busway

A busway is a transportation corridor dedicated primarily to buses, designed to improve speed, reliability, and capacity of bus services by minimizing interaction with general traffic. Busways can take the form of off-street corridors built separately from streets, or on-street lanes that are reserved for buses with priority measures. They are often associated with bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, but the term can also apply to more modest, high-frequency bus services that operate on a protected route.

Design and operation typically emphasize an exclusive or semi-exclusive right-of-way, with features such as separated surfaces, grade separation from mixed traffic, or special signal priority at intersections. Many busways use stations that allow level boarding, with off-board fare collection to speed passenger processing. Some systems employ guided-bus technology, where vehicles are steered along a fixed path by rails, while others rely on conventional buses using physical or operational separation from other traffic. The aim is to provide high-frequency service, simplified routing, and predictable travel times.

Variants and examples vary by region. Some busways are fully segregated corridors, while others are on-street lanes with timed priority. Notable examples include the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway in the United Kingdom, which uses a dedicated track for guided buses, and the Brisbane Busway network in Australia, which comprises multiple purpose-built corridors. In many cities, busways form part of a broader BRT strategy that combines dedicated right-of-way, efficient stations, and streamlined fare systems.

Advantages of busways include reduced travel times, higher bus frequency, and improved reliability. Challenges involve high capital costs, land acquisition or right-of-way needs, maintenance of dedicated infrastructure, and ensuring integration with existing transit networks.