Integrating bus priority systems in Auckland, NZ.

The paper looks at the integrated approach adopted by the City Councils, the Auckland Regional Council and bus operators towards consultation with affected businesses and the public, marketing to potential users, liaison with other road users (particularly cyclists), and the ongoing programme of research into the effects of the bus priority systems on other road users, businesses and the public. Outcomes include significant increases in patronage on the key routes, valuable reductions in travel times for both bus and car users, and a grudging acceptance by retailers of the system. The paper concludes that the bus priority systems are a very cost-effective way of improving public transport use and the fear of an adverse reaction is worse than the reaction itself. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E210413.