Discussions

When did it become ok and common practice to use the third lane on 18th street as a through lane? Has this changed recently?? Is it no longer a BUS lane??

You are correct. It is a bus lane. People are just stupid or blind.

that is so irritating.  
 
But on the other hand, they are not really marked that well and I always think, well maybe they are from out of town and don't know.

given a license without proper understanding of driving rules and laws

for passing slow people!  
Thanks bus/3rd lane!

FreeCycler said "for passing slow people!   Thanks bus/3rd lane! "

not when you want to turn into a business on 18th Street, going south and you have to follow them as they toddle along and you have no idea if they are just driving or might be turning too - they also don't use blinkers, so you just have to stay behind them.

It’s also against the law to travel in the bus lane over a certain distance. I’ve seen some enforcement over the years on this issue and know someone who got a ticket for this.

Brenda.. said "that is so irritating.     But on the other hand, they are not really marked that well and I always think, well maybe they are from out of town and don't know. "

There are signs saying "bus Lanes

happynana said "    Brenda.. said "that is so irritating.     But on the other hand, they are not really marked that well and I always think, well maybe they are from out of town and don't know. " There are signs saying "bus Lanes "

I know there are, there are also a lot of other signs, lights, traffic, things to look at - obviously people do not notice the signs, to busy looking around, or don't care.

Wait to get out if brandon!!! August first cant come soon enough. Everyone is always on ebrandon crying about something. Why cant we just mind our own business and worry about ourselves. If your so worried about a person using a bus lane. Follow them. Then confront them and ask why or tell them hey excuse me did you no...... no people would rather be cowards and turtle. Run home and jump on social media and be a keyboard warrior. Get a life folks.

So what is the proper way to use this lane? When am I allowed and not allowed to be in it?

Of 100m is what i was taught.

Walleyeking44 said "Of 100m is what i was taught. "

So I can jump into the lane and drive through the intersection at queens then enter the strip mall that is in the sw corner of queens and 18th . Don't think that will be over 100 metres.

Nope

You cannot go straight through an intersection in that lane. It is a turning lane.

Im pretty sure he was being sarcastic over the post i made. Funny guy

I do not live in Brandon. There have been a couple times where I have turned into the bus lane, prepared to turn into a business, only to find that I misjudged and it's actually in the next block. So I do NOT get out of the lane, and then get back into it - I would look (and drive) like a crazy person. So I stay in the lane and yes, do drive through an intersection in the bus lane, and eventually turn into the business.  
 
No way I should get a ticket for that, simply because I don't know the city well, yet several people on here would state that I should.

I don’t think the police will be so understanding as I don’t know the city.  
That will likely cost you a few bucks ......

axana596 said "I do not live in Brandon. There have been a couple times where I have turned into the bus lane, prepared to turn into a business, only to find that I misjudged and it's actually in the next block. So I do NOT get out of the lane, and then get back into it - I would look (and drive) like a crazy person. So I stay in the lane and yes, do drive through an intersection in the bus lane, and eventually turn into the business.     No way I should get a ticket for that, simply because I don't know the city well, yet several people on here would state that I should. "

While I understand your point, I am sure the LEO response to this would be "ignorance does not excuse anyone from the law."  
 
Its called a Bus Lane for a reason... Do you drive a bus? No? Then only use it when appropriate to do so and you'll be fine.  
 
2 cents.

Bassman said "    axana596 said "I do not live in Brandon. There have been a couple times where I have turned into the bus lane, prepared to turn into a business, only to find that I misjudged and it's actually in the next block. So I do NOT get out of the lane, and then get back into it - I would look (and drive) like a crazy person. So I stay in the lane and yes, do drive through an intersection in the bus lane, and eventually turn into the business.     No way I should get a ticket for that, simply because I don't know the city well, yet several people on here would state that I should. " While I understand your point, I am sure the LEO response to this would be "ignorance does not excuse anyone from the law."     Its called a Bus Lane for a reason... Do you drive a bus? No? Then only use it when appropriate to do so and you'll be fine.     2 cents. "

Nice to know. I have an old transit bus from Calgary when I complete the camper conversation, that I will be able to use the bus lane. If a get stopped I am just going to tell them I read it on e-brandon.

Roger said "    Bassman said "    axana596 said "I do not live in Brandon. There have been a couple times where I have turned into the bus lane, prepared to turn into a business, only to find that I misjudged and it's actually in the next block. So I do NOT get out of the lane, and then get back into it - I would look (and drive) like a crazy person. So I stay in the lane and yes, do drive through an intersection in the bus lane, and eventually turn into the business.     No way I should get a ticket for that, simply because I don't know the city well, yet several people on here would state that I should. " While I understand your point, I am sure the LEO response to this would be "ignorance does not excuse anyone from the law."     Its called a Bus Lane for a reason... Do you drive a bus? No? Then only use it when appropriate to do so and you'll be fine.     2 cents. " Nice to know. I have an old transit bus from Calgary when I complete the camper conversation, that I will be able to use the bus lane. If a get stopped I am just going to tell them I read it on e-brandon. "

Once you complete the conversion it will not be a bus it will be a camper!

After reading the no left turn sign debate, this instantly came to mind. And next day here is the conversation.  
 
I tend to use that half a block theory. Enter the bus lane half a block before i need to turn. Yes entrances just on the other side of intersections are hard, as you need to move over right away and turn and there is always a line of cars just driving in the lane.  
 
I am thinking this isn't really enforced as there has be no discussion from someone who drove 4 blocks in the bus lane and got a ticket.  
 
There are so many hard and confusing traffic laws, they should really start making people write a test and perform a driving test to make sure they understand the rules of the road before giving them a license.  
 
