Curbside Bus Lanes

Curbside bus lanes are located along the right side of the road next to the curb. By giving buses their own space along the curb, these lanes help reduce delays and allow buses to move faster through busy areas. Moving buses out of mixed traffic also helps smooth traffic flow in the general traffic lanes.

The way curbside bus lanes operate can vary depending on the street. Signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings show when vehicles can or cannot enter the lane. 

Curbside bus lanes are located along the side of the road where parking and deliveries have traditionally taken place. These lanes are for buses only—drivers should not stop, park, or drive in them. Use signed loading areas or nearby side streets for deliveries, passenger pick-up, and drop-off. 

Understanding bus lane markings

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Bus lanes are identified using signs, pavement markings, diamond symbols, and red pavement in some locations. These features help drivers understand where buses have priority and where vehicles may or may not travel.

White lines show when vehicles can enter or cross a bus lane.

Solid white line and diamond symbol

A solid white line and diamond symbol means the bus lane is reserved for buses and authorized vehicles. Drivers cannot enter the lane or make a right turn across it. Drivers should continue to the next location where a right turn is permitted.

Dashed white line

A dashed white line shows where vehicles can cross the bus lane for permitted movements. Only enter the bus lane where the dashed line begins and when it is safe to do so. 

Turning right when driving

A dashed white line indicates that vehicles are permitted to cross the transit lane to enter or exit driveways or to access a right-hand turning lane.

There are two common ways right turns work:

Shared right-turn lane 

At some locations, drivers and buses share the same lane to complete a right turn. Drivers can enter where the dashed line begins and turn right. 

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Crossing the bus lane to reach a right-turn lane

In other locations, drivers need to cross the bus lane to reach a right-turn lane. Drivers can only cross where the bus lane changes to a dashed line.

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Where right turns are restricted

Right turns are not permitted across solid white lines at the following locations:

• King Street at Talbot Street
• King Street at Richmond Street
• King Street at Wellington Street
• Queens Avenue at Clarence Street
• Queens Avenue at Talbot Street
• Ridout Street at Dundas Street
• Ridout Street at King Street

Where right turns are permitted (dedicated or shared lanes)

• King Street at Clarence Street
• Queens Avenue at Richmond Street

Bus lane signs

Signs help guide all road users and show how to safely navigate rapid transit corridors.

Bus-only lane sign

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This sign shows that a lane is reserved for buses and authorized vehicles.

Drivers should:

• Stay out of the bus lane unless signs or pavement markings allow access.
• Do not stop, park, or drive in the lane.
• Follow all signs, signals, and pavement markings.

Keeping bus lanes clear helps buses move reliably. 

Bus and bicycle lane sign

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This sign shows that a lane is shared by buses and people cycling.

• Buses and cyclists may use the lane where permitted.
• All users should remain aware of each other and travel safely.
• The shared design supports multiple ways of travelling through the corridor.

Blank-out signs

Some intersections use digital blank-out signs to manage turns across bus lanes.

These signs can turn on or off depending on traffic signal phase.  When displayed, drivers must follow the restriction shown on the sign.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I bike in a curbside bus lane?

Look for the white regulatory signs that show whether the lane is reserved for buses only or buses and bicycles. 

Cycling is only permitted in curbside bus lanes where signs indicate it is allowed. Where cycling is permitted, the bus lane travels in the same direction as traffic and there are no dedicated cycling facilities nearby.

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Cycling is permitted in:

• King Street (eastbound only) 
• Queens Avenue (westbound only)
• Wellington Street (Between King St to Queens Ave) 
• Ontario Street 
• Dundas Street west of Egerton (westbound only) 
• Dundas Street east of Egerton (both directions) 

Cycling is not permitted in:

• Wellington Street/Road outside of downtown (centre-running bus lanes) 
• King Street (westbound only), where buses travel without a general traffic lane. 
• Ridout Street, where dedicated cycling facilities are provided 
• Dundas Street west of Egerton (eastbound), where dedicated cycling facilities are provided