HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/08/2015 - Planning And Zoning Board - Agenda - Work SessionPlanning & Zoning Board
Work Session Agenda
Friday, May 8, 2015
281 N. College Ave – Conference Room A
Web users: Documents for the Consent and Discussion items shown below can be found
online under the May 14, 2015, Hearing agenda.
12:00 – 5:00 pm
Consent:
1.) April 9, 2015, Draft P&Z Minutes
2.) CSU Parking Lot at 2400 Research Boulevard SPAR – SPA#150002 (Holland)
3.) CSU Parking Garage SPAR - #SPA150003 (Holland)
Discussion:
4.) 2015 Land Use Code Annual Revision (Shepard)
5.) Harmony & Strauss Cabin Convenience Shopping Center PDP#140022 (Mapes)
Policy and Legislation:
• Review of City Projects Update (Kadrich)
Board Topics:
• Transit Design Standards & Guidelines (Belmont)
• Draft Energy Policy (Rosintoski)
• W. Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor (ETC) Plan (Lewin/Belmont)
• Downtown Plan Update (Gloss)
• Old Town Neighborhood Plan Update (Wray)
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BUS STOP DESIGN
STANDARDS &
GUIDELINES
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW
1.1 PURPOSE
1.2 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT
1.3 INTEGRATION WITH OTHER GUIDANCE
2. THE BIG PICTURE
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 TRANSIT SYSTEM OVERVIEW
2.3 BUS STOP INSTALLATION AND
UPGRADE — HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?
2.4 OBSTACLES TO IMPROVING
TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE
2.5 ADVERTISING AT BUS STOPS
3. IN-STREET
CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 STOP SPACING
3.3 STOP LOCATING
3.4 IN-STREET DESIGN
3.5 TECHNICAL DETAILS
4. CURB-SIDE
CHARACTERISTICS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND
ADA ACCESSIBILITY
4.3 BUS STOP TYPES
4.4 AMENITIES
4.5 BUS STOP TYPE DETERMINATION
5. NEXT STEPS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 TRANSFORT CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
5.3 RECOMMENDED FUTURE ACTIONS
6. APPENDIX
6.1 BUS STOP DEVELOPMENT FORM
6.2 LAND USE CODE SECTION 3.6.5
6.3 TECHNICAL DESIGNS (As Incorporated into
Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards)
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 1
1. OVERVIEW
1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of the Bus Stop Design Standards and Guidelines document is to assist City staff,
developers, local partners and private property owners in locating and designing bus stops and
their associated passenger amenities within the City of Fort Collins as well as the greater Transfort
service area. The document consists of five chapters:
• Overview — discusses how to use the standards and guidance
• The Big Picture — discusses the transit network as it currently exists and the envisioned
future of transit service in Fort Collins
• Street-side Characteristics — discusses the factors associated with the roadway that
influence bus operations
• Curb-side Characteristics — focuses on the factors associated with the comfort, safety
and convenience of patrons at bus stops
• Next Steps — discusses Transfort’s approach to pursue capital improvements and outlines
related action items related to bus stop accessibility
• Technical Details — depicts various bus stop examples and the engineering designs
for each
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 2
1.2 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE
STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE
This guidance document was created with the assistance of a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC),
created by Transfort, comprised of local transit riders, cycling advocates, safety specialists, urban
designers, students, media professionals, Transfort staff and other interested parties. The CAC
members included individuals with a wide range of abilities and experiences with the transit network.
A project management team (PMT) of City staff also assisted in the development of this document.
This group focused on the technical components and safety considerations as they relate to bus
stops. The following City departments were represented in the PMT: Engineering, FC Moves,
Planning, Streets, Traffic, and Transfort.
In addition, Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 19 – Guidelines for the Location
and Design of Bus Stops, as well as various other transit agency bus stop design documents,
provided best practices and general guidance in the development of the standards and guidance
outlined in this document.
1.3 INTEGRATION WITH OTHER
STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE
There are various tools that work in tandem with this standards and guidance document. Within the
Transfort department, other important guidance tools that may provide guidance on facilities and
services include: Transfort Strategic Operating Plan (TSOP), Transfort Operating Manual (TOM),
and Transfort Service Standards. Additional documents that govern site development include:
Fort Collins Land Use Code (LUC) and Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS). If
conflicts arise between these documents, the more specific and/or stringent standard will apply.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 3
2. THE BIG PICTURE
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Bus stops are a critical part of the transit system as they serve as the first point of contact between
the customer and the service. In addition, bus stop placement throughout the community acts
to promote alternative modes of transportation to the traveling public. The spacing, location and
design all affect the operation of the transit system and, in turn, the transit patron’s satisfaction.
The standards and guidance in this document are intended to guide the design of transit stops that
complement their immediate surroundings, meet the transit patron’s comfort and safety needs,
and support an efficient transit network.
The placement of transit stops is guided by safety considerations, community context, patron’s
origins and destinations, opportunity, and Transfort’s strategic planning efforts. The TSOP is
Transfort’s long range planning tool; however, it is likely that community growth and change will
occur in ways not anticipated by the TSOP, and therefore routes and their bus stops may be
different from those envisioned in the TSOP. The TSOP proposed long range routes are depicted
in Figure 2 below.
2.2 TRANSIT SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The City of Fort Collins operates its own transit system, which is branded as Transfort. Transfort
operates fixed route transportation within the City of Fort Collins and in parts of unincorporated
Larimer County. Complementary paratransit service is contracted to and operated by Veolia
Transportation. A regional express route, known as FLEX, is provided through a partnership
between Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Longmont and Boulder County. Transfort bus stops
are located within Fort Collins city limits as well as in unincorporated Larimer County, the City of
Loveland, the Town of Berthoud, Boulder County and the City of Longmont.
