Bus lanes are for buses: Metro pilot project uses cameras to count red lane and bus stop violations
Too often, private vehicles take advantage of red bus lanes or bus stops intended for King County Metro and other transit agencies – a move that can lead to bus delays or dangerous collisions. Additionally, slowing down buses wastes riders’ time and taxpayers’ money.
As part of a 60-day pilot project that will NOT issue warnings or tickets, Metro is using onboard cameras on two buses to assess and evaluate how often private vehicles illegally use bus lanes. Launched on Nov. 6, cameras mounted on a RapidRide E Line bus and a Route 7 bus begin filming a 10-second video after identifying a violation and noting the location.
Ultimately, jurisdictions – not Metro – have the authority to use on-bus cameras to issue tickets. Washington state passed a new law to this effect earlier this year. Los Angeles, New York City, Oakland and Washington, D.C., are among the metropolitan areas already utilizing active bus lane enforcement programs.
In 2025, Metro will review the results of the pilot project alongside the agency’s goals and values. That review will help determine whether to recommend or pursue next steps with jurisdictions. Revenue raised from the tickets in such programs is directed to pay only for equipment and city safety projects.
Cars respecting bus lanes will improve reliability of Route 7 and RapidRide E Line service
Two high ridership routes – Route 7 and RapidRide E Line – each face challenges staying on schedule when private vehicles park or commit lane violations in designated bus lanes.
- Route 7 operates 256 bus trips each weekday on Rainier Avenue, with an estimated 11,000 boardings on weekdays. Metro has noted numerous private vehicles illegally using designated bus lanes along Rainier Avenue. So far in 2024, about 73% percent of trips have been able to operate on time, short of Metro’s goal of 80% or better.
- RapidRide E Line operates 278 bus trips each weekday on Aurora Avenue North, serving riders between Shoreline and downtown Seattle. Metro has similarly noted problems with private vehicles parking in the bus lanes along this route. So far this year, about 75% of trips achieved their target schedule between trips, short of Metro’s goal of 80% or better. Recent estimated weekday boardings average 13,000 and can peak closer to 15,000.
- Occasional bus lane collisions have occurred on these and other routes that Metro operates. A preliminary analysis shows a total of 123 collisions occurred between private vehicles and Route 7 buses in 2023 and year-to-date in 2024. Similarly, 120 collisions occurred between private vehicles and RapidRide E Line during the same time. (Figures account for the entire corridor and not necessarily only in bus lanes).
Editor’s Note: B-roll of bus lane violation technology
Can they post it online? I want to make some videos about riding the bus.
Great during the day (outside RUSH hour) rarely is there a bus occupying the lane making the rest of the street ONE LANE. What a waste. It would be nice if cars could utilize these lanes WITHOUT Big Brother watching you until slated rush hour times when I see the value of dedicated bus lanes.
Yay! Finally! Hope this can eventually be expanded to H and C lines please!!!
Good. There are also existing bus lanes that aren’t red but should be. Cars constantly drive in the bus lanes at Northgate and Mountlake Terrace stations where Metro buses need to serve stops. There’s no enforcement.