicle control within the shoulder boundaries. The LSS did demonstrate significant improvements in the stability of vehicle control (position and speed) in the bus shoulder and shorter boundary departures that could represent a reduction in potential conflicts with other traffic. Jointly, these effects provide evidence in an operational context that (i) shoulders could be used in high traffic volume conditions, and (ii) devices such as the prototype LSS can support bus shoulder operations.
Samenvatting