PRIORITY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND OTHER HOV ON URBAN MOTORWAYS. A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT IN MADRID

This paper describes a project carried out in Madrid to favour public transport and other high occupancy vehicles (HOV) and presents some early results of assessments. A HOV facility has been constructed in the central reserve of the N-VI motorway between Madrid and Las Rozas. There are 12.3km of two reversible lanes used by HOV and buses and a 3.8km section with a single reversible lane for the exclusive use of buses. Also included in the project are a bus lane, bus/underground interchange in Madrid and a traffic control and management system. The assessment of the project in progress will consider the effects on a) mobility patterns, b) traffic conditions, c) accessibility and d) road safety. Some early results show a reduction in travel time, an increase in occupancy and an increase in bus patronage. For the covering abstract see IRRD 875078.