Transfort’s route map (January 2015) is provided below in Figure 1. Following Figure 1 is a map
of the long range vision for transit service in and surrounding Fort Collins, Figure 2. This map
illustrates the TSOP vision for a full transition into a productivity-based grid system. It incorporates
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 4
the Phase 3 planned routes, along with additional recommendations from other adopted plans
and new routes that have been added since the TSOP’s adoption. The purpose of this map is to
indicate where new bus stops will be located as development occurs throughout the city.
VINE DR.
MULBERRY ST.
PROSPECT RD.
DRAKE RD.
HORSETOOTH RD.
HARMONY RD.
OVERLAND TRAIL
TAFT HILL RD.
LEMAY AVE.
TIMBERLINE RD.
I-25
SHIELDS ST.
COLLEGE AVE.
LAPORTE AVE.
ELIZABETH ST.
6 19
91
34
33
18
16
14
12
10
9
92
81
7
5
2
32
31
DTC
CTC
STC
8
Figure 1 — Transfort All Routes Map (Effective January 2015)
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 5
Figure 1 — Transfort All Routes Map (Effective January 2015)
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 6
2.3 BUS STOP INSTALLATION AND
UPGRADE — HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?
There are just over 500 existing bus stops in the Transfort system; of these, some meet the
standards outlined in this document and some do not. In addition to existing bus stops that
Transfort currently serves, the TSOP sets forth a plan for expanded service which will require new
transit facilities throughout Transfort’s service area.
There are a variety of ways transit facilities are installed and upgraded throughout the Transfort
system, and they are described below:
• Transfort’s Capital Improvement Plan — The Improvement Plan, which is based on location
specific criteria, identified in the Bus Stop Development Form (Appendix 1) and Section 4.3,
prioritizes bus stop improvements in the Transfort Service Area. Transfort anticipates an
annual budget of $100,000, based on existing and past dedicated tax revenue (Building on
Basics), to be dedicated to bus stop improvements. It is estimated that this amount will fund
approximately 7–10 bus stops annually. Transfort also pursues grants to fund additional
improvements. Improvements are generally in alignment with the Improvement Plan, but
obstacles do arise as described in Section 2.4.
• Transfort’s Service Agreement with Lamar Advertising Company — Transfort’s service
agreement states that Lamar Advertising Company shall upgrade stops that are out of
material compliance when notified in writing by Transfort. Improvements shall be completed
within 30 days of written request, or if said stop requires more time to upgrade, Lamar
shall notify Transfort and define a reasonable completion date, not to exceed 90 days from
the initial request. The improvements described in this agreement include: solid concrete
surface installation, in accordance with the standards of this document; and installation of
the applicable passenger amenities for the bus stop type as determined by the Bus Stop
Development Form in Appendix 1. Improvements shall either be within available public right-
of-way (ROW); or if stop is outside of available ROW, Transfort will initiate ROW or Easement
dedication prior to requesting the bus stop upgrade.
• Development and/or Redevelopment — As properties develop and redevelop within city
limits the City’s Land Use Code (LUC) requires that the development accommodate both the
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 7
existing and planned transit network (LUC Section 3.6.5) (text included in Appendix 2). This
requires developers to provide the necessary transit infrastructure and passenger amenities,
if applicable, on their property. This may include: dedicating additional public right-of-way;
dedicating a Transit Easement; installation of a bus stop solid surface; installation of a
bus pullout; and installation of or payment in lieu for the applicable bus stop passenger
amenities, all in accordance with the standards set forth in this document.
Transfort does not have control over which stops are improved via this method. Bus stop
improvements may not be in accordance with the Improvement Plan Priorities set forth
in this document.
• City Capital Improvement and Street Maintenance Projects — Every year the
City’s Engineering and Streets Departments implement capital improvements and street
maintenance. These departments lead these infrastructure improvements and work with
Transfort to help upgrade bus stops, as needed in the area of the project’s impact. These
improvements, similar to those done through development projects, may not be in alignment
with the Improvement Plan set forth in this document.
An example of projects that resulted in upgraded stops is the North College improvements
that have been taking place over the last several years. The City of Fort Collins and
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) worked corroboratively to secure local
and federal funding to improve the public infrastructure on the North College Corridor
from Jefferson Street to the north city limits. Bus stop enhancements were one of the
many infrastructure improvements made in this project area.
The annual Street Maintenance Program updates deteriorating city infrastructure,
such as aging roadway asphalt and damaged concrete sidewalks and other pedestrian
infrastructure in the public right-of-way. Of these improvements bus stops are sometimes
included in the infrastructure upgrades.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 8
2.4 OBSTACLES TO IMPROVING
TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE
Many obstacles exist outside of Transfort’s control, which makes providing quality transit facilities
challenging at times. Obstacles to improving bus stops include: available space (including
public right-of-way) for stop infrastructure (solid surface and passenger amenities); accessible
neighborhood sidewalks connecting to stops; accessible and safe street crossings; and temporary
obstacles such as those due to weather events like snow, rain or hail. Transfort actively works with
other City departments to make improvements to the sidewalk network and to add accessible
bus stops in conjunction with City construction activities. However, it will take many years for all
stops to be improved because infrastructure deficiencies are widespread. Images 1, 2 and 3 below
demonstrate some of the obstacles that limit transit facility improvements.
