MN HF1289

Transfers authority to permit bus use of freeway and expressway shoulders from the state commissioner of transportation to local road authorities as defined in Minnesota Statutes section 160.02, subdivision 25.

Requires road authorities permitting transit bus shoulder use to also allow buses with 40+ passenger capacity operated by motor carriers in intrastate commerce, or regular route transit and Metro Mobility services operated by the Metropolitan Council, local transit authorities, or legislatively-created transit authorities.

Permits the commissioner to authorize different operating conditions and maximum speeds up to the posted speed limit for shoulder bus operations based on engineering studies and road authority recommendations that comply with state and federal standards.

Maintains existing requirements that buses operate on shoulders only when main-line traffic speeds are below 35 mph, not exceed main-line traffic speed by more than 15 mph, and yield to merging and exiting traffic.

Requires road authorities to consult public transit operators before recommending operating conditions different from those authorized by law.