Design

The design of guided busways is discussed in detail in Britpave's publication Guided Busway Design Handbook, these web pages give an insight into the contents of that publication.

Visit the Britpave Shop to purchase Guided Busway Design Handbook as a hard copy (free to Britpave members)

This Guided Busway Design Handbook aims to set out best practice based on recent experience with construction of kerb-guided busways in the UK. It covers relevant design standards for the design of kerb-guided busway infrastructure in the UK, gives examples of existing schemes and provides guidance for the geometric design of the guideway, stops and pedestrian crossings. Guidance is given on loading to the guideway and structures, and pavement design and safety issues are addressed. Consideration is given to the application of guided busways in a street environment as part of urban bus priority schemes. Consideration is also given to the development of guided bus as an independent light rapid transit system such as that which operates in Adelaide, Australia.

Topics covered in detail by the handbook are:

• General design issues: operational issues, legal issues, vehicles, design standards, loading.
• Geometric design of guideway: design speed, horizontal alignment, vertical alignment, phasing, passenger comfort, visibility.
• Cross sections: typical sections.
• Guideway entry and exit: guideway entry/exit splays.
• Stops: guided stops, docking stops.
• Safety issues: trespass prevention, maintenance access, crossings and stops.
• Pavements and surfaces: design philosophy, running surface, formation, central channel.
• Construction: construction methods, tolerances.
• Appendices: calculation of bus stop dwell time, horizontal alignment design methodology, literature review.