Additional Info

Buses and Trams Only – R139 Road Sign

The Buses and Trams Only road sign, identified as R139, is a South African regulatory command sign used to indicate that a public road or portion of a public road has been specifically set aside for buses and trams.

R139 provides a mandatory instruction concerning the vehicle classes permitted to use the designated roadway. Where the sign applies, buses and trams are required to use the designated public road or road section, while other classes of road users shall not use the roadway identified by the sign.

R139 is part of the group of passenger-transport command signs covering tram and light-rail operations. The related signs are R138 for trams only and R140 for buses, trams and minibuses. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

What Does the R139 Road Sign Mean?

R139 means Buses and Trams Only.

The sign indicates that the relevant public road or portion of a public road has been set aside for the use of buses and trams only.

Drivers of buses are required to use the designated public road or road section where the R139 command applies. The sign also has the effect that other classes of road users shall not use the roadway identified by the sign. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

Is R139 a Regulatory Command Sign?

Yes. R139 is a regulatory command sign, rather than simply an information or warning sign.

It communicates a mandatory vehicle-class restriction and is intended for public roads or portions of public roads that have been designated for shared use by buses and trams.

What Is R139 Used For?

R139 is used where buses and trams need to share a designated public roadway or road section.

The sign provides one command covering both vehicle classes instead of requiring separate signs for buses and trams where the same roadway is intended for their shared use.

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual specifically recognises that public roadways may be shared by trams and other forms of public transport and provides R139 for this type of shared operation. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

Where Are R139 Signs Used?

R139 may be applicable where a public transport or light-rail facility requires a roadway to be shared by buses and trams.

Possible applications include:

• Dedicated bus and tram roadways
• Light rail transit facilities
• Tramway routes shared with buses
• Public transport corridors
• Transport interchanges
• Dedicated passenger-transport road sections
• Tram and bus access routes
• Public transport infrastructure projects
• Road sections designated for shared bus and tram operation

The exact application depends on the road layout, public transport system and requirements of the responsible road authority.

R139 and Shared Public Transport Roadways

Some public transport systems may require buses and trams to use the same roadway or portion of a roadway.

R139 provides a single regulatory command for this shared arrangement. It identifies the vehicle classes that have been designated to use the roadway and prevents other classes of road users from using the indicated public road or road section.

The SARTSM recommends that R138, R139 and R140 be used in accordance with the principles applying to similar passenger-transport command signs. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

R139 Compared With R138 and R140

The three tram-related command signs cover different combinations of passenger-transport vehicles:

• R138: Trams Only
• R139: Buses and Trams Only
• R140: Buses, Trams and Minibuses Only

R139 is therefore used when buses and trams share the designated roadway, without adding minibuses to the vehicle classes shown on the sign. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

R139 Sign Placement

The SARTSM states that R138, R139 and R140 should be displayed at the beginning of a roadway set aside for the relevant passenger-transport vehicle types.

R139 should therefore be positioned at the point where the designated bus-and-tram roadway begins, taking into account visibility, road layout, entrances, junctions and other traffic signs.

The exact installation arrangement should follow the applicable South African road-sign requirements and the requirements of the responsible road authority. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

R139 Sign Design and Colours

The permanent R139 sign uses the standard permanent regulatory command-sign colour arrangement:

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

These specifications are confirmed in SARTSM Volume 4 for R139. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4C2-part-a.pdf))

R139 Sign Size

The dimensions of R139 should be selected according to the applicable South African Road Traffic Signs Manual specifications.

SARTSM Volume 4 provides the dimensional requirements for R139, including the relevant sign-design dimensions and enlargement factors. The correct size should therefore be selected according to the specific road application rather than using one universal size for every installation. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4C2-part-a.pdf))

R139 and Tram or Light Rail Infrastructure

Tram and light rail systems can operate within complex urban transport environments where rail vehicles and buses need to share certain facilities.

