Type Designs for Pick-Up Bus Stops on Rural (i.e., Non-Urban) Highways
1981 Edition

IRC 80 - Overview: Essential Details

• Coverage: Defines standardized type designs for pick-up bus stops on rural highways, developed after comprehensive committee deliberations (1979-1981).
• Design Framework: Offers directives on layout, structural design, and construction to ensure durability and safety.
• Development Team: Created by specialists including R.P. Sikka and Dr. N.S. Srinivasan, ratified by the Executive Committee and Council in 1981.
• Publication Info: Initially released in December 1981; reissued in April 2007.

Key Notes:

• Focuses on standard layouts rather than detailed engineering calculations.
• For load assessments, consult related IRC codes such as IRC 6 (Loading) and IRC 21 (Concrete Bridges).
• Design principles stress site suitability, traffic demands, and structural reliability.

Typical Design Factors:

• Span selection and length
• Load considerations and impact factors
• Material standards (steel, concrete)
• Safety margins conforming to IRC norms

IRC 80 Publication at a Glance

Refer to IRC 6 and IRC 21 for detailed formulas and load charts supporting IRC 80.

Scope of IRC 80 - Summary

• Purpose: Provides uniform type designs for siting and structuring wayside pick-up bus stops.
• Objective: To promote consistency and safety in rural bus stop design, facilitating smooth traffic and passenger convenience.
• Recommendation: Suggested for implementation in road projects involving bus stop planning.
• Formulation: Developed by the Specifications and Standards Committee and finalized in 1981.

General Design Specifications

Design Considerations

• Bus Bay Length: Adequate to accommodate bus length plus clearance (approximately 15-18 meters)
• Bus Bay Width: At least 3.0 meters to fit bus width
• Sight Distances: Approach and departure distances per IRC safety guidelines
• Pedestrian Accessibility: Safe and practical access routes

flowchart LR
    A[Traffic Flow on Road] --> B[Selecting Bus Stop Site]
    B --> C{Bus Bay Design}
    C --> D[Dimensions as per IRC 80]
    C --> E[Sight Distance Requirements]
    C --> F[Passenger Access Planning]

Consult full IRC 80 documentation under "Layout and Design" for detailed dimensional tables.

Need for Laybyes as per IRC 80 - Highlights

• Purpose: Provide a safe area for buses to stop without hindering through traffic.

• Determinants (Clause 3.1):

  • Traffic density
  • Bus stop frequency and duration
  • Passenger boarding and alighting volumes

• Recommended Locations (Clause 3.2): Laybyes are warranted on major trunk routes (National and State Highways) when:

  • Bus frequency is high
  • Stops are prolonged
  • Passenger activity is substantial

• Layout Determination (Clause 5.1): Based on:

  • Simultaneous bus stoppages
  • Halt duration
  • Road traffic intensity
  • Coordination with bus service authorities

Typical Laybye Dimensions (IRC Guidelines)

Laybye Length Formula

[ L = n \times L_b + L_s ]

Where:

• (L): overall laybye length
• (n): number of buses simultaneously expected
• (L_b): length of a single bus (usually 12 m)
• (L_s): extra space for maneuvering (5-10 m)

flowchart LR
    A[Traffic Volume] --> B{Is Laybye Required?}
    C[Bus Stop Frequency] --> B
    D[Halt Duration] --> B
    E[Passenger Volume] --> B
    B -->|Yes| F[Design Laybye Configuration]
    F --> G[Consult Transit Authorities]
    F --> H[Calculate Dimensions]

Summary: Laybyes enhance traffic safety and flow on busy rural highways by segregating stopping buses. Design must reflect local traffic patterns and operational needs.

IRC 80: Basic Location Guidelines for Wayside Pick-up Stops

Though explicit formulas are not provided, IRC 80 stresses standardized placement and layout for safe and effective operation.

Key Guidelines:

• Location Criteria:

  • Position stops on straight segments or gentle curves for optimal visibility.
  • Avoid proximity to intersections, sharp bends, or steep slopes.
  • Maintain sufficient sight distance for safe deceleration and acceleration.

• Layout Recommendations (Typical Layout Fig I):

  • Bus Bay Length: Minimum 30 meters to allow bus and maneuvering space.
  • Bus Bay Width: Approximately 3.5 meters to prevent obstruction.
  • Entry/Exit Tapers: Between 15 and 20 meters to facilitate smooth traffic integration.
  • Passenger Waiting Area: Clear, sheltered, adjacent to bus bay.

