Evaluation of Transit Bus Turn Warning Systems for Pedestrians and Cyclists

As part of a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) conducted a demonstration test of three commercially-available pedestrian turn warning systems for transit buses. A total of 45 buses were equipped with the turn warning systems (15 buses with each of the 3 systems) for a period of 7 months (March– September 2014). A robust evaluation of the systems was conducted, including surveys and focus groups with bus operators and the general public, a video-based analysis of pedestrian behaviors, interviews with TriMet personnel, and a benefit-cost analysis. In addition to the turn warning systems, a unique crosswalk warning sign was deployed and tested at one intersection in downtown Portland. This report documents the findings from the test and evaluation.