Pedestrian Safety
Montgomery County Bus Stop Improvement presentation
Jeff Dunckel, from Montgomery County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation presented the County’s $11 million bus stop improvement program.
Jeff and his team began with a survey of bus stops to determine if passengers can wait for a bus without being in danger. The targeted bus stops are all plotted on a GIS system. Improvements are tracked and recorded.
Mr. Dunckel discussed the importance of partnering with traffic engineers in designing safer stops. Because no two bus stops are the same, their design is not cookie cutter. Many require innovative designs, created from no set standards.
One such project showed a newly constructed pad and knee wall which was created to allow people to sit and would allow for a bench to be added later. This improvement has been well received in the community.
One bus stop was relocated to the corner and a sidewalk and loading area was added to safely accommodate pedestrians wait for the bus.
Q&A
Comment: Without a curb on a bus stop, it is difficult for ramp buses to pick up passengers. This is particularly true for buses with the ramp at the back.
Comment: Bulb outs need to be revived
Q: How expensive are pedestrian refuge islands with diagonal crossing through it?
A: The cost was $15,000 with the State cooperation of installing traffic signals.
Q: Is Mr. Dunckel’s group developing their own designs since the work was being completed so quickly and effectively.
A: The group is able produce pre-designs based on field design where they walk the route and are able to come up with designs as appropriate. If something requires design work, then it is separated for long term development.
Comment from a participant: One of the attendees added that if there is an inaccessible bus stop, then people in wheelchairs are entitled to paratransit transportation that is very expensive compared to a one time capital cost.
Comment from a participant: The intersection of Bethesda was a difficult point and that it is an urban style intersection on a suburban corner, thus making it difficult to cross. A Montgomery County administrator in the audience responded that this corner is a work in progress.