Suggested Design Checklist:

• Visibility of at least 150 meters in both directions.
• Adequate stopping sight distance as per IRC 6.
• Safe pedestrian access and waiting zones.
• Proper drainage and lighting provisions.

flowchart LR
    A[Road Geometry] --> B{Bus Stop Placement}
    B -->|Straight/Gentle Curve| C[Ensure Visibility]
    B -->|Avoid| D[Intersections/Sharp Curves]
    C --> E[Design Bus Bay]
    E --> F[Length ≥ 30m]
    E --> G[Width ≥ 3.5m]
    E --> H[Entry/Exit Taper]
    F --> I[Passenger Waiting Area]

Summary: Adherence to IRC 80 ensures bus stops are sited with adequate visibility, bay dimensions, and pedestrian safety for optimal functioning.

IRC 80: Design and Configuration of Bus Laybyes

Important Points (Section 5 and related):

• Factors Influencing Layout Choice:

  • Number of buses stopping concurrently
  • Duration of halts
  • Road traffic volume
  • Passenger boarding/alighting figures
  • Local site specifics and consultation with bus operators

• Common Layouts:

  • Refer to Figures 1-3 in IRC 80 for standardized layouts.
  • Include bus bays that allow buses to pull out of main traffic lanes.
  • Passenger shelters and waiting areas.
  • Safe pedestrian access routes.

Design Specifications:

Design Process:

1. Analyze local traffic and passenger data.
2. Choose layout type per IRC standard figures.
3. Dimension bays to suit bus length and maneuvering space.
4. Ensure pedestrian access and visibility.
5. Coordinate with bus service providers.

flowchart LR
    A[Assess Traffic & Passengers] --> B[Select Layout]
    B --> C[Determine Bus Bay Dimensions]
    C --> D[Design Pedestrian Access]
    D --> E[Consult Bus Authorities]
    E --> F[Finalize Layout]

For exact dimensions and layout visuals, see IRC 80 Figures 1-3.

IRC 80 - Pavement Requirements for Bus Laybyes

Pavement Design Criteria

• Provide sufficient pavement thickness to accommodate expected wheel loads.
• Surface must withstand frequent braking and acceleration stresses.
• Use contrasting colors and textures from main carriageway for clear visibility.

Shoulder Surfacing Near Laybyes

• Shoulders adjacent to laybyes should be paved to support occasional parking and ensure proper drainage.
• Recommended materials:
  • Brick laid on edge
  • Lean cement concrete, lean cement-fly ash concrete, lime-fly ash concrete (cast-in-place or precast)
  • Precast tiles
  • Stone slabs or blocks
  • Water bound macadam with surface dressing
• Paved shoulders must be flush with carriageway and sloped away for drainage.
• If shoulder and pavement appear similar, apply edge lines as per IRC 35-1970.

Layout Selection

• Refer to IRC 80 Figures 1-3 for typical bus laybye designs.
• Selection depends on:
  • Number of buses stopping simultaneously
  • Duration of halts
  • Traffic volume
  • Passenger boarding numbers
• Bus authority consultation advised.

Material Summary for Paving Shoulders

flowchart LR
    A[Bus Laybye Pavement] --> B{Design Requirements}
    B --> C[Sufficient Thickness]
    B --> D[Resist Acceleration/Braking]
    B --> E[Distinctive Surface]
    A --> F[Shoulder Surfacing]

IRC 80: Passenger Shelter Guidelines and Amenities

• Shelter Design (Clause 5.4):

  • Only passenger sheds are permitted at rural bus stops.
  • Must be structurally sound, visually appealing, and practical.
  • Provide protection against sun, wind, and rain.
  • On hillside locations, slopes should be stabilized and protected against erosion.
  • Setback from kerb line should be at least 0.25 meters.

• Layout and Positioning (Clauses 1.2, Figs. 3 & 4):

  • Follow standardized designs for wayside rural stops.
  • Include footpaths, paved shoulders, and pedestrian crossings.
  • Staggered bus stop layouts are advised to maintain traffic flow and safety.

