Many municipal roadways have special indented stopping areas for municipal buses, called bus bays, where passengers can get on and off. There are three types of bus bays: Mid-block indented bays; Indentations immediately before and after intersections; and Bus-stop areas between two designated parking areas.
When a bus in a bus bay begins flashing its left-turn signals, indicating that it is ready to leave the bus bay, and you are approaching in the lane adjacent to the bus bay, you must allow the bus to re-enter traffic.
Municipal buses operate on fixed routes and schedules, making frequent stops to pick up and discharge passengers. They are large, heavy vehicles that require more time and distance to accelerate, maneuver, and stop than regular passenger vehicles.
Bus drivers have limited visibility due to the size of their vehicles and may not always see smaller vehicles in their blind spots. When driving near buses, maintain a safe following distance and avoid staying in the bus's blind spots.
Buses may make sudden stops at designated bus stops, even when not marked as such. Watch for passengers waiting at the curb or bus shelters, as this indicates an upcoming bus stop.
When a bus is stopped at a bus stop loading or unloading passengers, be cautious of pedestrians who may walk around the bus to cross the street. Passengers may not be fully aware of traffic conditions and could step into traffic unexpectedly.
Buses have priority in many traffic situations. In addition to yielding to buses leaving bus bays, you should be courteous and allow buses to merge back into traffic when they signal their intention to do so.
School buses have special rules that differ from municipal buses. When you see a school bus with its overhead amber lights flashing, these signals indicate that the bus is coming to a stop to pick up or drop off passengers. Slow down and prepare to stop whether you are behind or approaching the bus. If you are on a road with a median strip, only vehicles approaching from the rear of the bus should prepare to stop.
Bus bays: mid-block indented, before/after intersections, between parking
Must allow bus to re-enter traffic when flashing left signals
Buses operate on fixed routes with frequent passenger stops
Large, heavy vehicles need more time/distance to accelerate and stop
Bus drivers have limited visibility, may not see vehicles in blind spots