Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Operations Around Near-Side Versus Far-Side Transit Stops: Emerging Observational Evidence from Utah

TL;DR

This study compares pedestrian safety and traffic flow around near-side and far-side transit stops using observational data, finding far-side stops are better for traffic but worse for pedestrian safety, suggesting a need for tailored improvements.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on the contrasting impacts of stop location on safety and traffic operations, informing transit planning decisions.

Findings

Far-side stops improve traffic flow but increase pedestrian conflict severity.

Pedestrians at far-side stops face higher conflict severity and lower driver yielding.

Operational delays are more common at far-side stops, but safety concerns are greater there.

Abstract

This research project's objective was to investigate the impacts of transit stop location (near-side versus far-side) on pedestrian safety and traffic operations. Three different video-based behavioral observation data collections at signalized intersections in Utah were utilized, studying: (1) transit vehicle stop events and transit rider crossing behaviors and vehicle conflicts; (2) pedestrian conflicts with right-turning vehicles (driver/pedestrian reactions, conflict severity); and (3) pedestrian crossing behaviors (crossing location, crossing behaviors). These outcomes were statistically compared for near-side versus far-side transit stop locations. Far-side transit stops appear better for general traffic operations. Although transit departure delays are more likely and impactful at far-side stops, actions can be taken to improve transit operations there. On the other hand, far-side transit stops appear to be worse for pedestrian safety, corroborating prior crash-based research findings. Specifically, conflicts at far-side stops were more severe, and drivers were less likely to slow or stop for pedestrians. Reconciling these differing findings likely requires improving pedestrian safety at some far-side transit stops, and prioritizing safety over operational efficiency at other near-side transit stops.