Bus priority has to be seen in the context of an overall transport strategy with objectives which include not only improved bus operation and restraint of car-borne commuting but also an enhanced environment for residents and visitors to shopping and work places. Measures proposed must serve all these objectives and yet also be demonstrably cost effective and enforceable. A wide range of measures including selective vehicle detection, gating and bus advance areas arediscussed and appropriate methods of evaluating their performance presented. Examples are given from the author's experience of developing measures on two main radial corridors in the City of Birmingham and from several routes in five London Boroughs. The value of simulation tools in developing and evaluating bus priority measures can be exaggerated. Before survey fieldwork required is described and some comparative results presented from after surveys on implemented schemes. The reaction of bus operators and of the general public to proposed measures is discussed and the author presents his views on how priority measures should be developed, agreed and implemented. (A)
Abstract