An Integrated Approach to Bus Priority: A Vision for Bus Network Development and Bus Priority in Central London

This article used Central London as a case study to demonstrate an approach to rethinking the route structure of a bus network, as an answer to bus congestion and the resulting delays in large urban areas. The author notes that traditional bus priority measures, in which buses have special lanes or routes, can have limited benefit as buses themselves cause congestion and delays to other buses. The article describes some of the current proposals that present an opportunity and necessity for the bus network to be reviewed, including proposals for a tram for Oxford Street and for the Olympics in 2012. The author proposes a practical example of a new bus route network for Central London, along with methodology for how this network could be developed in stages. The first stage would be the replacement of several bus routes, with the routes to form the new Central London Bus Network. These bus routes would terminate on the edge of Central London at key interchanges. The second stage would be for the removal of infrequent bus services from Central London; the third stage would include development of a tram in Oxford Street (to support its closure to all vehicles) and a new bus station at Marble Arch. The fourth stage is the reconstruction of many of London's railway terminals to improve the interchanges between bus and rail modes of travel. The final stage is the completion of bus priority measures on each corridor. This network would result in reliable bus journey times and a robust transportation mode that could provide an alternative to the tube network. A final section briefly considers the role of bicycles as a positive mode of transportation in London.