Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, Vol.9, 2011 Evaluating the Effects of Exclusive Bus Lanes on Passenger Ridership and Travel Time in Kuala Lumpur City Roads Samira MELITI Abdul Azeez KADAR HAMSA BURP Student (Graduated) Associate Professor Kulliyyah of Architecture and Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design Environmental Design International Islamic University International Islamic University Malaysia Malaysia P.O. Box 10 P.O. Box 10 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fax: +6-03-6196 4864 Email:
[email protected] Abstract: Bus priority treatment in urban areas is seen as an effective measure to improve bus transit services. This paper describes the effects of exclusive bus lanes on passenger ridership and travel time. Exclusive bus lanes along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR) and Jalan Syed Putra (Jalan SP) are used to measure the service characteristics of bus transit. Passenger ridership and travel time survey were conducted during peak and off peak- hours on weekdays and weekend. The differences between mean travel time of buses and motorcars were statistically tested by using T-test. The findings showed that the bus passenger ridership is generally low and the effect of exclusive bus lanes on passenger ridership is insignificant. Travel time for buses along exclusive bus lanes was found significantly higher than other traffic (especially motorcars) along adjacent traffic lanes. Recommendations are drawn to overcome issues confronting exclusive bus lanes in Kuala Lumpur. Key Words: bus lane, passenger ridership, travel time, bus transit, Kuala Lumpur 1. INTRODUCTION The growth of traffic has been increasing tremendously in many developing cities including Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia due to strong economic growth, increasing affordability to own private vehicles and migration of population to cities for better job opportunities.