Public transport speed on Sain Street in Almaty has increased since the launch of a dedicated bus lane, but a final decision on its continued operation has not yet been made, reports infohub.kz.
The dedicated bus lane was introduced on June 20 along a six-kilometer stretch of Sain Street from Ryskulov Avenue to Mustafin Street. Initial monitoring results show changes in public transport movement: during the morning rush hour, speed on the stretches increased by 11.8%, and the median speed over the entire day rose by 18%.
"Preliminary monitoring results indicate an improvement in the speed and regularity of public transport," the city administration said in a statement.
It is noted that to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety at junction areas, accumulator lanes have been organized to reduce conflicts during lane changes. Additionally, a speed limit of 60 km/h has been introduced on the section of Sain Street between the Ryskulov Avenue and Tole Bi Street interchanges in the southbound direction.
As the city administration noted, the full impact of the innovation on car traffic cannot yet be assessed. More data is needed, including after changes in traffic load with the start of the school year.
"A final assessment of the dedicated lane's effectiveness will be conducted after the adaptation period ends and sufficient statistical data is accumulated, including consideration of the seasonal increase in traffic load due to the start of the school year," the Almaty administration reported.
Monitoring continues. Specialists are also tracking bus intervals and regularity.
"At this stage, the main task is to objectively assess the effectiveness of the dedicated lane and its impact on both public transport and the overall traffic situation on Sain Street," the statement says.
A final decision on the further traffic organization on this section has not yet been made. If the observation results require changes, the traffic scheme may be adjusted.