More bus lanes on way
A 10-year project to build Perth's longest dedicated bus lane has been completed, with Transport Minister Dean Nalder promising an expansion through other city streets.
The final stretch of the $14.2 million Beaufort Street bus lane has opened, with the peak-period service now operating from Grand Promenade in Bedford through to the central business district.
Mr Nalder said the completion of the last section between Bulwer and Walcott streets would reduce bus travel times between three and four minutes, depending on traffic.
He said about 1200 people travelled on Beaufort Street buses every hour during peak periods, with the 950 bus route - Perth's most frequent bus service - averaging 17,000 passengers every day.
Mr Nalder said Perth commuters clearly preferred trains to buses, largely because trains were more reliable and travel times were not affected by traffic conditions.
But dedicated bus lanes could make bus travel more reliable and, therefore, more attractive.
"We are also looking at installing GPS technology in all our buses to allow commuters to use an app to find out how far away their bus is," Mr Nalder said.
