‘Queue jumpers’ improve speed, safety of buses in Troy, N.Y.

To improve traffic flow and enhance safety, the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in Albany, N.Y., and the city of Troy installed “queue jumpers” on its system. The queue jumpers are signal devices that give buses priority at intersections by allowing them to move ahead of other motorists in parallel lanes. The jumper works in “bus only” lanes consisting of two stop bars and room to accommodate only two buses at a time. The bus stays behind the first stop bar near the bus shelter for customers to enter and exit the bus. The jumper is activated as a bus approaches the second stop bar in the “bus only” lane. The presence of the bus triggers sensors (loop detectors) in the pavement, triggering the dedicated traffic light to cue bus operators when to leave. The jumper is part of the Troy Fulton Street Improvement project initiated in 2001 as a cooperative venture with CDTA and the city of Troy. The city invested about $15,000 in traffic signal improvements, including the cost of the jumper project.