C-TRAN has used Bus on Shoulder lanes since they were first implemented in Clark County in 2017. The concept allows transit vehicles to use the shoulder of a given corridor to bypass traffic during times of heavy congestion. It creates faster travel times for buses and more reliable transit service for our region’s commuters.
(Bus on Shoulder: Frequently Asked Questions)
There are limitations:
- For a bus to use the shoulder, the overall speed of traffic must be less than 35 mph.
- While using the shoulder, buses are only allowed to go up to 15 mph faster than other traffic, to a maximum speed of 35 mph.
- Priority for shoulder use is always given to emergency vehicles, stalls or breakdowns.
Bus-only shoulder lanes are currently in use on three freeway corridors in the region: State Route 14, Interstate 5 and Interstate 205.
State Route 14
Location: SR 14 between SE 164th Avenue and Interstate 205, Vancouver
Direction: Eastbound and westbound
Primary C-TRAN routes on corridor: 41, 65, 67, 164
Implemented: 2017
Status: Permanent
Interstate 5
Location: I-5 between 99th Street and the Interstate Bridge, Vancouver
Direction: Southbound
Primary C-TRAN routes on corridor: 105, 134, 157, 199
Implemented: 2020
Status: Permanent
Interstate 205
Location: I-205 across the Glenn Jackson Bridge, Vancouver/Portland
Direction: Northbound and southbound
Primary C-TRAN routes on corridor: 65, 67, 164, 177
Implemented: 2020
Status: Pilot