What are Queue Jumps?
The City of Madison has taken another important step forward in improving current bus service and implementing the Metro Rapid Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT).
Queue jumps are special traffic signals that allow buses to get a head start into traffic and avoid merging into long lines of vehicles waiting at an intersection. By using this special signal to 'jump' ahead of the traffic, bus drivers are able to more quickly and safely merge into traffic.
These signals will keep buses moving efficiently down the Rapid Route A line. Without them, once the traffic light turns green, the bus would often have to wait for traffic to clear before pulling away from the station.
If you are not a bus driver, just ignore these signals!
All other traffic can ignore these signals, as they are only for buses. They are placed over the bus lane, for the bus driver to watch. The white line will either be horizontal or vertical.
[Red traffic light] [White horizontal line] – This means everyone is stopped at the intersection.
[Red traffic light] [White vertical line] – Buses may go, but all other traffic stays stopped.
[Green traffic light] [White horizontal line] – All traffic may go, buses must merge into the regular flow of traffic.
These signals are currently installed at the following intersections:
- Southbound Whitney Way at Mineral Point Rd.
- Eastbound University at Midvale Blvd.
- Westbound University at University Bay Dr.
- Westbound University at Park St.
- Eastbound E. Washington at East Springs
- Eastbound Milwaukee St. near Dempsey Rd. (local routes only)
