A four-day project that focused on the misuse of bus lanes has resulted in 334 violation tickets written by the Metro Vancouver Transit Police Targeted Mobile Enforcement Team (TMET).
In response to complaints received from the public via social media and email, and from bus operators, TMET launched a project to focus on vehicles that were improperly using bus lanes to bypass traffic congestion. Four non-consecutive weekdays, over a two-week period, were selected based on intelligence gathered of when and where the problems were reported to be the most critical. The project took TMET to Delta, Pitt Meadows, Richmond, Surrey and Vancouver.
Over the course of the four days of enforcement, the following statistics were recorded:
* Day 1 (Surrey, Delta): 89 violation tickets
* Day 2 (Vancouver): 93 violation tickets
* Day 3 (Vancouver): 118 violations tickets
* Day 4 (Richmond, Pitt Meadows): 34 violations tickets
In addition to 268 bus lane misuse violation tickets, drivers were also issued 66 violations tickets for secondary offences, including distracted driving, driving without a license, and speeding.
“The results of this four-day project highlights that public safety on and around the transit system is at the heart of TMET’s various enforcement activities. As an example, we took two impaired drivers off the road during the peak commuting times on a Thursday. Their removal not only makes other drivers on the road safer, but it keeps people making their way to and from transit and waiting at bus stops safer. In addition to keeping transit vehicles moving, safety is always a goal when we enforce proper use of bus lanes,” said TMET Sgt. Steve Newton.
Transit Police is urging all BC motorists to review the rules related to bus lanes, including:
* A “diamond” shape on a road sign, or on the road itself, means “reserved lane.” Sometimes that means it’s an HOV lane, but not always. Don’t mistake a bus lane for an HOV lane.
* On signage, the icons to the right of the diamond will let you know what kind of vehicle is allowed in the lane. Information below will let you know when the restriction is in effect.
* If you drive an electric vehicle, you are eligible to drive in some reserved lanes. Electric vehicles are not permitted in bus lanes
