Bus Only Traffic Lanes

Metro’s new bus rapid transit (BRT) system brings about a few new things for motorists to be aware of when out in Madison traffic including newly marked, dedicated bus lanes. 

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Dedicated Lanes

There are now clearly marked lanes where only buses are allowed to travel along BRT roadways, or Metro's Rapid Route A line. Markings include bright red concrete, red and white lines, BUS ONLY street lettering, and posted signage. 

Some dedicated lanes are in the far right side of the street, like the example above, but some are in the far left and service stations that are in the median of the roadway. If the lane is bright red or has a solid red line, it is BUS ONLY and regular motorist are not allowed to use. 

Exceptions

There are some instances where vehicle drivers can use these lanes. Look for posted signage and/or street lettering, and please exercise caution when driving in these areas.

Left turns are allowed in some areas - look for dashed lines where motorists making a left turn can briefly enter the bus lane to complete the turn. An example is below. 

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Vehicle travel allowed during certain times of day - In some areas, motorists are allowed to travel in the BUS ONLY lane during certain times of the day. These lanes will not be painted red. Look for signage along the roadways. 

• On E. Washington between Milwaukee St. and Wright St. - other vehicles can travel in this lane during rush hours.
• On Johnson St., between Bassett St. and State St. - “bus only” lane only exists during rush hour with parking in the lane allowed during other times of the day. 

Other Items of Note

• Some left turns have been removed along the corridor for your safety. Don’t turn left in front of buses, or posted signage directs that it’s not allowed.
• You may see emergency vehicles or bikes in these bus only lanes
• Buses have special signals and sometimes may appear to run red lights. Vehicles drivers should continue to follow standard red, yellow, and green traffic lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often will the red BRT lanes need to be repainted? Is the paint toxic and, if so, will it slowly wash off the streets and further pollute Madison lakes?

The red material should last 10 years, at which point it may need touch ups. Once it applies it dries within a couple of hours and then it is durable and does not wash off. Crews who apply the material are trained and control the spray so that it does not get where it’s not supposed to be.

What is the impact of the red bus lanes on emergency vehicles? Who will have the right of way: buses or emergency vehicles?

Emergency vehicles will have the right of way.

What should vehicle drivers do when an emergency vehicle is using these red bus-only lanes?

Upon the approach of any emergency vehicle giving audible signal by siren, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way by pulling to the right-hand side of the roadway until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Read FAQs on Emergency Vehicles

Where the red-painted BRT lanes intersect with left-turn lanes, who will have the right-of-way: the bus or the vehicle? If there are several vehicles waiting to turn left in such cases, what will the bus do?

Bus lanes and left turn lanes are separated, so buses won’t be regularly waiting for left turns.

At signal-controlled intersections where buses and left turns cross over each other, each will have a dedicated signal and will proceed at different times.

When vehicles merge into the bus lane to make a turn, they will have to yield to the bus that’s already in the lane, which is the case whenever lane changes are made.

Are vehicles allowed in BRT travel lanes that are only partially painted red, or not painted at all?

No, drivers need to follow the pavement markings and signs. If it says bus only, it is only for Metro Transit buses. If it says buses and left turns, then you can use the lane for those purposes.

When the pavement markings are complete, there will be a solid line which you cannot cross, and some broken lines where you can cross to make a left turn.

Metro is working closely with public information officers within various City departments, including Madison Police Department, to educate the public about these changes as service begins this fall.

Can school buses or other private bus companies use these red lanes?

No. These lanes are meant for Metro Transit buses only.

Questions?

If you still have questions, email mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.