Image 1 Image 2
Laporte and Overland Trail (EB)
Obstacles: • Limited public ROW
• No sidewalks
Shields and Swallow (NB)
Obstacles: • Limited public ROW
Image 3
Harmony and Corbett (EB)
Obstacles: • Covered section of ditch runs between sidewalk and edge of street
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 9
2.5 BUS STOP MAINTENANCE
AND ADVERTISING
The maintenance of and the majority of passenger amenities at Transfort bus stops is accomplished
through the advertising revenue earned by advertising at Transfort bus stops. An agreement
between the City and Lamar Advertising Company allows advertising at bus stop benches and
shelters in return for maintenance of Transfort’s bus stops and a portion of advertising revenue.
In single-family residential areas, advertising is permitted on single family home side yards only.
Transfort has a limited number of non-advertising shelters that can be used in locations where
advertising is determined incompatible with the character of the area, such as near community
facilities or historically significant sites.
Images 4–7 below are examples of advertising at Transfort bus stops.
Image 4
Harmony Road and Timberline Road
Eastbound
Image 5
Image 6 Image 7
Harmony Road and Larkbunting Drive
Westbound
Rock Creek Drive at Fossil Ridge High School
Eastbound
Taft Hill Road and Drake Road
Northbound
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 10
3. STREET-SIDE CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
This section discusses preferred and alternative Street-side or in-street stop designs. Street-side
characteristics refer to features associated with the roadway that influence transit operations.
These features include elements such as: traffic speeds, street design, intersection design and
the location of acceleration/deceleration lanes. Street-side features influence the location and
of in-street design of bus stops. It is important to note that since stop designs were developed
based on standard roadway characteristics, the on-site context may call for locations or designs
that are tailored to that context. Ultimately, Transfort staff, with the input from the City’s Traffic,
Engineering and FC Moves Departments, will make the final decision on the location and design
that is appropriate for a given situation.
Image 8
Street-side
Characteristics
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 11
3.2 STOP SPACING
Stop spacing refers to the distance between stops along a bus route. Stop spacing weighs trade-
offs to accessibility and operating efficiencies, as described in TCRP’s Report 19 as follows:
Table 1 — Trade-offs of Stop Spacing
Industry standard recommends using closer spaced stops in more densely populated areas,
such as the central business core, and increasing space between stops when approaching more
suburban and rural areas of the community. In addition, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) type routes
generally suggest an increased distance between stops to decrease travel times. The table below
defines Transfort’s recommended spacing, although safety considerations and adjacent origins
and destinations may call for variation from these ranges.
Table 2 — Recommended Bus Stop Spacing
Environment Route Type Spacing Range
Urban Area (within a City
Plan Activity Center, see
Figure 20 in Section 4.4)
Local Route ⅛ – ¼ Mile
Express or Bus Rapid Transit Route ½ – 1 Mile or As Needed
Suburban Area Local Route ¼ – ½ Mile
Express or Bus Rapid Transit Route 1 Mile or As Needed
Rural Area Local Route As Needed
Express or Bus Rapid Transit Route As Needed
Close stops
(every block or
⅛ mile – ¼ mile spacing)
Further distance between stops
(Beyond ¼ mile spacing)
•Short walking distances
•More frequent stops, creating longer travel time
•Longer walking distances
•Less frequent stops, creating shorter travel time
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 12
3.3 STOP LOCATING
There are three location options for bus stops: near-side, far-side and mid-block, as shown in
Figure 3 below. Far-side stops are, in general, Transfort’s preferred stop location because they
are shown to be the safest for passengers exiting the bus and minimize conflicts with other
vehicles. However, a mid-block or near-side stop may be more appropriate in some situations.
Many factors influence the location of stops, such as site specific safety considerations, traffic
patterns, intersection geometry, passenger origins and destinations, pedestrian accessibility, route
design and available space. Transfort staff determine which stop location is most appropriate for
each individual situation, and Table 3 may be used to help make a decision based on the trade-
offs of each possible location.
Figure 3 — Near-Side, Far-Side and Mid-Block Stops Locations
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 13
STOP LOCATION ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
NEAR-SIDE STOP
Use if:
• Destinations are
focused at the
near-side corner
• Route pattern calls for
near-side location
Available space is limited
on far-side
• Allows passengers to access buses
close to the crosswalk
• Eliminates the potential for double
stopping — passenger loading can
occur when bus is stopped at
the signal
• Increases conflict with
right-turning vehicles
• May result in stopping buses
obscuring curbside traffic control
devices and crossing pedestrians
• May block the through traffic lanes
during peak hours
• May cause slight distance
problems for pedestrians
and motorists
• May increase rear-end accidents if
drivers aren’t anticipating the bus
stopping before the intersection
• Vehicles may attempt to turn in
front of a stopped bus that is
beginning to pull away
FAR-SIDE STOP
Use if:
• Destinations are on
both sides of street
or on the far side of
the intersection
• Minimizes conflicts between right-
turning vehicles and buses
• Allows for additional right-turn
capacity (because bus is not
stopping in the right turn lane)
• Minimizes sight distance
difficulties on approach
to instersections
• Encourages pedestrians to cross
behind the bus
• Bus can merge into traffic more
easily, taking advantage of gaps
• Stopped buses may block
intersections during
congested periods
• May cause a bus to stop twice in
short order: once at a red light
and once at the bus stop
• May increase rear-end accidents if
derivers do not anticipate the bus
stopping after the intersection
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 14
3.4 IN-STREET DESIGN
The In-Street Design refers to the location that the bus stops in the street to approach the bus
stop, such as in a bus pullout, travel lane, bike lane or on a road shoulder. Determining what
design is appropriate depends on safety considerations, street design, available space, ridership
and other factors. Most of Transfort’s buses stop in bike or travel lanes, but bus pullouts may be
used in areas where there is high ridership, a large number of route transfers or where traffic is
considered to be high volume. Queue jumps refer to an intersection design that allows the bus
to move ahead of queueing traffic to progress through high congestion intersections quicker.
