Additional Info

Buses and Mini-Buses Only – R134 Road Sign

The Buses and Mini-Buses Only road sign, identified as R134, is a South African regulatory command sign used to indicate that a public road or portion of a public road has been set aside for buses and minibuses only.

R134 imposes a mandatory requirement on drivers of buses and minibuses to use the designated roadway. At the same time, other classes of road users are not permitted to use the public road or portion of road identified by the sign.

The sign forms part of the South African road traffic sign system used to control access according to vehicle class. The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual places R134 within the group of combined passenger-transport command signs.

What Does the R134 Road Sign Mean?

The R134 sign means Buses and Mini-Buses Only.

It indicates that the relevant public road or portion of a public road has been specifically set aside for buses and minibuses.

Drivers of buses and minibuses are required to use the designated roadway where the R134 command applies. Other classes of vehicles and road users shall not use the indicated public road or portion of public road.

Is R134 a Command Sign?

Yes. R134 is a regulatory command sign, not simply an information sign.

The sign gives a mandatory instruction concerning which vehicle classes may use the designated roadway. This means that R134 should only be used where a public road or portion of a public road has actually been designated for shared use by buses and minibuses.

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual notes that the use of R134, together with R135 and R136, is likely to be relatively rare. These signs are intended for specific traffic-management situations where shared passenger-transport facilities are required.

Which Vehicles Does R134 Apply To?

R134 applies specifically to buses and minibuses.

It should not be confused with other vehicle-specific command signs:

• R119: Minibuses Only
• R120: Midi-Buses Only
• R121: Buses Only
• R134: Buses and Minibuses Only
• R135: Buses and Midi-Buses Only
• R136: Buses, Midi-Buses and Minibuses Only

These signs allow the road authority or traffic-management designer to select a command sign that matches the passenger-transport vehicle classes permitted to use the designated roadway.

Where Are R134 Signs Used?

R134 can be used where buses and minibuses need to share a designated public-road facility.

Potential applications can include:

• Dedicated public-transport roadways
• Passenger transport facilities
• Transport terminals
• Public transport interchanges
• Designated bus and minibus routes
• Controlled passenger-transport access routes
• Terminal roadways
• Passenger-transport parking or circulation facilities where the official sign is appropriate
• Complex transport facilities requiring vehicle-class segregation

The SARTSM explains that shared passenger-transport facilities can include roadways, terminal facilities and parking facilities. Combined vehicle-class signs such as R134 can reduce the need to install multiple separate command signs.

R134 at Public Transport Facilities

Public transport facilities can have several different types of vehicle movement, including passenger loading, unloading, circulation and access to terminals.

Where a roadway is specifically designated for buses and minibuses, R134 provides a standardised command to identify that facility.

Additional regulatory, directional, parking and pedestrian signs may be required depending on the layout and operation of the transport facility.

R134 Sign Placement

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual states that R134 should be displayed at the beginning of a roadway specifically set aside for shared use by buses and minibuses.

The sign should normally be positioned on the left side of the public road or portion of road to which it applies.

Where a one-way roadway is dedicated to passenger-transport vehicles, the manual recommends that the sign be displayed on both the left and right sides of the roadway.

R134 Sign Visibility

The sign should be positioned so that drivers can clearly see the command before entering the roadway or road section to which the restriction applies.

Factors that may affect the appropriate positioning include:

• Road layout
• Approach speed
• Sight distance
• Junctions and entrances
• Other traffic signs
• Pedestrian movements
• Passenger loading areas
• Public transport circulation patterns

Official public-road installations should follow the applicable requirements of the road authority and the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual.

R134 Sign Colours and Design

The permanent R134 Buses and Mini-Buses Only sign uses the standard South African command-sign colour arrangement.

• Border and symbols: White retroreflective
• Background: Blue retroreflective

The blue-and-white design identifies R134 as a permanent command sign.

Temporary Buses and Mini-Buses Only Sign – TR134

The temporary version of R134 is TR134.

The SARTSM states that temporary versions of R134, R135 and R136 are unlikely to be required frequently. Where a temporary version is specified, it must use the temporary command-sign colour arrangement.

• Inner border and symbols: Black semi-matt
• Background and outer border: Yellow retroreflective

TR134 may therefore be considered where a temporary traffic arrangement requires buses and minibuses to use a particular roadway or facility.

R134 Sign Size

The size of an R134 sign should be selected according to the applicable South African regulatory-sign specifications and the road environment.

The official SARTSM Vol. 4 provides the dimensional requirements for R134 and TR134. Sign sizing should follow the applicable specification rather than using one universal size for every installation.

R136 has a special sizing requirement: because it contains three vehicle symbols, it is specified one size larger than R134 for the corresponding application.

R134 and Public Transport Traffic Management

R134 can form part of a wider public-transport traffic-management system.

Depending on the facility, additional signs may communicate:

• Bus and minibus routes
• Passenger loading areas
• Parking arrangements
• Stopping restrictions
• Pedestrian crossings
• Directions to terminals
• Vehicle entry and exit points
• Other public-transport restrictions

The SARTSM notes that public-transport signing can become complex and includes a range of command, prohibition and reservation signs.

