Yield to Transit Bus

The province is taking steps to improve transit efficiency and safety with legislation that comes into effect May 1, requiring drivers to yield the right of way to transit buses signaling their intention to re-enter the traffic stream.

"Currently, buses must rely on the courtesy of drivers to re-enter traffic. This legislation will provide clarity for all drivers while helping to reduce schedule delays," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "This legislation will make life better for all road users by improving public transit efficiency and safety."

This legislation was modelled after similar legislation in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. The amendment was initially proposed in the fall 2007 sitting of the legislature as a Private Members Bill. Fines for failing to yield to a transit bus range from $167 to $340, including court costs.

FAQs

Why is Yield to Transit Bus Legislation needed?
The legislation is designed to improve transit flow and make transit services more reliable and efficient. The new law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to transit buses re-entering the traffic stream.

How will this law be helpful to road users?
This proposed legislation will provide a legal right for transit buses to re-enter the traffic stream, thereby improving transit efficiency and safety.

Which buses are included in the legislation?
The legislation will apply to all transit buses that are displaying this sign on the rear of the bus. This legislation does not apply to school buses.

How does the law work?
When a bus displaying the Yield to Transit Bus sign signals its intention to re-enter the traffic flow by activating its left turn signal, drivers approaching from the rear are required to slow down or stop to allow the transit bus to re-enter the traffic flow, unless it is unsafe to do so. When attempting to re-enter the traffic flow transit bus drivers shall at all times drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.

Do taxis and trucks have to yield to transit buses as well?
Yes. The law applies to "every driver of a vehicle". That includes taxis, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and other buses

Are there any exceptions to the law?
Under this law, emergency vehicles exhibiting flashing lights are not required to yield to a transit bus.

Drivers will only be required to yield to transit buses where the posted speed limit is 60 km/h or less.

Do any other jurisdictions have similar legislation?
This legislation was modeled after similar legislation in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec as well as California, Oregon, Washington and Florida.

What are the penalties if you fail to yield to transit buses re-entering traffic?
Failure to yield to a transit bus will result in a Category B offence. Fines will range from about $167 to $340, including court costs.

When does the law come into effect?
The legislation comes into effect on May 1, 2011.