A dedicated corridor for the exclusive use of public and active transport and can be complemented by blue and green infrastructure within or adjacent to the corridor.

Transit-only corridors are routes where a bus or light rail service runs in a corridor separated from or parallel to other streets in the network. Highly prominent treatments like road surface colours, large signage and cameras are needed to enforce the transit-only operation, particularly where there is an interface with the broader network.

These dedicated public transport routes are often set in a well-vegetated environment – either formed within the corridor or borrowed from adjacent public space – that supports an attractive journey experience, the local ecology, walking and cycling.

Introducing a new corridor into the existing environment may disrupt existing movement patterns and require crossings at odds with the higher vehicle speeds and priorities expected in a transit-only corridor. Where introduction of a transit-only corridor results in a real or perceived loss of green space, ensure there is attention to the design quality of the corridor's public domain component. Ensure tree canopy is increased to encourage the use of paths created as part of the proposal as well as to provide shade to people waiting at stops, and the provision of elements such as furniture is maintained or increased to suit the increased level of use that might occur.

Common issues

• a lack of passive surveillance for bus stops and waiting areas
• discontinuation of continuous bus priority
• severe crashes at signalised intersections with low demand.

Design solutions

[1] Continuous footpath treatment (Continuous Footpath Treatments, TS 02667)

[2] Kerbside traffic buffers (Walking Space Guide, TS 01589)

[3] Trees in the verge (Landscape Design Guideline, TS 01595)

[4] Mid-block crossings (Austroads Guide to Road Design, Part 4)

[5] Existing vegetation retained (Beyond the Pavement, TS 01592)

[6] Bicycle paths (Cycleway Design Toolbox, TS 01590)

[7] Footpaths (Walking Space Guide, TS 01589)

[8] Single stage crossings (Traffic Signal Design, TS 02670)

The Bus Priority Infrastructure Planning Toolbox should be used to determine the appropriate bus priority treatment.

The design solutions library includes a full list of appropriate design solutions for transit-only corridors.