CDTA, Troy unveil bus priority system

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and the city of Troy, N.Y., unveiled the first queue jumper, a high-tech innovation that will make bus travel faster and safer. Queue jumpers are signal devices that give buses priority at intersections by permitting them to move ahead of other motorists in parallel lines. The end result is improved traffic flow and enhanced transit safety. The queue jumper works in a bus-only lane, which consists 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 alight and disembark. Activation of the jumper occurs as the bus approaches the second stop bar in the bus-only lane. The presence of the bus triggers special sensors in the pavement, which in turn trigger the dedicated traffic light to cue bus operators when to leave. When the solid white plus sign is illuminated, the buses are free to go. After six seconds, a flashing yellow light alerts bus operators to stay in place unless they are beyond the second stop bar and the red light means the operator needs to stop until the white light is lit again. The queue jumper project is part of the Troy Fulton Street Improvement project initiated in 2001 which cost the city of Troy $700,000 over the last two years, with approximately $15,000 allotted to traffic signal improvements.