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Buses

Hop on the bus! | The bigger picture | Bus lanes | Bus priority measures | Real time passenger information | Other ways we are helping buses | Catching a bus | CBD bus lanes (west)

Bus priority measures

There are a number of initiatives underway that work to give buses priority over other traffic on main roads into the CBD. The aim is to investigate and implement affordable and practical bus priority measures that will:

  • make travel by bus more attractive and more reliable
  • encourage people to leave their cars at home and take a bus
  • protect buses from the effects of growing traffic congestion.

Several bus lanes have already been introduced, leading to faster bus trips along some routes - in turn leading to more people using the buses. Other service improvements such as better buses, higher frequencies and better information about services have also been introduced as part of the schemes.

TopCurrent proposals for new bus priorities

There are a number of proposals for new bus priorities underway. The following table lists the proposals by area, find out more by following the links.

Area Bus priority proposal Details
  • Ian McKinnon Drive
 Ian McKinnon Drive improvements Ian McKinnon Drive has been identified as a road where transport choices could be improved for all users. We are proposing a number of changes around Ian McKinnon Drive and sections of New North Road, Upper Queen Street, Alex Evans Street and Dominion Road that will make the area safer and more attractive for all users.
  • Great South Road
 Evening peak time outbound bus lanes The council is proposing bus lanes along the east side of Great South Road, between Broadway and Green Lane West to duplicate existing bus lanes on the west side of the road.

TopOther measures

Clearway sign.

Clearways

Some of the bus priority proposals for Auckland City also involve the creation of clearways, which all traffic may use if bus lane controls are not also in place. As with bus lanes, stopping or parking on clearways is prohibited during peak traffic times.
Bus advance signal.

Bus advance traffic signalsBus advance

Bus advance areas enable buses to go to the front of the queue at traffic lights. An extra set of traffic lights, with a special bus signal, is installed about 50 metres before the intersection to hold other traffic back while buses go to the front.

Bus bypasses.

Bus bypasses

Bypasses are special lanes at intersections that enable buses to travel around traffic stopped at intersections. At some intersections buses will be allowed to travel straight through from a left-turn-only lane, helping them to bypass the queues in other lanes.

Bus border.

Bus border. Bus border

A bus border is the reverse of a bus bay. It intrudes
onto a traffic lane making it easier for buses to stop and to move back into the traffic flow.

Signal pre-emption.

Signal pre-emption

Signal pre-emption detects when a bus is coming and turns or keeps traffic lights green to let the bus through an intersection. The system consists of detectors in the road which are linked to traffic lights. When a bus passes over a detector, a message is sent ahead that a bus is on its way. If the lights are about to turn red they are instructed to stay green until the bus passes through. If the lights are red, then the green phase is brought forward.

Click here to find out more about Auckland City's signal pre-emption project.