The object of this study is to consider how to improve surface public transport, by using intermediate modes, beyond what is likely to be achieved with bus priorities in a corridor in central London. The Cross River Partnership is a group comprising central London boroughs, local businesses, Railtrack, the Port of London Authority and London Transport. They have proposed the development of public transport priority corridor in central London to improve travel quality and accessibility for commuters, tourists, students and business travellers. Bus priority measures have delivered substantial benefits to bus users in London. However, to achieve a new level of travel quality in the corridor, an intermediate mode service may be justifiable. The proposal has substantial implications for both the public transport network and the impact on the highway network. The options being considered include the "best you can do with a bus", employing various rapid transit on rubber tyred technologies and a trainway. The paper describes the options for developing the priority corridor, how the reallocation of roadspace to public transport has been included in the evaluation, and the results from the options examined. Aspects of particular interest include: (1) integration/interaction between the public transport modes and their capacity requirements; (2) effects of the scheme on central London highway congestion; (3) financial performance of the scheme and potential attractiveness to private investors; and (4) accessibility changes for specific target groups.
Abstract