Why Bus Priority Matters for a Fairer Transport System

By Katherine Agong

When we talk about transport planning, we are really talking about how to move people and goods from one place to another safely, quickly, and fairly. Whether it’s planning roads, traffic lights, sidewalks, or bus routes, transport planning affects how we live, how long we sit in traffic, how much we spend to travel, and even how much pollution is in the air.

One big idea in transport planning that is helping people all over the world, especially in busy cities, is something called bus priority.

What is Bus Priority?

Bus priority refers to giving buses faster and more reliable routes through traffic. A full bus can carry 50–80 people, replacing dozens of cars and easing congestion. Prioritising buses is about maximising road efficiency.

Types of Bus Priority

There are a few main ways cities can give buses priority:

• Bus Lanes: Dedicated lanes allow buses to bypass traffic. For example, near Mt Hope Hospital in Trinidad.
• Bus-Only Roads: Entire roads like Trinidad’s Priority Bus Route (PBR) are reserved for buses and emergency vehicles.
• Traffic Signal Priority: Traffic lights change sooner for approaching buses, reducing delays.
• Queue Jump Lanes/Bus Gates: Let buses skip to the front at intersections.
• Better Bus Stops: Well-designed shelters and raised platforms speed up boarding.
• Enforcement Cameras: Cameras and fines deter private cars from misusing bus lanes.

Who Benefits?

Bus priority helps everyone. It improves service for students, workers, the elderly, and anyone who doesn’t drive. But it also eases traffic for car users. Crucially, this isn’t about social status. Bus access should be equal for everyone. A fair system treats all passengers with the same respect.

The Priority Bus Route (PBR) in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad already has a form of bus priority: the Priority Bus Route, stretching from Port-of-Spain to Arima. It was designed to help public transport avoid traffic on the Eastern Main Road and Churchill-Roosevelt Highway. When used properly, the PBR allows buses and maxis to run on time, helping commuters reach their destinations faster while reducing congestion on major roads.

Recently, the government announced the recall of 625 “letter passes” that allowed special access to the PBR. These passes, granted to individuals outside public transport or emergency services, raised fairness concerns.

Though the full list of pass holders hasn’t been officially confirmed, leaked names caused public outcry. People questioned why some individuals had access while others didn’t.That undermines the principles of fairness and equality in transport planning.

A Smarter, Fairer Future

It’s time to stop viewing buses as a second-tier option. With the right investments, buses can become a top choice. That means treating the PBR as a true public good. Let’s build a transport system in Trinidad and Tobago that works for everyone, not just the few. A well-designed transport system benefits everyone. Because when the bus wins, we all do.