BUS LANES - THEIR PROBLEMS AND ADVANTAGES

This paper considers the way in which bus priority can be given using traffic signals, either by pre-programming traffic signals in an area traffic control scheme, or by giving priority at individual signals when buses are detected by transponders carried on the buses. Experiments indicate that benefit is dependent on the exact nature of the junction and of the permissible equipment. Greater benefits can be achieved if signal control is combined with appropriate traffic management measures. The best established provision of bus priority in England is by bus lanes which by-pass queues of other traffic, or permit buses to take a more direct route through a one-way traffic system. Attempts have been made to quantify benefits in terms of passenger time-saving, operational savings and bus regularity. Signing of bus lanes and other forms of priority to particular road users are also discussed.(a) /TRRL/