Bus lane

Bus lane is a special road or part of a road that is designated for the exclusive or semi-exclusive use of buses. In some jurisdictions, bus lanes may also be used by taxis, bicycles, motorcycles, or carpools.

History

The concept of the bus lane originated in Chicago in 1940, with the aim of improving public transport efficiency and reducing traffic congestion. Since then, bus lanes have been implemented in many cities around the world, including London, New York City, and Sydney.

Design and operation

Bus lanes are typically marked with road surface markings and signs. They may be located in the center of the road, on the right-hand side, or on the left-hand side, depending on the local traffic rules. Some bus lanes operate at all times, while others only operate during peak commuting hours.

Benefits and criticisms

Bus lanes can significantly improve the speed and reliability of bus services, leading to increased public transport usage and reduced air pollution. However, they have also been criticized for reducing the amount of road space available for other vehicles and potentially increasing traffic congestion for non-bus users.

See also

• Bus rapid transit
• High-occupancy vehicle lane
• Traffic congestion
• Public transport