Urban commuters in major British cities are being held back by slow-moving buses, with some journeys taking up to 50% longer than necessary, a new report warns. The Centre for Cities think tank is urging authorities to follow Transport for London's lead and adopt dedicated bus strategies to boost public transport.
The report reveals that while London faces its own congestion challenges, TfL's innovative approaches have helped mitigate some of the worst impacts. These include extensive bus lane networks, traffic light prioritisation for buses, and sophisticated traffic management systems – all designed to enable buses to navigate congested city streets more efficiently.
Slow bus speeds create a ripple effect, leading to increased road congestion as commuters opt for private vehicles instead. This, in turn, worsens journey times for everyone, impacting daily commutes and hindering productivity by making it harder for people to access jobs and services.
The Centre for Cities analysis highlights the importance of sustained investment in public transport infrastructure. Implementing dedicated bus lanes often requires reallocating road space – a contentious decision that's crucial for creating genuinely faster and more reliable bus services.
Faster and more efficient bus services can also play a vital role in achieving environmental targets by reducing reliance on private cars, lowering carbon emissions, and improving air quality in urban areas. Furthermore, integrated bus services with other transport modes and real-time information systems can enhance the passenger experience, encouraging greater uptake.
The report serves as a call to action for local authorities and transport planners across the UK, urging them to learn from TfL's experience and implement proven strategies to transform their bus networks into efficient, attractive, and sustainable pillars of urban mobility, driving economic growth and improving residents' quality of life.