What Happened?
Buenos Aires created bus lanes that only public transit vehicles may use to help increase efficiency of the bus system and reduce traffic congestion. Buses pull up to each stop in designated lanes and enjoy the freedom from other traffic when departing before re-entering the roadways.
The Goal
According to the Atlantic Cities, Buenos Aires is one of several South American cities that are making the public bus system more efficient with upgrades and advanced planning. The bus shelters offer commuters with free Wi-Fi and seats, while the buses have a lowered platform to make entry hassle-free.
In Buenos Aires, however, the changes to bus accessibility were made in the heart of the city along one of the world’s largest roads. With a team of planners, architects and environmentalists, Buenos Aires officials redistributed some of the green space along the roadway to make room for bus-specific lanes near pickup spots. By unclogging traffic with more efficient bus routes, drivers, bus passengers and even subway commuters are all enjoying a shorter trip in and out of the city.
While the project cost $25 million and was 70 percent over budget, proponents of the changes argue establishing a supplementary rail system to accommodate commuter demands would have generated a much higher bill. Now that the system is in place, officials estimate greenhouse gas emissions will drop by 5,600 annually thanks to more streamlined traffic flow.
Don’t Forget The Walkers
After working on the bustling 9 de Julio roadway, Buenos Aires officials set their sights on redesigning the smaller streets that run adjacent to the massive roadway. Because more buses are being filtered to the 9 de Julio, 100 blocks of smaller roads have been transitioned into fully pedestrianized streets or pedestrian-priority zones. This means either no cars, or vehicles running under 10km/hr with permits can access the roads.
By focusing on pedestrian zones, Buenos Aires was able to transform its busiest downtown neighborhood into a walker-friendly space with less noise, pollution and hazards. Local businesses can extend their amenities to the sidewalks and the area’s nightlife has jumped significantly due to improved safety.
Walkers Unite
Other cities are looking at pedestrianizing certain roadways to create sanctuaries from congested streets in areas where increased foot traffic may improve economic activity. In Chicago, for example, the Active Transportation Alliance recommended 20 streets be converted to fully pedestrianized or pedestrian-priority roads. About 25 percent of Chicago’s land mass is within a public right-of-way but predominantly filled with cars. The city’s People’s Plaza is working to implement more pedestrian-priority spaces throughout Chicago’s 234 square miles.
In the city’s Gold Coast district there is a cluster of bars and restaurants that generate significant nightlife foot traffic. Pedestrianization has been proposed in the neighborhood’s Mariana Park, where restaurant patrons would appreciate reduced or eliminated traffic late at night.
Because the roads surrounding Mariano Park are relatively small, pedestrianizing them would not be too difficult. Officials argue, however, that closing down larger roadways such as Michigan Avenue would have too large an impact on public transit and commuter schedules.
Focus on Buses
Gov1 has followed improvements to public transit systems including implementing fuel cell buses with the use of federal aid and privatizing bus lanes.