Queue jumps and bus pullouts typically originate from recommendations of a corridor, sub-area or
service-related planning effort (e.g. Harmony Road Enhanced Travel Corridor Alternatives Analysis,
Lincoln Corridor Plan, or West Central Area Plan). In addition, a bus pullout may be required when
multiple routes transfer at the location. Foothills Mall provides an example of such a situation.
In-Street Design alternatives are illustrated below in Figures 4 and 5. Bus pullouts, shall be designed
to the detail shown in LCUASS drawing 711. The flow chart in Figure 6 helps to determine what
In-Street Design is appropriate, and the trade-off of each design is described in Table 4.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 15
Figure 4 — In-Street Bus Stop Design Alternatives
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 16
Figure 5 — Bus Stop Zone Dimensions (where on-street parking is present)
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 17
Figure 6 — In-Street Design Recommendations
Is a design
recommended as part
of an adopted plan?
YES
Use design
identified
in the Plan
NO
Is the stop a
transfer location?
YES
What volume
of transfers are
anticipated?
NO
Is there on-street
parking?
YES NO
A Bulbout stop
is most likely
appropriate
A Curbside stop
is appropriate
HIGH VOLUME
(BRT connections or
more than 3 routes
serve the stop)
LOW VOLUME
(2-3 low frequency routes)
How many travel lanes are
on the adjacent road?
A Bus Pullout or
Open Bus Bay is
appropriate
1 in each
direction
A Bus Pullout or
Open Bus Bay is
appropriate
2 or more in
each direction
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 18
STOP LOCATION ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
CURBSIDE STOP
(Typical)
• Provides easy approach for bus
drivers and results in minimal
delay to the bus
• Simple design and inexpensive
to install
• Easy to relocate
• Can cause traffic delays since bus
stops in the travel lane
• May cause drivers to make unsafe
passing maneuvers
BUS PULLOUT
(Route transfer stop
and/or on roads with
two travel lanes)
• Bus is out of travel lane,
minimizing delay to traffic
• Passengers board/alight out
of traffic
• Re-entry into congested traffic can
be difficult and cause delays
• Expensive to install, making
relocation difficult/expensive
OPEN BUS BAY • Allows the bus to decelerate
in the intersection
• See Bus Pullout advantages
• See Bus Pullout disadvantages
QUEUE JUMP • Allows bus to bypass
queued traffic
• See Bus Pullout advantages
• May delay right turning vehicles
• See Bus Pullout disadvantages
BULBOUT/NUB
(For locations with
on-street parking)
• Removes fewer parking spaces
the others
• Decreases walking distances to
bus stops for pedestrians
• Provides additional sidewalk area
for passengers
• Results in minimal delay for buses
• Costs more to install compared to
curbside stops
• See Curbside Stop disadvantages
Table 4 — Recommended Bus Stop In-Street Design
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 19
4. CURB-SIDE CHARACTERISTICS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
This section describes criteria that all bus stops shall meet, provides preferred layout of amenities
at stops and recommends how amenities should be distributed throughout the Transfort service
area. Curbside characteristics refer to features associated with the comfort, safety and convenience
of customers at bus stops outside of the roadway. These features include factors like sidewalk
width, connections to adjacent land uses, and bus stop passenger amenities such as shelters,
benches, bike racks, trash and recycling receptacles and lighting. Newly constructed or altered bus
stops shall meet the standards in this section to the maximum extent feasible.
Image 9
Curb-side
Characteristics
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4.2 UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND
ADA ACCESSIBILITY
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 regulated enforceable accessibility standards for
new construction and alterations to places of public accommodation, which include bus stops.
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, the most recent guidance, outlines the following
four basic principles to accomplishing ADA accessibility at bus stops, as it applies to all newly
constructed or altered Transfort bus stops.
1) Surface — the bus stop boarding and alighting area shall have a firm, stable surface;
2) Dimensions — the bus stop boarding and alighting area shall provide a clear length of 8'
minimum, measured from the curb, and a clear width of 5' minimum, measured parallel to
the roadway.
Figure 6 — ADA Dimensions of Bus Boarding and Alighting Area
3) Connection — the bus stop boarding and alighting area shall be connected to streets, sidewalks,
or pedestrian paths by an accessible route, of at least 4' wide.
4) Slope — the slope of the bus stop boarding and alighting area shall be the same as the roadway
to the maximum extent practical, and not steeper than 1:48, a 2% grade.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 21
If a bus stop has a shelter, there shall be a minimum clear floor space of 30" wide by 48" deep inside
the shelter and an accessible path leading from the shelter to the boarding and alighting area.
