Transit System Safety Continuing Safety Areas

CHALLENGE

As the transit system grows, more conflicts will arise between motor vehicles, transit vehicles and pedestrians. The potential for large catastrophic events must be considered when advancing safety improvements to the system. In addition to large events, day-to-day operations need to be addressed, such as transit buses making frequent stops and merges in and out of traffic along roads and highways.

DIRECTION

Special consideration must be given to improving the safety of the transit system including rail and bus travel.

PRIORITY STRATEGIES

ENGINEERING
  • Enhance rail crossing inspection, evaluation and upgrades.
  • Install pedestrian safety treatments.
  • Expand transit vehicle signal prioritization projects.
  • Encourage in-lane bus stops such as curb or sidewalk extensions and bulb-outs.
Education
  • Support transit crossing safety programs.
  • Support of rail safety education programs.
  • Educate drivers and pedestrians about safety at rail crossings and rail/bus stations including around the new Bus Rapid Transit Systems
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
  • Encourage development of written contingency plans for response to large scale transportation related emergencies.
  • Participate in periodic emergency exercises.
LEADERS
  • Utah Department of Transportation
  • Utah Transit Authority
  • Utah Operation Lifesaver
  • Federal Transit Administration
  • Utah Department of Health, Bureau of EMS and Preparedness