How can you improve your traffic flow?
Everyone wants buses and trams to arrive on time: travellers, local authorities and our drivers. But punctual public transport requires optimal traffic flow. Thanks to the Flemish Government and cooperation with local authorities, considerable efforts have already been made to ensure that trams and buses run smoothly or even have priority in traffic. The measures include designated bus lanes and the ability to influence traffic lights. How can you make your city or municipality even more congestion-free? Find out below.
Consider traffic flow in the planning phase
If you are planning to redesign a road, think about the possible consequences for buses and trams in the concept phase. If the road in question is on a public transport route, consult De Lijn in good time. Changes such as a shift in the position of the road axis or the introduction of tight turning circles can make it difficult or impossible for our drivers to reach their destination on time.
Planfase
Give the bus and tram VIP treatment
A separate bus lane or tram track is the most obvious example of a measure that enables trams and buses to run more punctually. In their own lane or on their own track, buses and trams are protected from unwanted traffic and can obtain priority at a traffic junction by influencing the traffic lights. At bus traps (which can be crossed exclusively by buses), adapted signage and possibly barriers can ensure that only buses can use the crossing. A bus trap can also form a short cut between two roads in a place where cars have to take a longer route. It is also a good idea to give priority where possible to traffic on streets used by buses and trams.
Let buses stop on the carriageway
Buses that pull over at an off-road stop find it harder to rejoin traffic afterwards, and lose time as a result. If they are able to stop on the carriageway, this will save time and create a smoother traffic flow. Of course, this measure is only possible if it is compatible with road safety; each situation must be considered individually. Among other things, the speed limit will be a factor in the choice: it is usually best to opt for off-road stops in 70 km/h zones and for bus boarders at which buses stop on the carriageway in 50 km/h zones.
Provide a free passageway for buses during roadworks
Roadworks are a necessary evil. It may be useful to consider whether buses could continue to take their normal route while other traffic is diverted. If this is not possible, inform De Lijn in good time when and where the roadworks will take place. This will enable us to inform our passengers in time. De Lijn will also consider with the city or municipality whether a temporary bus stop is needed.
Busdoorsteek
Specify time windows for loading and unloading
A truck that has to be loaded or unloaded in a narrow street can block buses and trams. Separate loading and unloading areas can be provided in streets with large numbers of shops. For example, these could consist of a few parking spaces that form a loading and unloading zone at certain times. Time windows can also be specified for loading and unloading. These are times determined by the municipality during which trucks are allowed to supply shops in a certain area. The same principle can be applied to household waste collection: it is best to avoid this during peak hours.
Make stops accessible
Accessible stops with a raised platform are more convenient for getting on and off buses, because the difference in level between the platform and the floor of the bus is smaller. In particular, they allow people with walking difficulties and parents with prams to get on and off more easily. This saves the driver time. The ideal platform height is 18 centimetres. A ramp to the platform increases accessibility still further. More information about standards for accessible bus stops can be found in the Bus Stop Guide.
Notify us by phone or in writing
This will allow our employees to decide together with the municipality which diversion is most suitable and whether temporary stops are needed. It will also ensure that travellers (your residents) are informed in good time.
Limit nuisance caused by construction site material
Construction sites sometimes cover part of the public road with material. They need a permit to occupy space on the public roads. Be strict about granting these permits and ensure that the term of any permit is not exceeded. Consultation between the department that issues the permit and the transport department may be useful.
Install speed cushions
On local roads where people drive too fast, the local authorities often consider installing speed bumps. However, this is not allowed on roads that are on a public transport route. Speed tables (raised sections of road with a ramp on both sides) are possible, but are subject to certain dimensions and the advice of De Lijn. Speed cushions are a good alternative. They are more convenient for buses and priority vehicles and just as effective at slowing down car traffic. They also cause less noise nuisance for local residents. In addition, they are less expensive to purchase and install than speed bumps or tables. The disadvantage is that they are less wear-resistant than other traffic calming measures. Always consider the bigger picture: speed cushions are not suitable for every location.
Rijbaankussens
Get rid of or redesign parking spaces
Cars looking for a parking space hold up traffic – unlike cyclists. The lower the number of cars on the road in front of a bus or tram, the more easily public transport can pass through a village or town centre. A car has an average of 1.2 occupants, and a parking space for one car is large enough for as many as ten bicycles. That means eight times more potential customers for local businesses.
Fietsparkeerplaatsen
Enforce the traffic rules
Illegal parkers can also slow down public transport. It is therefore important for municipalities and police services to pay extra attention to vehicles that prevent the smooth circulation of buses and trams. In order to discourage illegal parking at bus stops, the municipality can clearly mark the stop on the road surface or put a sign on the stop post indicating that parking is not allowed within 15 metres before and after a stop sign. More generally, traffic wardens and police officers can keep an eye out for vehicles that are parked or stationary where they will cause a nuisance, or for vehicles that illegally use bus lanes and special track-crossing zones.
Take a (test) ride yourself
It is not always easy for municipalities to assess how serious a problem is. A ride on the bus or tram line that is affected can clarify matters in such circumstances. If necessary, those involved can arrange a special test ride in consultation with De Lijn.