Figure 7 — ADA Interior Bus Shelter Space
4.3 BUS STOP TYPES
Transfort has four typical stop types tailored to the context of each stop area. Higher ridership
areas or areas with high concentrations of youth, senior, disabled or low-income populations are
recommended to have a higher level of patron amenities such as a shelter, bench, bike rack,
trash receptacle and lighting. Lower ridership areas may have fewer amenities. The Bus Stop
Development Form (Appendix 1) will assist in determining what stop type is appropriate. The stop
types are described below:
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 22
Figure 8
Type I Standard (Detached sidewalk)
Figure 9
Type I Constrained (Attached sidewalk)
Images 10 and 11 — Existing Type I Standard Stop Examples:
Shields and Rolland Moore Park SB Bus Stop Harmony and Taft Hill EB Bus Stop
• Type I – Sign Stop — A bus stop with a bus stop sign and basic ADA accessible landing
surface are the primary features of this stop type, meaning there is no bench or shelter. This
is the most basic stop type and is appropriate for low density and low ridership areas. Figures
8 and 9 and images 10 and 11 show standard and constrained options for this type of stop,
depending on the available right-of-way and sidewalk design.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 23
Figure 10
Type II Standard (Detached sidewalk)
Figure 11
Type II Constrained (Attached sidewalk)
Images 12 and 13 — Existing Type II Standard and Constrained Examples
(to comply with above design, these stops need the addition of a bike rack and trash receptacle)
Shields and Centre Avenue NB Bus Stop Lincoln Avenue and Buckingham Park WB
Bus Stop
• Type II – Bench Stop — This describes a bus stop with a stand-alone bench as the primary
feature, and which does not include a shelter. The stop should also have a bus stop sign, bike
rack and trash receptacle. The most appropriate use of Bench Stops is areas with low to mid
ridership potential. Figures 10 and 11 and images 12 and 13 show standard and constrained
options for Type II – Bench Stops.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 24
• Type III – Shelter Stop — This describes a bus stop with a shelter as the primary feature.
This stop type should also include a bus stop sign, at least one bench, a trash receptacle, one
or more bike racks, interior lighting and advertising panels. A Shelter Stop should be used in
areas with medium to high ridership potential, high concentrations of elderly, youth, disabled
and low-income populations and in areas with high exposure to the elements.
• There are four alternative designs for Type III stops. The alternative chosen depends on the
sidewalk design, public right-of-way and existing structures that may render the standard
design impractical. Transfort staff will assist in determining which design is appropriate
for each individual situation. Figures 12–19 and images 14–17 show examples of Type
III Shelter Stop configurations. The existing stop images aren’t necessarily compliant
with the organization/siting recommendations for passenger amenities in this section,
for the appropriate organization/siting of passenger amenities, see the “amenity detail”
following each Type III configuration.
Figure 12
Type III Standard (Detached sidewalk)
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 25
Figure 13
Type III Standard (Detached sidewalk) — Amenity Detail
Figure 14
Type III Constrained (Detached sidewalk)
Figure 15
Type III Constrained (Detached sidewalk) — Amenity Detail
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 26
Figure 16
Type III Constrained (Attached sidewalk)
Figure 17
Type III Constrained (Attached sidewalk) — Amenity detail
Figure 18
Type III Wide Parkway (Detached sidewalk)
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 27
Figure 19
Type III Wide Parkway (Detached sidewalk bus stop) — Amenity detail
Image 14 and 15 Existing Type III Examples
* These do not meet the siting/organization of passenger amenity recommendations detailed in this section,
overtime stops will be upgrade to meet revised standards, see Section 5.2 for more information.
Images 16 and 17 — New Shelter Examples
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 28
• Type IV – Station Stop — This describes a bus stop that has enhanced passenger amenities
such as a ticket vending machine, real time next bus LED and/or digital signage, a unique shelter
structure, as well as the standard passenger amenities provided at Type III stops. Elements
required at a Station Stop include those identified in Image 18 and Section 4.4 below. MAX
Stations are currently the only Station Stops in Transfort’s system. Stations should be used
on specialty routes, most often in Enhanced Travel Corridors as defined in the Transportation
Master Plan as “uniquely designed corridors that are planned to incorporate high frequency
transit, bicycling and walking as part of the corridor.”
Image 18 — Example Station Stop
Image 19 — Troutman Station Concept Image 20 — Troutman Station (Built)
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 29
4.4 PASSENGER AMENITIES
Passenger amenities are a significant element in attracting people to use public transportation.
Shelters are the most preferred passenger amenity because they offer the best protection from
the elements. Other important amenities include: benches; customer information such as transit
maps, real-time bus arrival information and directional signage; lighting; bike racks; and trash and
recycling facilities. All passenger amenities should be located within public right-of-way or within
a dedicated transit easement. The Bus Stop Passenger Amenities required, based on Stop Type
described in Section 4.3, are provided in Table 5. In addition, see the Bus Stop Development Form
in Appendix 1 for more information.
• Bus Stop Sign — All active bus stops (except Type IV Station Stops) are required to have a
Transfort bus stop sign. Transfort will arrange for the installation of the signage at the time
service is initiated at a stop.
• Solid Surface and full ADA Accessibility — All newly constructed or altered bus stops
shall have a solid surface at least as large as the minimum size described in the Stop Types
in Section 4.3 and comply with the four dimensions of accessibility described in Section 4.2.
• Bench — All new benches shall be selected from the options described in this section and
shall be powder coated in either RAL 7047 (for benches in shelters) or RAL 7039 (for stand-
alone benches). Images 21–23 depict the acceptable options, which are available through
Tolar Manufacturing (http://www.tolarmfg.com/) or by coordinating with Transfort’s Service
Agreement partner Lamar Advertising Company (http://www.lamar.com/northerncolorado).
