Planning Procedures for Estimating an Upper Bound on Bus Priority Benefits

Bus priority system (BPS) deployments have increased significantly over the past decade in North America. The purported benefits of a BPS are improved schedule adherence and overall reduced travel time. Benefits to the bus agency include reduced wear and tear on buses and improved fuel efficiency, which reduces operating costs. BPS costs can range from $8,000 to $35,000 per intersection and are relatively easy to quantify. However, other than reviewing benefits reported by other agencies, the literature lacks any formal methods for estimating BPS benefits so a formal economic analysis can be performed. This paper discusses the use of global positioning system (GPS) technology as a low-cost tool for estimating an upper bound on the potential benefit, prior to investing in the infrastructure. The use of the technology is illustrated in a case study that was conducted in Lafayette, Indiana.