Case Studies

Learn from successful bus infrastructure projects.

South East Busway, Brisbane Australia

Overview

The South East Busway in Brisbane, Australia, is a prime example of how dedicated bus infrastructure can dramatically improve urban transit efficiency and commuter satisfaction. Opened in stages between 2000 and 2001, this 16.5-kilometre bus-only corridor connects Brisbane’s central business district (CBD) with the southern suburbs, revolutionising public transport in the region.

Background

In the late 1990s, Brisbane was grappling with increasing traffic congestion due to rapid population growth and urban sprawl. Buses were delayed by general traffic, resulting in unreliable schedules and decreased public confidence in the bus system. The need for a more efficient public transport solution was evident.

Infrastructure Implementation

Key Features

  • Dedicated Bus Lanes: The busway provides exclusive lanes for buses, completely segregated from other traffic.
  • Modern Stations: Equipped with amenities such as real-time information displays, comfortable seating, and accessibility features for people with disabilities.
  • High-Frequency Services: “Turn up and go” services with buses running every few minutes during peak periods.
  • Integrated Ticketing: The go card system allows seamless transfers between buses, trains, and ferries within the TransLink network.

Development Phases

  • Stage 1 (2000): Opening of the initial section from the CBD to Woolloongabba.
  • Stage 2 (2001): Extension to Eight Mile Plains, completing the 16.5 km corridor.

Outcomes

Increased Patronage

  • Ridership Growth: Bus patronage increased by over 50% within the first few years of operation.
  • Modal Shift: Significant number of commuters switched from private cars to buses.

Reduced Travel Times

  • Efficiency Gains: Travel times reduced by up to 20 minutes during peak hours.
  • Reliability: On-time performance improved due to the elimination of traffic delays.

Environmental Benefits

  • Emission Reductions: Fewer cars on the road led to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Air Quality Improvement: Reduced pollution levels in urban areas.

Economic Impact

  • Cost Savings: Reduced need for road expansions and maintenance.
  • Economic Development: Enhanced accessibility spurred growth in suburbs along the busway.

Lessons Learned

Importance of Infrastructure Investment

Investing in dedicated bus infrastructure can significantly enhance the efficiency and appeal of public transport systems.

Integrated Planning

Coordinating bus infrastructure with urban development maximises benefits, including land value uplift and improved accessibility.

Community Engagement

Effective communication and consultation with the public are crucial for the successful implementation of large infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

The South East Busway has transformed Brisbane’s public transport landscape, providing a fast, reliable, and efficient service that competes favourably with private car travel. This case study demonstrates the profound impact that well-planned bus infrastructure can have on urban mobility and environmental sustainability.

References

  • TransLink. (n.d.). South East Busway. Retrieved from TransLink Website
  • Queensland Government. (n.d.). Brisbane Busway Projects. Retrieved from Queensland Government Website
  • Currie, G., & Delbosc, A. (2010). Bus Rapid Transit in Australasia: Performance, lessons learned and futures. Journal of Public Transportation, 13(2), 1-22.

Bus Bulbs in Vancouver, British Columbia

Overview

Vancouver, a bustling city on Canada’s west coast, has implemented bus bulbs—also known as kerb outstands or curb extensions—as part of its strategy to enhance public transport efficiency. By extending the sidewalk into the parking lane at bus stops, Vancouver has improved bus service reliability and reduced delays, benefiting both commuters and the transit system as a whole.

Background

Facing growing traffic congestion and increasing demand for public transport, Vancouver sought innovative solutions to improve bus service efficiency without extensive infrastructure overhauls. Traditional bus stops required buses to pull out of the travel lane to pick up and drop off passengers, leading to delays when re-entering traffic. This problem was particularly acute during peak hours on busy corridors.

Implementation of Bus Bulbs

Key Features

  • Sidewalk Extensions: Bus bulbs extend the sidewalk at bus stops, allowing buses to stop in the travel lane.
  • Improved Accessibility: Provides more space for passengers to board and alight, including those with mobility challenges.
  • Traffic Calming: Narrows the roadway, encouraging drivers to reduce speed, enhancing pedestrian safety.

Notable Corridors

  • Main Street: One of the first areas where bus bulbs were implemented to support high-frequency bus routes.
  • Commercial Drive: Improved bus operations and pedestrian amenities in a vibrant commercial district.
  • Broadway Corridor: Enhanced bus service on one of the busiest transit corridors in the city.

Collaboration

The implementation involved collaboration between:

  • TransLink: The regional transit authority responsible for public transport services.
  • City of Vancouver: Managed street design and infrastructure changes.
  • Community Stakeholders: Local businesses and residents were consulted to address concerns and gather support.

Outcomes

Enhanced Bus Efficiency

  • Reduced Delays: Buses no longer need to merge back into traffic, reducing dwell time at stops.
  • Improved Schedule Adherence: More reliable arrival and departure times, enhancing passenger confidence in the system.
  • Increased Average Speeds: Overall improvement in bus travel times along modified corridors.

Safety Improvements

  • Pedestrian Safety: Shorter crossing distances and improved visibility at intersections.
  • Traffic Calming: Reduction in vehicle speeds due to roadway narrowing.

Positive Impact on Ridership

  • Increased Patronage: Improved reliability led to higher bus ridership on affected routes.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Passengers reported better overall satisfaction with bus services.

Lessons Learned

Infrastructure Matters

  • Small Changes, Big Impact: Modest infrastructure modifications like bus bulbs can significantly enhance transit efficiency.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Bus bulbs are a relatively low-cost solution compared to building dedicated bus lanes.

Community Engagement is Crucial

  • Stakeholder Involvement: Early and continuous engagement with local businesses and residents helped mitigate concerns about parking loss and traffic changes.
  • Adaptive Design: Feedback from the community was used to fine-tune designs for optimal outcomes.

Integration with Urban Design

  • Multi-Modal Benefits: Bus bulbs support not just transit users but also pedestrians and cyclists by improving street infrastructure.
  • Aesthetic Enhancements: Opportunities to add street furniture, greenery, and other amenities that enhance the urban environment.

Conclusion

Vancouver’s implementation of bus bulbs demonstrates how targeted infrastructure improvements can lead to faster and more reliable bus operations. By addressing a specific bottleneck in bus service efficiency, the city has enhanced the attractiveness of public transport, contributing to its goals of reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable urban mobility.

References

  • City of Vancouver. (n.d.). Transit Improvements. Retrieved from City of Vancouver Website
  • TransLink. (n.d.). Bus Priority Measures. Retrieved from TransLink Website
  • CUTA. (2010). Improving Bus Stop Accessibility in the City of Vancouver. Canadian Urban Transit Association.
  • Stanley, G. (2015). The Impact of Bus Bulbs on Transit Efficiency and Traffic Flow in Vancouver. University of British Columbia.