Bus Priority Scheme
The Central Sydney Bus Priority Scheme was developed by the City of Sydney, the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), Sydney Buses, the Department of Transport, the Bus and Coach Association and NSW Police and introduced in July 1997.
The aim of the scheme is to increase the number of people using buses instead of cars to travel to and from the City.
How Does the Scheme Work?
Priority bus lanes have been introduced on a number of City Streets to reduce bus travel times and make the bus system more reliable and easier to use.
The scheme links with existing bus lanes in Bathurst Street, Parramatta Road and on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to improve overall bus operations in the City.
The scheme also involves the relocation of a number of bus layover areas and allows the introduction of new bus routes and timetables throughout the City. In particular, it seeks to improve bus services to areas such as Sydney University, North Sydney and Oxford Street.
What is a Bus Layover?
A bus layover is a location where buses wait between journeys in and out of the Central Sydney Area.
Existing Bus Layover Areas Were are Located at:
Argyle and Kent Street, Millers Point
Wynyard Station, York Street
Queen Victoria Building
Circular Quay (Loftus Street and Young Street)
Mortuary Station, Lee Street
What is a Bus Lane?
A bus lane is a dedicated lane that is marked on the road. Bus lanes are usually in the lane closest to the kerb, but can also be located in the second lane. Bus lanes can only be used by buses, taxis, coaches, hire cars, motorcycles and bicycles. Bus lanes can be entered 100m before an intersection for left turning vehicles.
Bus Lanes Will Operate on the Following Streets:
George Street
Clarence Street
York Street
Castlereagh Street
Park Street
Elizabeth Street
What Does the Scheme Mean for Me?
If You Travel to the City by Bus
The scheme provides more efficient services with reduced travel times. Bus stops have been relocated throughout the City to make them more evenly spaced. New extended routes have been introduced to improve access to destinations outside the City. Bus layover areas at a number of locations have been moved, but these locations are still used as bus stops.
Details of new routes and timetables are available from Sydney Buses as they are developed.
If You Travel to the City by Car
The scheme means that new restrictions on driving and parking now apply in the City. You cannot drive in the bus lanes, except where you need to make a left-hand turn. Strict penalties ($130.00 fine) apply for illegal use of the bus lane.
There also has been some loss of parking on City streets where bus lanes have been introduced and there have been changes to turn restrictions at some intersections.
If You Shop or Work in the City
The scheme improves safety and amenity by reducing pedestrian congestion at bus stops and removing waiting buses from locations such as the Queen Victoria Building, Wynyard and Circular Quay.
New bus services mean better access to areas that were previously poorly serviced by buses.
If You Operate a Business in the City
The scheme improves access and amenity for your customers.
However, it has also reduced the amount of service vehicle parking available. Council is currently investigating this problem to minimise the scheme's impact on businesses in the City area.
If You Live in the City
There has been some loss of on-street parking during the day as a result of the scheme and changes to some intersection arrangements.
Progress of the Scheme
The first stage of the work, involving the bus lanes, is almost complete. It took place largely over weekends to minimise disruption to traffic.
Provision of new bus layover areas and bus stops and the implementation of new bus routes has taken place as the scheme has become operational.
For More Information?
For more information on the implementation or effects of the Central Sydney Bus Priority scheme please contact:
Transport Management Centre of the Roads and Traffic Authority Tel: 02 83961400
Website: www.rta.nsw.gov.au
