PROJECTS FOR EXCLUSIVE RIGHT-OF-WAY NETWORKS

The system of exclusive right-of-way improves the efficiency of the existing road network by dividing space so that public transport is given a special area separated physically from the general traffic, and granting public transport vehicles priority at junctions. After recalling how and why exclusive rights of way have appeared in urban centres, the authors of this article stress that studies of the location of exclusive rights of way cannot be conducted as an isolated operation, but that they must form part of general urban public transport policy. They define the different types of public transport using exclusive rights of way according to the types of vehicle (bus, tramway, semi-metro) and the location of the exclusive right of way in new towns, on motorways and in urban streets. An analysis is made of the technical problems of their introduction and of the investment and operating costs, with a comparative table of the various types of system. Having chosen the system, the procedures for implementing the projects are dealt with. (TRRL)