Can a 15-passenger van use the bus lane in Montreal?
In Quebec, a 15-passenger van requires a mini-bus licence. https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/in-a-fifteen-passenger-van/what-the-law-says/
So I'm wondering if 15-passenger vans are allowed to use the bus lanes in Montreal, specifically. Of particular interest would be the Champlain Bridge bus lane.
I know that Aeronavette from Sherbrooke to Pierre Elliott Trudeau uses 15-passenger vans, but I've never seen one on the bus lane to my memory. https://aeronavette.ca
I'm also pretty sure that the Greyhound buses (full buses) do use that lane, so I think it's not restricted to the Montreal Transportation system.
So are 15-passenger vans allowed to use the bus lanes, and if so, what are the requirements (example minimum passengers, commercial usage, etc.)
Best Answer
The Quebec Highway Safety Code contains the following definitions (italics mine):
- “bus” means a motor vehicle, other than a minibus, designed for the transportation of more than nine occupants at a time and used mainly for that purpose or equipped with devices to secure wheelchairs against movement;
...
- “minibus” means a motor vehicle having two axles with single wheels and equipped with not more than five rows of seats for the transportation of more than nine occupants at a time, or equipped with devices to secure wheelchairs against movement;
As the law distinguishes between a "bus" and a "minibus" in this way — in particular, a "minibus" is specifically not a "bus" under the Code — I suspect that minibuses would not be allowed in lanes reserved for "buses" only.
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Can I drive a 15 passenger van in Canada?
As such, 12- and 15-passenger vans could be subject to a broad range of federal, provincial and territorial acts and regulations that govern commercial transport. According to these requirements, drivers may need a commercial bus driver's licence and meet higher medical fitness standards in order to drive these vans.ABLE: Automated Bus Lane Enforcement
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Answer 2
There reserved lanes are not just for buses. Taxis are allowed too. Here is the official statement which is valid for the greater Montreal region.
As you can see, it does not say minibus which are a different category of vehicle. Considering that a taxi as bus is allowed but both are commercial passenger vehicles, I would be very surprised if they would fine a minibus for using that lane. On some lanes, even private carpools are allowed, although those are clearly marked with a carpool sign in addition to the usual diamond shape.
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