• Drainage (Clause 7.1):

  • Laybyes must have appropriate cross slope to channel water away.
  • Prevent water accumulation near shelters to avoid passenger discomfort.

Recommended Drainage Cross Slope

• Minimum 2% (1:50) to ensure effective runoff.

Setbacks and Dimensions

flowchart TB
    A[Bus Stop Site] --> B[Laybye with Cross Slope]
    B --> C[Shelter Setback ≥ 0.25 m]
    C --> D[Stabilized Hillside Slopes]
    D --> E[Pedestrian Crossings & Footpaths]
    E --> F[Drainage Directed Away]

Summary: Shelters per IRC 80 are designed for safety, functionality, and passenger comfort, with emphasis on proper drainage and standardized layout.

IRC 80: Specifications for Road Markings and Signage

• Road Marking Standards: Detailed specifications are covered under IRC 35-1970, which defines marking types, dimensions, and materials.

• Bus Stop Markings (Clause 1.2): IRC 80 includes standardized designs for rural pick-up bus stops with specific bay dimensions and marking layouts.

• Maintenance (Clause 8.3): Regular upkeep of road markings is essential to maintain visibility and ensure safety.

Typical Bus Stop Marking Dimensions (Indicative)

Recommended Markings per IRC 35-1970:

• Longitudinal lines: solid or dashed white lines, 100-200 mm wide
• Transverse lines: stop bars, pedestrian crossings
• Bus stop symbols painted white inside the bay

flowchart LR
    A[Rural Highway] --> B[Bus Stop Bay]
    B --> C[Longitudinal Markings]
    B --> D[Bus Stop Symbols]
    B --> E[Stop Lines]

Refer to IRC 35-1970 and IRC 80 for complete marking details.

IRC 80: Safety and Visibility Requirements

The standard emphasizes the importance of safe siting with respect to visibility:

• Prohibited Locations:

  • Avoid bus stops near bridges, major structures, or embankments higher than 4 meters.
  • Do not place stops on horizontal or summit vertical curves.

• Visibility Requirements:

  • Ensure adequate stopping sight distance (SSD) is maintained around bus stops.

• Reference for Markings:

  • IRC 35-1970 supplies guidelines for markings that enhance safety and visibility.

Calculation of Stopping Sight Distance (SSD)

[ SSD = d_r + d_b ] Where:

• (d_r) = distance during driver reaction time
• (d_b) = braking distance

[ d_r = v , imes t_r ]

[ d_b = \frac{v^2}{2gf} ]

Parameters:

• (v): velocity in m/s
• (t_r): driver reaction time (typically 2.5 seconds)
• (g): acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• (f): friction coefficient (around 0.35-0.4 for wet surfaces)

Approximate SSD Values by Speed

Summary:

• Locate bus stops on straight road sections with clear visibility meeting or exceeding SSD.
• Avoid sites with restricted sight lines.
• Use IRC 35-1970 for marking guidance to boost safety.

flowchart LR
    A[Bus Stop Site] --> B{Visibility Check}
    B -->|SSD Adequate| C[Safe Placement]
    B -->|SSD Insufficient| D[Relocate Stop]
    C --> E[Apply Proper Markings]
    D --> E

This guarantees safe stopping and clear visibility.

IRC 80: Special Provisions for Hilly Area Bus Stops

• Site Selection:

  • Prefer straight road stretches with flat gradients.
  • Visibility of at least 50 meters on both approaches.
  • Economical road widening options for laybyes and shelters.

• Gradient and Visibility:

  • Flat slopes facilitate safe stopping and starting.
  • Good sight distance helps reduce accident risks.

• Road Widening:

  • Provide adequate space for bus laybyes without obstructing traffic.
  • Ensure sufficient room for passenger shelters.

• Drainage Provisions:

  • Kerb-gutter with appropriate longitudinal slope along edges.
  • Include drainage outlets at regular intervals.

Summary Table for Hilly Terrain Bus Stop Requirements

flowchart LR
    A[Bus Stop Location] --> B[Straight Road Section]
    A --> C[Flat Gradient]
    A --> D[Visibility ≥ 50m]
    A --> E[Road Widening Provision]
    A --> F[Passenger Shelter Space]
    A --> G[Kerb-Gutter and Drainage]

These guidelines ensure safety, passenger comfort, and smooth traffic flow in hilly areas.