**** HRM Media Release
Robie Street/Young Street Transit Priority Corridor
Construction on new dedicated bus lanes is nearing completion on Robie Street (between Quinpool Road and Young Street) and Young Street (between Robie and Windsor streets). This project is a key component of the Integrated Mobility Plan (2017), which recommended investment in transit lanes on several key corridors to give priority to buses over general traffic, improve transit reliability, and ultimately encourage more people to use transit. Phase 1 of the Robie Street / Young Street Transit Priority Corridor will be finished in October 2020.
Learn more about bus lanes on these streets, and how it will change how you use them.
What has Changed?
Bus lanes have been added to sections of Robie Street and Young Street.
Robie Street:
- Quinpool Road to Cunard Street: both directions
- Cunard Street to Almon Street: northbound (outbound) only
- Almon Street to Young Street (both directions)
The Robie Street bus lane will be available for the exclusive use of transit vehicles Monday to Friday from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Outside of these times, some locations will allow for parking and/or loading.
Young Street:
- Robie Street to Windsor Street: westbound (outbound) only
How Do the Bus Lanes Work?
The curb lanes on Robie Street and Young Street are dedicated primarily for the use of buses. Other vehicles are not permitted to drive or park in the bus lane during the times when the bus lane is in effect.
Look for these signs:
Curb lane is reserved for buses (bikes permitted) on weekdays between 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Do not drive or park in the lane at any time during these time periods, except for making right turns at intersections or driveways. Parking is permitted in some areas when the bus lane is not in effect. Make sure to check the roadside signs for parking regulations before you park.
Curb lane is reserved for buses (bikes permitted) all day, every day.
Do not drive or park in the lane at any time, except for making right turns at intersections or driveways. Parking could result in your vehicle being towed
Making Right Turns
Vehicles may use the bus lanes to make right turns at driveways and intersections. To make a right turn, vehicles should merge into the bus lane on the approach to a driveway or intersection (check for buses first) and make the turn from the bus lane.
Intersections have signs that indicate that the curb lane is for right turning vehicles only, however, buses are permitted to proceed through the intersection from the right turn lane.
Bicycles
Bicycles are permitted to use the curb lane at all times, including when it is operating as a bus lane. Since the lanes will frequently be used by buses, cyclists are encouraged to seek alternate routes on parallel streets that provide a higher level of comfort. To help plan your route, try using the municipality’s Interactive Bike Map.
Why Transit Priority?
Served by eight routes and more than 40 buses (two-way) during the AM and PM peak hours, the Robie/Young Street Transit Priority Corridor project is a key component of the Integrated Mobility Plan (2017). The IMP recommended investment in transit lanes on several key corridors to give priority to buses over general traffic, improve transit reliability, and ultimately encourage more people to use transit. In July 2019, Regional Council approved the detailed design of the dedicated bus lanes on Robie Street (between Quinpool Road and Young Street) and Young Street (between Robie and Windsor streets). Read the full staff report on this project.
Phasing
In July 2019, Regional Council approved the detailed design of dedicated bus lanes on Robie Street (between Quinpool Road and Young Street) and Young Street (between Robie Street and Windsor Street). The project will be completed in two phases:
- Phase 1, which added bus lanes to the majority of Robie Street (between Quinpool Road and Young Street) and Young Street (between Robie and Windsor streets), was completed in October 2020.
- Phase 2, which will add bus lanes to the remaining sections including Robie Street (between Cunard Street and Almon Street) and Young Street (between Robie Street and Windsor Street) is being investigated and timelines are currently undetermined
Phase 1 of the Robie/Young streets Transit Priority Corridor now complete
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that phase 1 of the Robie/Young streets Transit Priority Corridor is now complete.
Phase 1 of this project includes the installation of dedicated bus lanes on Robie Street between Quinpool Road and Young Street and on Young Street between Robie and Windsor streets. This work, which was recommended as part of the Integrated Mobility Plan, aims to prioritize transit on key corridors, helping to improve transit service reliability.
Robie Street bus lanes:
· Quinpool Road to Cunard Street in both directions
· Cunard Street to Almon Street, northbound only
· Almon Street to Young Street in both directions
The Robie Street bus lanes will be available for the exclusive use of transit between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note: Those on bicycles are permitted to use the lanes at all times, including when the bus lanes are in use.
Parking will be available in some areas outside of these hours.
Young Street bus lane:
· Robie to Windsor streets, westbound only
The Young Street bus lane will be available for the exclusive use of transit at all times. Please note: Those on bicycles are also permitted to use the lane at all times.
Those driving may use the bus lanes to make right turns at driveways and intersections. To make a right turn, vehicles may merge into the bus lane when approaching a driveway or intersection (check for buses first).
Phase 2 of the project will include an inbound dedicated bus lane on Robie Street (between Cunard and Almon streets) and on Young Street (between Robie and Windsor streets). The timeline for implementation has not yet been confirmed.
The new bus lanes on Robie and Young will eventually connect to other transit priority routes including the Bayers Road Corridor, which is currently in Phase 1 of construction.
For more information and to learn how to safely navigate the new bus lanes, please visit halifax.ca/youngandrobie.
