Seattle Police are going to start enforcing the use of the so-called Business Access and Transit lanes on Elliott Way and on 15th Avenue.

The curb lanes in both directions of this corridor have been converted to access and transit lanes as part of the paving project. These lanes were installed to accommodate the growing number of buses using the route and which the city claims will see further increases over the next several years with implementation of Metro's Rapid Ride bus service.

The purpose of the Business Access and Transit lanes is to allow buses and bicycles to travel along the corridor with minimum delay, increasing transit speed and reliability while maintaining access to local businesses. Buses and bicycles have full use of the lanes only during peak traffic periods and other drivers may enter the lanes to access businesses along the corridor. During off-peak hours the lanes are available for use by all and for parking. However, only buses and bicycles can travel continuously along the curb lane as other drivers are still limited by the right turn restrictions that are in force at all times.

Signs on the corridor indicate that drivers in the curb lane - except buses and bicycles - must turn right at marked intersections.

Drivers not obeying the lane restrictions will be ticketed.