HOW TO ENSURE THAT BUSES RUN ON TIME IN A BUSY URBAN ENVIRONMENT

This article describes elements in the strategy for delivering public transport on a congested urban network using a package of measures along the bus routes in the city of Bristol, south west England. The scheme included the provision of two new urban traffic control regions, modifications to seven critical junctions, bus lanes and gates and bus priority software fitted to traffic signal controllers. Low floor accessible buses have been introduced, and real-time travel information at key bus stops. The concept looked at capacity assessments for the whole route so that action could be taken on problem areas. Much of the work involved junction improvements to free the traffic flow. Variable levels of bus priority exist for buses depending on how late they are running. Case study summaries are given for two specific locations, featuring MOVA traffic control software and a contraflow bus lane.