The results of a bus priority signal demonstration project

This paper reviews the results of a demonstration project of an active bus priority signal installation at an intersection. The priority equipment has been shown to be effective in reducing travel time and improving travel time reliability for priority buses. The priority scheme did not apparently have any undue adverse distributional effects on any particular group, and it did not lead to a more hazardous intersection control. However, energy consumption and air pollution were each worsened by the installation of priority equipment. A clear implication of the studies at the demonstration site is that bus priority on a route basis (ie, the installation of active priority equipment at several or all intersections along a route) is attractive. It increases the benefits to priority users, does not lead to significantly greater disbenefits to non priority users, and has the potential to induce mode switching. It thus appears that better use of an existing system can be obtained through the selective use of new technologies.