Beijing Adapts Bus Lanes for Enhanced Traffic

To boost traffic efficiency, Beijing is implementing new traffic optimization measures, reports WeChat account 平安北京 Píng'ān Běijīng.

Changes have been implemented to the operation of bus lanes on 60 roads located beyond the city's third ring road. These lanes, previously reserved for buses, will be available for use by all vehicles during weekends and public holidays, effective from Sep 1. Additionally, bus lanes on the central artery of the second ring road will be phased out. Replacing them will be clearly demarcated bus stop lines, which will streamline traffic flow and improve overall road use.

It's important to highlight that as early as Jun 1 this year, Beijing put into action a number of traffic optimization strategies. These included making 11 bus lanes available for other commuter and school buses during weekends and public holidays as an experimental measure.

Based on results monitoring, the implementation of these strategies has generally improved the flow of traffic during the morning and evening peak hours. Although the speed of bus operation has experienced a slight reduction, the impact is reported to be minimal. Overall, the traffic conditions on the roads have seen notable improvements.

According to the Beijing Traffic Bureau, the city's subsequent course of action involves continuous surveillance and optimization of the city's overall traffic flow, with a keen focus on bus lanes. This could potentially herald a new trend in Beijing, where an increasing number of bus lanes get opened up for other vehicles, with an aim to alleviate congestion and boost traffic efficiency, ensuring a smoother, faster commute for all.

Read: What's on the Horizon for Subway Line 3?

Images: Unsplash