Image 21 Image 22 Image 23
6' Stand-alone ad bench
REF SFB-14
5–7' In-shelter non-ad bench
REF SFB-02
5' In-shelter non-ad bench
REF SFB-08
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 30
• Shelter — All new shelters (not including Type IV Stations) shall be selected from the options
described in this section and be powder coated in RAL 7047 and RAL 6017 as depicted in
the examples below. Walls shall be either perforated metal or custom glass with the official
Transfort branded banner and routes served information as shown in images 24–27. A
double-sided advertising panel is the standard requirement. The non-ad shelter option is
only available upon Transfort’s approval.
Image 24 Image 25
14' Standard Non-advertising shelter
(Use must be approved by Transfort)
RFE SIGNA-03
15' Standard advertising shelter
REF XXXX
Image 26 Image 27
18' Upgraded ad shelter with V-ad Panels
REF SIGA-04
15' Upgraded ad shelter with glass walls
REF SIGA-04
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 31
RAL Paint Colors
SHELTER PAINT COLORS
GREEN: #RAL 6017 SILVER: #RAL 7047
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 32
• Bike Racks — Bike racks are recommended at all bus stops and specifically required at all
type II and III stops. The preferred bike rack style is a simple hitching post or inverted U, as
shown below, and should be powder coated in RAL 7047 or RAL 7039.
Image 28 (2 bike) Image 29 (2 bike)Image 30 (4 or 5 bike)
REF SFM-05 REF SFM-06 REF XXXX
• Trash and Recycling Receptacles — Trash and recycling receptacles are required at all
Type III stops and are an option at Type I and II stops. Lower ridership stops may utilize a pole
mounted trash receptacle, and higher ridership stops (projected over 25 daily boardings)
shall provide a stand-alone trash receptacle from the options below, and should be powder
coated in RAL 7047 or RAL 7039.
Image 31 Image 32
Pole Mounted
REF SFTR-08
32 Gallon Steel Strap
REF SFTR-01
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 33
• Lighting — Solar lighting panels are included on the roof of the approved shelter options
described previously. Type I and II stops typically do not have their own lighting, and instead
utilize nearby street lights and lighting from neighboring businesses. Pole mounted lighting
may be an option for stops with limited nearby lighting.
• Transit System Map — Transfort installs transit system maps at high ridership Type III
stops (over 50 daily boardings). System maps are only installed at Type III stops because
the shelter provides a mounting location for the map display case.
• Transit Route Map/Schedules(s) — Transfort installs individual route maps at high
ridership Type III stops (over 50 daily boardings). Route maps are only installed at Type III
stops because the shelter provides a mounting location for the map display case.
• Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) — Ticket vending machines are included at MAX stations
and in the example Type IV Station Stop design, as shown in Images 18–20. However, while
TVMs remain a recommended element, the need for TVMs may be reduced as Transfort
moves towards mobile ticket purchase options.
• Digital Signage — Digital signage is recommended at all Type IV Station Stops and may be
installed by Transfort at high use and/or transfer bus stops. Digital signs, which are LED
panels and/or LCD screens, typically display real-time bus arrival information, rider alerts,
and other critical passenger information.
• Ground Mounted Tactile — Type IV Station Stops are recommended to include ground
mounted tactile surfaces adjacent to boarding and alighting areas.
• Paper Schedules — Paper schedules are typically provided just at transit centers, but could
be considered for high ridership stops as needed. This information would be provided by
Transfort personnel.
• Security Cameras and Emergency Call Box — Security cameras and emergency call
boxes are recommended to be provided at Type IV Station Stops.
• Wind Screen — Wind screens are integrated into the standard shelter designs, but depending
on the orientation of the shelter, the standard wind screens may not be adequate for the
specific location. If wind is deemed to be an issue at a particular stop, a custom wind panel
should be considered in addition to or in lieu of the standard shelter wind panel.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 34
• Secure Bike Parking — Secure bike parking is an optional element at any stop, but should
be considered at high use stops, especially transit centers and/or park-n-rides.
• Braille Signage — Braille signage is not a standard element at bus stops, but has been
recommended to be evaluated further following the completion of this document. Section
5.3 discusses next steps related to Braille Signage.
• Wayfinding Signage — Wayfinding signage is optional at all bus stops but is recommended
at Type IV Station stops.
Bus Stop Amenities Type I Type II Type III Type IV
Bus Stop Sign
Solid Surface
5' x 8' Landing Pad
4' Path Connection to adjacent sidewalks
Minimal Slope
Bench
Shelter
Custom Shelter
Bike Rack(s)
(At least 1 rack recommended at all stops
[except Type I], additional racks may be
required based on projected ridership)
Trash and Recycling Facilities
Lighting
Transit System Map
Route Map/Schedule(s)
Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)
Digital Signage
Ground Mounted Tactile
Paper Schedules
Security Cameras and Emergency Call-box
Wind Screen
Secure Bike Parking
Braille Signage
Wayfinding Signage
Legend:
Required Amenity
Recommended Amenity
Optional Amenity
Table 5 — Bus Stop Amenities
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 35
4.5 BUS STOP TYPE DETERMINATION
The selection of the appropriate stop type should consider both qualitative and quantitative
measures, such as:
• ridership potential and/or existing ridership,
• neighboring land uses, concentrations of youth, seniors and disabled populations,
• proximity to defined activity centers (as part of City Plan), and
• exposure to the elements.
As new stops are developed, the following criteria should be used to determine the appropriate stop
type. Please refer to the Bus Stop Development Form in Appendix 1 for a site specific evaluation form.
