Bus transit priority is a means for buses and other vehicles of mass transport to bypass traffic. The transit priority system is typically used to circumvent issues related to traffic congestion that invariably leads to travel delays. There are benefits associated with this –
For one, it means lesser delays for the commuter.
It makes the mass transport system more reliable and competitive.
This also in turn means lesser emission of pollutants like greenhouse gases in the air from vehicles.
It helps optimize the bus route operating costs.
How it works?
The traffic signals are fitted with a detection system that is able to pick-up a priority request generated from a transit vehicle. The transit vehicles in this case are fitted with the priority request generators. The other way is that a queue jump lane is added especially at a signal intersection so that the transit vehicle is able to move to the front of the traffic waiting to cross the signal.
Bus transit priority system is a good way to help tackle other issues related to traffic management in a city. With increased competitiveness of buses, more number of people uses the public transportation mode to travel thereby helping manage issues like traffic overcrowding and clogging. The National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation System Protocol (NTCIP 1211) is a guide that lays down rules related to protocols and objects for different manufacturers of such equipment and systems to follow. Hence the information being passed between different devices of a transit priority need to obey the rules laid down in the document.