Traffic signal bill moves to the Senate

A bill that would allow personnel who operate fixed-route public transportation buses to change traffic signals has passed the New Hampshire House.

The bill, HB 154, would allow such personnel to use traffic signal prioritization technology for congestion management purposes during regularly-scheduled service.

Currently, such technology can be only be used by law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and state/municipal department of transportation or highway personnel during their official duties.

Supporters of the bill argue that allowing public transit bus operators to change traffic signals would enhance public safety by allowing them priority access through intersections to prevent collisions. Others suggest that it could would decrease traffic congestion and potentially lower costs to municipalities.

Opponents, however, question whether personnel are properly trained in how to evaluate when to change traffic signals, while others question the effectiveness of the technology itself. Some contend that traffic signals should only be changed during emergencies and that passage of the bill could provide an unfair competitive advantage to public bus transportation compared to private industry.

Should public transit bus operators be able to change a traffic signal in New Hampshire? Leave a comment below to join the discussion, and we'll present your thoughts to legislators considering this issue. Only comments from NH residents will be counted, so please indicate if you are from NH in your response.