Metro is committed to improving service reliability and travel times for customers with transit signal priority (TSP) and queue jumps. These two proven methods keep buses moving through traffic at some of the region's busiest intersections.

Transit Signal Priority (TSP)

TSP is proven to reduce traffic delays at busy intersections by giving approaching buses priority. Buses equipped with TSP can communicate with a traffic signal also equipped with TSP. If conditions warrant, the bus can request the signal system to either extend a green light or shorten a red light by five to 10 seconds, allowing the bus to travel through the intersection faster and avoid being stuck at a red light.

Queue Jumps

In addition to TSP, we have implemented bus-specific traffic signals known as queue jumps. These signals provide buses a signal to pull away from the intersection ahead of other vehicles. By receiving an early signal, our buses can bypass the queue and confidently move ahead of the traffic. This proactive approach significantly reduces delays and enhances bus performance, giving them a position to seamlessly merge into traffic flow.

Currently, there are nearly 40 queue jump signals and approximately 250 signals with TSP in DC and Virginia. That makes Metro the second largest TSP system in the U.S. We are looking at more intersections around the region that would also make bus service smoother and more reliable.