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Pedestrian Safety Guide for Transit Agencies
INTRODUCTION
Transit agencies play a critical role in making conditions safe for pedestrians traveling to and from transit stops. Transit agencies can help ensure that their vehicles are operated safely near pedestrians and that their stops and stations provide safe pedestrian access. However, agencies are often limited in their ability to take unilateral actions to improve pedestrian safety. Transit agencies frequently lack the authority to address transit access on property not owned by the agency. In order to improve safety for their customers, transit agencies should build partnerships with other organizations and local government agencies, especially those that own and maintain public rights-of-way. Adequate sidewalks, pathways, and roadway crossings in the area around transit access points and amenities such as benches, shelters, and lighting at stops and stations are important for pedestrian comfort and safety. The most successful transit systems have safe and convenient pedestrian access and provide comfortable waiting areas, all of which encourage greater transit use.
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Program ContactTamara Redmon Dick Schaffer What’s NewThe FHWA Safety Office is continually developing new materials to assist states, localities and citizens in improving pedestrian and bicycle safety. The materials listed on this page were completed recently. New Proven Countermeasures for Pedestrian Safety Pedestrian Forum - Spring 2012 Spotlight on Pedestrian Safety Promoting the Implementation of Proven Pedestrian Countermeasures State Best Practice Policy for Medians State Best Practice Policy for Shoulders and Walkways Pedestrian Countermeasure Policy Best Practice Report The State of Florida is developing a statewide Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. They have set up a project website that includes information about the project, workshop presentations and resources relating to pedestrian safety. Evaluating Pedestrian Safety Countermeasures Safety Benefits of Raised Medians and Pedestrian Refuge Areas: Brochure, Booklet Safety Benefits of Walkways, Sidewalks, and Paved Shoulders: Brochure, Booklet |
The primary goal of transit providers is to carry passengers between residences, employment and other destinations in a safe, convenient, efficient and reliable manner. The physical safety of passengers is vital to the success of any transit system—not only to retain existing riders but also to encourage new riders. This is true both while passengers are on board a transit vehicle as well as when they are accessing the system. To access a transit stop or station, all passengers travel at least a short distance by foot, wheelchair, bicycle, or other assistive device.
In recent years, courts in several states have ruled that transit agencies are obligated to address the safety of passengers accessing the system, leaving the system, and transferring between vehicles. Transit agencies should consider the effects of the surrounding environment on pedestrians when planning service and stops, and they should implement changes that will increase the safety of passengers accessing the transit system.
