This paper describes the bus priority measures that are now being developed and implemented throughout London, and discusses the nature of a high-quality bus system. Shorter term policies for transport in London have two main objectives: (1) using the existing road network more efficiently; and (2) providing London-wide bus priority. In 1990, the London Bus Priority Initiative was started, when London Transport, supported by the Department of Transport (DTp) and the Borough Associations, led the development bus priority measures. Bus routes now operate on about 250 miles of the 315-mile Red Route network on London's strategic roads. The London Bus Priority Network (LBPN) is a flexible network, with up to 500 miles network, with up to 500 miles of routes; it contains all bus routes within London's Inner Ring Road, and many roads other than Red Routes. There are special bus priority schemes in Shepherds Bush and Kingston town centre, and urgent attention is being paid to bus priority in Central London and to enforcement of traffic regulations. A high quality bus system should be: (1) easy to understand; (2) providing good information to passengers; (3) reasonably fast; (4) reliable; (5) convenient; (6) comfortable; (7) reasonably priced; and (8) flexible.
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