New Yield to Bus law gives transit priority

Ottawa – Motorists will soon be required by law to yield the right of way to buses as they leave a bus bay and merge back into traffic. The City of Ottawa expects OC Transpo will be a big winner following the Provincial announcement today of a new Ontario Yield to Bus law. The new law will take effect January 2, 2004.  

“Ottawa has been requesting a Yield to Bus law for many years,” said Mayor Bob Chiarelli. "The new law will make it easier for buses to merge back into traffic and will help keep buses on schedule. The end result should be improved transit flow and a more reliable and efficient transit service.”  

Previously, OC Transpo had a voluntary program that encouraged motorists to let the bus back in as a courtesy. The new law, which is contained in Section 142.1 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA), will make this practice mandatory. The law is not unique. Other jurisdictions in North America have similar legislation. In Quebec, residents have been legally required to yield to buses since 1982.  

The new law will apply to all buses that bear the YIELD / CÉDEZ decal near the left turn signal on the rear of the bus. When a bus displaying the sign is signaling its intention to leave a bus bay by activating the left turn signal, drivers approaching from the rear, in the adjacent lane, are required to slow down or stop to allow the bus to re-enter the lane, unless it is unsafe to do so.  

Infractions under the HTA carry fines of between $60 and $500, unless otherwise specified. Work is currently underway to establish a set fine for this type of infraction so people being charged could settle out of court by paying the fine, much like other traffic tickets.   

Motorists can find out more information about Yield to Bus and other transit priorities, on ottawa.ca. For information on other transit services, call 741-4390 or visit octranspo.com.

Yield to Bus Backgrounder

For more information:       

Communications & Marketing
(613) 580-2450