Higher priority for upgrades should be given to bus stops with mid-high ridership (above 50
boardings per day), demographic considerations such as youth, senior, disabled and low-income
population concentrations within ¼ mile of the stop, and stops with high exposure to the elements.
More information about Transfort’s Bus Stop Improvement Plan can be found in Section 5.2.
Criterion Type I – Sign Type II – Bench Type III – Shelter Type IV – Station
Ridership Potential
(existing or projected)
Low Ridership
(<25 daily
boardings)
Low–Med
Ridership
(25–50 daily
boardings)
Med–High
Ridership
(>50 daily
boardings)
Very High
Ridership
(250+ daily
boardings)
Land Use Density
(Refer to Zoning Map)
RUL, UE, RF,
RL, or POL
NCL, NCB,
LMN, RC, RDR,
NC, CL
NCM, MMN,
HMN, D, CC,
CCN, CCR, CG,
CS, HC, E, I
Youth, Seniors or Disabled
Populations Concentrations
Within a ⅛ mile
of population
concentrations
Located in an Activity
Center (City Plan— Targeted
Infill and Redevelopment Area
map, see Figure 20 below)
Recommended
Located in an Enhanced
Travel Corridor
Recommended
High Exposure
to the Elements
Recommended
Table 6 — Bus Stop Type Criteria
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 36
Figure 20 — Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Map, City Plan, 2010
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 37
As noted previously, Transfort serves just over 500 bus stops; and of those some meet the design
and amenity distribution standards outlined in Sections 3 and 4 and some do not. This final
section is intended to describe Transfort’s plan to bring bus stops into compliance with these
standards as well as the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan as adopted in 1992.
The Transition Plan set forth a five year approach to achieving full compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act standards. At that time, Transfort had a much smaller service area and
anticipated that full compliance could be achieved through a $17,000 investment in bus stop solid
surface improvements. The plan presumed that once existing stops were brought into compliance,
future stops would be developed in accordance with the ADA standards. However, that was not the
case and many of Transfort’s current stops are not compliant with ADA standards.
In 2013, a full inventory of bus stops was completed. This identified that only 32% (approximately
150 at the time) of Transfort’s stops met the ADA standards described in Section 4.2. Since 2013’s
inventory, service has been eliminated in some areas (College Avenue and Timberline Road) and
new service has been added to other areas (Mason Corridor, North Timberline Road, West Vine
Drive, East Drake Road and East Horsetooth Road). In addition, as of spring 2015, approximately
50 stops had been upgraded to meet ADA standards. Transfort managed projects upgrading 27
stops, including 18 MAX stations and 9 stops throughout the community; private development
has upgraded upwards of seven stops; and Lamar Advertising Company has upgraded at least
16 stops. Based on this information Transfort estimates that now approximately 35% of bus stops
meet ADA accessibility requirements. Inventorying of bus stops is ongoing and Transfort will have
a more accurate understanding of ADA compliance by the end of 2015.
Based on the previous estimate, approximately 330 bus stops in Transfort’s service area are not
in compliance with ADA standards and many of these are located in areas with limit neighborhood
sidewalks. Bus stop improvements alone can range between $2,500 to $30,000 depending on the
available public ROW and other site specific characteristics (an average is estimated at $10,000 for
each stop). Stops on the low end are generally within public ROW and have adjacent neighborhood
5 NEXT STEPS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 38
sidewalks to connect with. Stops on the higher end are in areas with no neighborhood sidewalks and
often require negotiations with private property owners before any accessible infrastructure can be
installed. The obstacles to upgrading bus stops is described more thoroughly in Section 2.4.
This information leads Transfort to estimate that full compliance with ADA standards would cost
upwards of $3,000,000 (in 2015 dollars). Transfort’s Capital Improvement Plan, in Section 5.2,
describes Transfort’s phased approach to achieving (at a minimum) ADA accessibility at all bus stops
as well as compliance with the bus stop type and amenity distribution standards in this document.
Section 2.3 — “Bus Stop Installation and Upgrade — How does it happen?” explains the four
primary ways that bus stops are upgraded:
• Transfort Capital Improvement Plan
• Transfort’s Advertising Contractor
• Development and/or Redevelopment
• City Capital Projects and Street Maintenance Program
This section focuses on stops improved through the Transfort Capital Improvement Plan and by
Transfort’s Advertising Contractor (Lamar Advertising Company). Transfort’s Capital Improvement
Plan is not all inclusive of every Transfort stop, since two other funding methods, Development/
Redevelopment and City Capital Projects – Street Maintenance Projects, will also result in upgraded
stops throughout the community.
5.2 TRANSFORT CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
This April, City of Fort Collins residents approved a 10-year 0.25% sales tax for Capital Projects. In
addition to other City Capital Projects, this tax includes a dedication of an average of $100,000 a year
to bus stop improvements in the Transfort service area. It is anticipated that this will fund an average
of 10 stops a year over the next 10 years for a total of 100 stops (between 2016 and 2026). This
funding can also serve as local as leverage for grants for additional stop improvements. In addition,
Transfort can work with Lamar Advertising Company to upgrade additional stops within public ROW.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 39
Based on this identified funding source and Transfort’s working relationship with Lamar Advertising
Company, it is Transfort’s goal to upgrade an average of 20 stops each year based on the priorities
described in Section 4.3. To reiterate, priority for bus stop upgrades are given to areas that meet
the following criteria:
• Mid-high ridership (above 50 boardings per day),
• Demographic considerations such as youth, senior, disabled and low-income population
concentrations within ¼ mile of the stop
• Stops with high exposure to the elements
5.3 RECOMMENDED FUTURE ACTIONS
• Braille Signage — Braille signage was identified as an element of interest by the Citizen
Advisory Committee that guided the development of this document. Following the adoption
of this document, Transfort will establish a group of interested transit users to help determine
how Braille signage could be implemented and what the Braille signage should say.