 
 
 
But to clear it all up our good friends at MPI:  
Diamond Lanes - Sharing the Road with Buses  
 
 
Knowing how to share the road properly with transit buses is important. Knowing some of the rules regarding transit buses can also save you from an expensive fine.  
 
Diamond or reserved lanes are reserved for any of the vehicles pictured on the sign.  
 
It could include buses or bicycles. Unless times are listed on the sign, these reserved lanes are in effect full time. A car traveling in a reserved lane must turn right at the next intersection. You may not travel through an intersection at a time when a diamond lane is in effect.  
 
Another device designed to help transit buses get through traffic is a Transit Priority Signal. These allow buses a head start at a green light so the bus can get through the intersection and into the proper lane.  
 
In addition, with a little common courtesy we can help transit buses get through heavy traffic and stay on schedule.

Walleyeking44 said "Wait to get out if brandon!!! August first cant come soon enough. Everyone is always on ebrandon crying about something. Why cant we just mind our own business and worry about ourselves. If your so worried about a person using a bus lane. Follow them. Then confront them and ask why or tell them hey excuse me did you no...... no people would rather be cowards and turtle. Run home and jump on social media and be a keyboard warrior. Get a life folks. "

Yet here you are complaining!! Your irony is not lost on me hahaha

axana596 said "I do not live in Brandon. There have been a couple times where I have turned into the bus lane, prepared to turn into a business, only to find that I misjudged and it's actually in the next block. So I do NOT get out of the lane, and then get back into it - I would look (and drive) like a crazy person. So I stay in the lane and yes, do drive through an intersection in the bus lane, and eventually turn into the business.     No way I should get a ticket for that, simply because I don't know the city well, yet several people on here would state that I should. "

People like you cause accidents.  
 
If people stopped driving with only their own self-interest and convenience in mind, the roads would be a much safer and saner place!

The bus lane is a designated right turn only sign...I posed a picture....the only vehicle permitted to go through an intersection in that lane are buses. Going straight through in that lane would be no different than going straight through while traveling in a left turn lane.

PrimeConvoy said "    axana596 said "I do not live in Brandon. There have been a couple times where I have turned into the bus lane, prepared to turn into a business, only to find that I misjudged and it's actually in the next block. So I do NOT get out of the lane, and then get back into it - I would look (and drive) like a crazy person. So I stay in the lane and yes, do drive through an intersection in the bus lane, and eventually turn into the business.     No way I should get a ticket for that, simply because I don't know the city well, yet several people on here would state that I should. " People like you cause accidents.     If people stopped driving with only their own self-interest and convenience in mind, the roads would be a much safer and saner place! "

very rude to someone who comes to spend their money in Brandon from another town.  
 
Like they said, they may have thought they were in the right lane, because the business was in that block. Then noticed it was a block further. I would not be zigging and zagging in and out either. So many people drive in it and yes it is annoying, but as I said previously, people from out of town may not even know.

So you're saying if I go to a different city I don't need to follow there traffic laws.  
In virden I can drive 50 even though it's posted 40.  
I don't need to slow down on hwy 1 in reduced speed zones cause Im not from there.

RyanW2008 said "So you're saying if I go to a different city I don't need to follow there traffic laws.   In virden I can drive 50 even though it's posted 40.   I don't need to slow down on hwy 1 in reduced speed zones cause Im not from there. "

of course not.  
 
But for a block, just drive behind the person.  
 
If they get caught, they get a fine.  
 
But, I am certainly not going to get in a panic when I get in that lane to turn to an establishment and someone is in front of me driving slowly in the wrong lane for a block....people are not perfect and perhaps I just have more patience and understanding, or other things to deal with.  
 
yes, as I said - signs are there, along with lights, signs for business's, bus signs....easily missed. Fix the paint on the road.

Brenda.. said "    RyanW2008 said "So you're saying if I go to a different city I don't need to follow there traffic laws.   In virden I can drive 50 even though it's posted 40.   I don't need to slow down on hwy 1 in reduced speed zones cause Im not from there. " of course not.     But for a block, just drive behind the person.     If they get caught, they get a fine.     But, I am certainly not going to get in a panic when I get in that lane to turn to an establishment and someone is in front of me driving slowly in the wrong lane for a block....people are not perfect and perhaps I just have more patience and understanding, or other things to deal with.     yes, as I said - signs are there, along with lights, signs for business's, bus signs....easily missed. Fix the paint on the road. "

It isn't that I have to follow someone slow for a block while they find the store they want.  
It's that people drive multiple blocks in a bus only lane unless you are turning right with in that block. Then when I legaly try to get into turning lane right after an intersection and I can't beacause someone drove straight through, then I become a danger to others when I need to stop on 18th street before I can merge over.  
This is no different then at 26th and Richmond if you were in right lane and you go straight. It is a right hand turn lane.  
I understand if your not familiar with city it can be hard to navigate. But doesn't mean that you can ignore all laws. If you get in turn lane to soon, you need to turn and work your way back around or switch lanes till you get to block you need. I have done it. Get into turn lane to soon, get out and get back in when I need to.

The signage and lane markings for the bus lanes are terrible.  
 
Some other cities with bus lanes use large overhead signage as well as highly visible diamond markings in the lane, and sometimes also apply wider and longer white lane markings for that lane to better distinguish it from other lanes.  
 
The small roadside signage and the often faded lane markings in Brandon are easy to miss among all the signs on that street.  
 
You can't just call people stupid without considering whether the overall road design is part of the problem. A lot of accidents are partly attributable to poor road design. There are a lot of simple ways to improve the design to mitigate issues and make it more likely that people will see and understand how the road operates and what they can and cannot do.