ROUTE 495 EXCLUSIVE BUS LANE: A 20-YEAR SUCCESS STORY

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1991

Subject Area

operations - traffic, infrastructure - bus/tram lane, infrastructure - bus/tram lane, planning - route design, policy - congestion, mode - bus

Keywords

Traffic congestion, New Jersey, Level of service, Gridlock (Traffic), Bus lanes

Abstract

The article describes the operation of the exclusive contraflow bus lane (XBL) on New Jersey Route 495 leading to the Lincoln Tunnel and Manhattan, which has provided quick, reliable accesss to Manhattan for more than 6 million buses and nearly 244 million passengers in 20 years. The background to the implementation of the operation is described. Implemented in 1970, XBL reached highs in 1985/86. The theoretical capacity of the XBL is nearly 750 buses per hour, but experience shows that the practical capacity is closer to 725 buses per hour. Congesiton in the XBL and the possibility of growth in bus demand, and alternatives for relief were investigated. These alternatives are discussed. A reduction in average daily totals, as well as a shift in commuter peaks, has provided temporary relief and acceptable level of service to the XBL.

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