• Snow Removal on Adjacent Sidewalks — The inconsistent removal of snow surrounding
bus stops was a point of concern for the Citizen Advisory Committee that helped guide the
development of this document. Transfort would not be the appropriate leader to initiating
this discussion, but the City’s Street Maintenance and Code Enforcement Departments will
be made aware of the concerns expressed.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 40
6. APPENDIX
6.1 BUS STOP DEVELOPMENT REVIEW FORM
Is a design
recommended as part
of an adopted plan?
YES
Use design
identified
in the Plan
NO
Is the stop a
transfer location?
YES
What volume
of transfers are
anticipated?
NO
Is there on-street
parking?
YES NO
A Bulbout stop
is most likely
appropriate
A Curbside stop
is appropriate
HIGH VOLUME
(BRT connections or
more than 3 routes
serve the stop)
LOW VOLUME
(2-3 low frequency routes)
How many travel lanes are
on the adjacent road?
A Bus Pullout or
Open Bus Bay is
appropriate
1 in each
direction
A Bus Pullout or
Open Bus Bay is
appropriate
2 or more in
each direction
Transfort Bus Stop Checklist
To be filled out by Transfort Staff
Location (cross streets): __________________________________________________
Block Location: ¨ Near-side ¨ Far-side ¨ Mid-block
Service: ¨ On Existing Transit Route ¨ Future Transit Route
Street-Side Design Considerations:
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 41
Curb-side Design Considerations:
Projected Ridership (boardings)
Low Ridership (<25 daily boardings) – 0 points
Moderate Ridership (25–50 daily boardings) – 2 points
High Ridership (>50 daily boardings) – 5 points
Very High Ridership (200+ daily boardings) – 10 points
Land Use Density (Zoning)
Low Density (RUL, UE, RF, RL, POL or County) – 0 points
Medium Density (NCL, NCB, LMN, RC, RDR, NC, CL, E, I) – 2 points
Higher Density (NCM, MMN, HMN, D, CC, CCN, CCR, CG, CS, HC) – 5 points
Youth, Senior, Disabled or Low-income Population Concentrations
(includes schools, dedicated housing, and social service entities)
Within a ¼ mile of population concentrations – 2 points
Within a ⅛ mile of population concentrations – 5 points
Activity Center
Within a designated Activity Center or on CSU’s campus – 2 points
Enhanced Transportation Corridor (ETC)
Located along an ETC – 2 points
Designated as Station in an ETC plan – 15 points
High Exposure to Elements
In areas with exposure to wind, rain, high traffic speed, etc. – 5 points
TOTAL
Scoring
Type I Stop — Basic accessibility required
Type II Stop — Basic accessibility and bench required
Type III
Type III – Basic accessibility, standard shelter, trash and 1 bike rack (2 bikes)
Type III – Basic accessibility, standard shelter, trash and 2 bike racks (4 bikes)
Optional Type IV (upon consideration by transit provider)
Score Range
0 – 1
2 – 4
5 – 10
11 – 15
>15
In-street and Curb-side Design
Recommended In-Street Design: ¨ Curb-side Stop ¨ Bulbout Stop
¨ Bus Pullout Stop ¨ Open Bay Stop ¨ Queue Jump Stop
Recommended Curb-side Stop Type: ¨ Type I (Sign Stop) ¨ Type II (Bench Stop)
¨ Type III (Shelter Stop) ¨ Type III (Shelter Stop – 2 bike racks) ¨ Type IV (Station Stop)
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 42
6.2 LAND USE CODE SECTION 3.6.5
3.6.5 Bus Stop Design Standards (update in progress)
(A) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to ensure that new development adequately
accommodates existing and planned transit service by integrating facilities designed and located
appropriately for transit into the development plan.
(B) General Standard. All development located on an existing or planned transit route shall install
a transit stop and other associated facilities on an easement dedicated to the City or within public
right-of-way as prescribed by the City of Fort Collins Bus Stop Design Standards and Guidelines
in effect at the time of installation, unless the Director of Community Services determines that
adequate transit facilities consistent with the Transit Design Standards already exist to serve the
needs of the development. All development located on existing transit routes will accommodate
the transit facilities by providing the same at the time of construction. All development located on
planned routes will accommodate said facilities by including the same in the development plan
and escrowing funds in order to enable the city or its agents to construct the transit facilities at the
time transit service is provided to the development. All facilities installed shall, upon acceptance
by the City, become the property of the City and shall be maintained by the City or its agent.
(C) Location of Existing and Planned Transit Routes. For the purposes of application of this
standard, the location of existing transit routes shall be defined by the Transfort Route Map in
effect at the time the application is approved. The location of planned transit routes shall be
defined according to the Transfort Strategic Operating Plan, as amended.
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TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 43
6.3 TECHNICAL DESIGNS (As Incorporated into
Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards)
46
38
MID-BLOCK STOP
Use if:
• Block size is large
and/or destinations
are focused
mid-block
• Route pattern calls
for mid-block stop
• Minimizes sight distance
difficulties at intersections
• Removes the influence of
traffic congestion occurring at
intersections
• Encourages passengers to cross
mid-block (jaywalk)
• Increases walking distance for
patrons to cross at intersections
Table 3 — Recommended Bus Stop Location
16