R134 Compared With R121 Buses Only

R134 Buses and Mini-Buses Only should not be confused with R121 Buses Only.

• R121: Buses Only.
• R134: Buses and Mini-Buses Only.

R121 is intended for a roadway designated for buses only, while R134 allows the designated roadway to be shared by buses and minibuses.

R134 Compared With R135 and R136

The combined passenger-transport command signs have different applications:

• R134: Buses and Minibuses Only.
• R135: Buses and Midi-Buses Only.
• R136: Buses, Midi-Buses and Minibuses Only.

The correct sign should be selected according to the vehicle classes that have been designated to use the roadway or facility.

R134 on Private Property

Private properties such as shopping centres, office parks, hospitals, universities, residential estates and large commercial developments can use public-transport signage to manage vehicle movement within their premises.

However, the official R134 designation refers to a public road or portion of a public road. A private site should therefore use signage appropriate to its own traffic-management requirements and should not automatically assume that a privately installed sign has the same legal status as an official public-road regulatory sign.

Who May Need R134 Signs?

R134 signage may be relevant to organisations and authorities managing designated public-transport facilities, including:

• Road authorities
• Municipalities
• Public transport projects
• Bus terminals
• Transport interchanges
• Passenger transport facilities
• Large commercial developments
• Hospitals and healthcare campuses
• Universities and educational campuses
• Shopping centres
• Large controlled-access developments

Benefits of Clear R134 Signage

• Clearly identifies a roadway designated for buses and minibuses.
• Communicates the applicable vehicle-class requirement.
• Helps public transport drivers identify the designated roadway.
• Can support organised movement through passenger transport facilities.
• Can reduce the need for separate signs where buses and minibuses share the same facility.
• Can form part of a wider public-transport traffic-management system.
• Provides a standardised command at the beginning of the designated roadway.

Frequently Asked Questions About R134

What does the R134 road sign mean?

R134 means Buses and Mini-Buses Only. It indicates that a public road or portion of a public road has been set aside for buses and minibuses and imposes a mandatory requirement on those vehicle classes to use the designated roadway.

Is R134 a command sign?

Yes. R134 is a regulatory command sign. It provides a mandatory instruction concerning the use of the designated roadway by buses and minibuses.

Where should an R134 sign be installed?

The SARTSM states that R134 should be displayed at the beginning of a roadway specifically set aside for shared use by buses and minibuses. It should normally be positioned on the left side of the applicable public road.

Can R134 be used on a one-way roadway?

Yes. Where a one-way roadway is dedicated to passenger-transport vehicles, the SARTSM recommends displaying R134 on both the left and right sides of the roadway.

What is the difference between R121 and R134?

R121 is Buses Only, while R134 is Buses and Mini-Buses Only. R134 therefore identifies a roadway intended to be shared by buses and minibuses.

What is the difference between R134 and R135?

R134 is for buses and minibuses, while R135 is for buses and midi-buses. R136 covers buses, midi-buses and minibuses.

What is the temporary version of R134?

The temporary version is TR134. Where required, it uses the temporary command-sign design with a yellow retroreflective background and outer border and black semi-matt inner border and symbols.

Can R134 be used at a shopping centre?

A shopping centre or other private development can use suitable bus and minibus traffic-management signage. However, the official R134 designation applies to a public road or portion of a public road, so private-site signage should be selected according to the property's traffic-management requirements.

Can R134 be used with other traffic signs?

Yes. Public-transport facilities can require a combination of command, prohibition, reservation, directional and pedestrian signs depending on the traffic arrangement.

Can Signs4SA supply R134 signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with Buses and Mini-Buses Only – R134 road signs and other regulatory, road, traffic-management and safety signage. Provide the required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.

Order Buses and Mini-Buses Only – R134 Road Signs

Need Buses and Mini-Buses Only – R134 road signs for a public transport route, terminal, transport facility or controlled traffic area?

Contact Signs4SA to discuss your R134 signage requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.

Buses and mini-buses only signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Buses and mini-buses only sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Buses and mini-buses only signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.

More About Buses and mini-buses only

Safety signs are an essential part of any workplace or public space. They are used to warn people of potential hazards, provide guidance on safe behavior, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. One type of safety sign is the Buses and mini-buses only sign, which is designed to alert people to potential dangers in a particular area. Buses and mini-buses only signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Buses and mini-buses only sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Buses and mini-buses only signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment. In addition to these types of safety signs, there are also specialized signs available for specific industries or hazards. For example, construction sites may use signs to indicate the location of underground utilities or to warn of falling debris. Healthcare facilities may use signs to remind employees to wash their hands or to indicate the location of first aid supplies. When selecting safety signs, it is important to choose signs that are appropriate for the specific hazard or situation. Signs should be placed in prominent locations where they are easily visible, and should be made from durable materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. By using safety signs effectively, businesses and organizations can help protect their employees, customers, and visitors from harm.

Customer Reviews