R139 provides the regulatory command where a public road or road section has been designated specifically for buses and trams.

Additional traffic-management signs may be required for tram crossings, junctions, pedestrian movements, stops, directions and other aspects of the transport system.

R139 and Other Road Users

R139 is intended to clearly identify a roadway that has been designated for buses and trams.

Where the sign applies, other classes of road users shall not use the public road or portion of public road identified by R139. This is what makes R139 a regulatory command rather than a general public-transport information sign. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

R139 and Public Transport Traffic Management

R139 can form part of a larger public transport traffic-management system.

Depending on the facility, additional signage and road markings may be required for:

• Bus and tram routes
• Passenger loading areas
• Tram stops
• Bus stops
• Pedestrian crossings
• Road crossings
• Transport interchanges
• Access and exit points
• Traffic directions
• Stopping and parking controls

The applicable signs and markings depend on the design and operation of the particular public transport facility.

R139 on Private Property

Private developments such as shopping centres, office parks, hospitals and large transport facilities may have internal roads that accommodate buses or specialised passenger transport.

However, the official R139 designation applies to a public road or portion of a public road. Private-site traffic-management signage should therefore be selected according to the site's requirements and should not automatically be represented as an official public-road R139 installation.

Who May Need R139 Signs?

R139 signage may be relevant to organisations involved in public transport and light rail infrastructure, including:

• Municipalities
• Road authorities
• Public transport authorities
• Light rail transit projects
• Tramway infrastructure projects
• Transport infrastructure contractors
• Traffic-management contractors
• Transport interchanges
• Public transport facilities
• Urban transport development projects

Benefits of Clear R139 Signage

• Clearly identifies a roadway designated for buses and trams.
• Provides one command sign covering two passenger-transport vehicle classes.
• Communicates a mandatory vehicle-access instruction.
• Helps identify the beginning of a designated bus-and-tram roadway.
• Supports organised public transport traffic management.
• Can form part of a wider bus, tram and light rail signage system.

Frequently Asked Questions About R139 Road Signs

What does the R139 road sign mean?

R139 means Buses and Trams Only. It indicates that a public road or portion of a public road has been set aside for buses and trams and that other classes of road users shall not use the designated roadway. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

Is R139 a regulatory command sign?

Yes. R139 is a regulatory command sign that gives a mandatory instruction concerning the vehicle classes permitted to use the designated roadway. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

Where should an R139 sign be installed?

R139 should be displayed at the beginning of a roadway that has been set aside for buses and trams. The exact installation position should follow the applicable road-sign specifications and the requirements of the responsible road authority. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

Can other vehicles use an R139 roadway?

No. Where R139 designates a public road or portion of a public road for buses and trams, other classes of road users shall not use the roadway identified by the sign. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

What is the difference between R138 and R139?

R138 means Trams Only, while R139 means Buses and Trams Only. R139 therefore applies where buses and trams share the designated roadway.

What is the difference between R139 and R140?

R139 applies to buses and trams, while R140 applies to buses, trams and minibuses.

Can R139 be used for light rail transit?

Yes. R139 is part of the South African regulatory sign system covering tram and light rail vehicle facilities and shared operation with other forms of public transport. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V1C2.pdf))

What colour is the permanent R139 sign?

The permanent R139 sign has a blue retroreflective background with a white retroreflective border and symbols. ([transport.gov.za](https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4C2-part-a.pdf))

Can Signs4SA supply R139 signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with R139 Buses and Trams Only road signs and other regulatory, command, traffic-management and public transport signage. Provide your required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.

Order Buses and Trams Only – R139 Road Signs

Need R139 Buses and Trams Only signs for a public transport route, tramway, light rail project, transport facility or designated roadway?

Contact Signs4SA to discuss your R139 signage requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.

Buses and trams 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 trams 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 trams 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 trams 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 trams only sign, which is designed to alert people to potential dangers in a particular area. Buses and trams 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 trams 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 trams 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.

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