Digital priority solutions will help to revive bus usage

A combination of bus priority systems and longer-term infrastructure projects is the best strategy for making the bus an attractive travel choice as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, writes Tim Rivett

Tim Rivett

29 June 2021

Traffic signals are linked to an urban traffic control system, which decides how much priority to give a bus

A First Group bus traversing a bus gate on the Wicker in Sheffield

Stagecoach and First group buses receiving a green light at a bus priority controlled junction on the Wicker in Sheffield

With the opening up of society as Covid-19 pandemic restrictions are gradually relaxed, we have been seeing rising traffic levels for some months. Whist we are also seeing increased use of public transport it is still far from back to pre-pandemic patronage levels. This gap in patronage is likely to be difficult to close as it probably reflects those travellers who have a choice of mode. They may be continuing to use their private car because they have found it more convenient and/or they are...