60.9. At what distance from the edge of the carriageway must a trolleybus driver stop for boarding or alighting passengers?
UAНа якій відстані від краю проїзної частини дороги водій тролейбуса повинен зупинятися для посадки або висадки пасажирів?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety during passenger transportation and the proper organization of stopping for route vehicles. How close the trolleybus approaches the edge of the carriageway directly affects the comfort and risk of injury for people when boarding and alighting: the greater the gap to the curb, the higher the likelihood of stumbling, especially for children, elderly passengers, and people with luggage.
The question tests knowledge of Section 17 of the Traffic Rules regarding the movement and stopping of route vehicles, as well as understanding of terms from point 1.10 (what a route vehicle and carriageway are). According to the requirements of point 17.2, during boarding and alighting at stops, and in their absence near the right edge, the driver of a route vehicle (including a trolleybus) must stop as close as possible to the edge of the carriageway, but within the established limit of 0.3 m.
The analysis of the options in the ticket for the theoretical exam is straightforward: values of 1 m and 0.75 m leave too large a gap between the step and the edge of the carriageway, which contradicts the traffic rules and creates danger during boarding/alighting. The only option that meets the direct requirement of the traffic rules is the limit of 0.3 m, which is why it is the correct answer in this exam question.
Clause 17.2
The driver of a route vehicle must pick up (drop off) passengers at public transport stops, and if there are none — near the right edge of the carriageway (on the shoulder), stopping at a distance of no more than 0.3 m from the edge of the carriageway.
Explanation: a trolleybus is classified as a route vehicle, so when picking up/dropping off passengers, it must approach as close as possible to the edge of the carriageway, but within the established limit — 0.3 m.
Clause 1.10 (term "Route vehicle")
Route vehicle — a public transport vehicle (bus, trolleybus, tram, route taxi) that operates on a set route and has designated stops on the road.
Explanation: this definition directly extends the requirements of Section 17 of the Traffic Rules to trolleybuses.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Explanation: the "0.3 m" distance in the question is measured precisely from the edge of the carriageway (the boundary of the carriageway as a road element).
Thus, the correct answer is "No more than 0.3 m.", considering that according to the Traffic Rules definition, the driver of a route vehicle (including a trolleybus) is required to stop near the edge of the carriageway at a distance of no more than 0.3 m when picking up/dropping off passengers.
When stopping to pick up or drop off passengers, the trolleybus driver must ensure that people can safely and conveniently board or exit the vehicle. That is why the Traffic Rules establish the requirement to stop the trolleybus as close as possible to the edge of the roadway.
If the trolleybus stops too far from the curb, a dangerous gap forms between the step and the edge of the roadway. The passenger has to take a wider step, may stumble, get their foot caught in the gap, or lose balance. This is especially critical for children, the elderly, and passengers with belongings.
Therefore, the Traffic Rules limit the permissible distance from the edge of the roadway: the trolleybus driver must stop so that this gap is minimal and does not exceed the established standard. For example, when the trolleybus approaches a stop, the driver should bring the vehicle almost right up to the curb, without creating obstacles and leaving passengers a short and safe step.
Thus, the correct answer is "No more than 0.3 m," since the Traffic Rules require the trolleybus to stop as close as possible to the edge of the roadway so that boarding and alighting are safe and convenient.