Nine red arrow coaches are getting a quicker green light at key traffic junctions in Nottingham and Derby from this week.
trentbarton’s flagship express route between Nottingham and Derby is taking part in the live testing of new traffic signal priority infrastructure.
The nine high specification red arrow coaches which link the two cities will automatically let the traffic signals know when they are running late.
The traffic lights will be switched to green for the coaches as they approach.
The system is designed to improve punctuality and provide more consistent journey times. For customers who use red arrow, punctuality is their number one priority.
Five key junctions between Nottingham and Derby will be part of the trial, including on Derby Road in Nottingham at the junction of Lenton Boulevard and at Gregory Street.
The junctions in Derby will include Pentagon Island and The Cock Pitt Island. The trial will initially run for 12 weeks and if it is judged a success more traffic signals will get priority technology to benefit red arrow and other routes.
trentbarton managing director Jeff Counsell said: “Traffic congestion is the biggest factor in slowing down bus services and it is expected that this technology will enable red arrow and then other services to be more on time more often.
“That will encourage more people to travel by bus, reducing the number of cars on the roads and therefore helping buses to be quicker and more punctual. Everyone will benefit, not least from less air pollution from fewer vehicles being on the road.”
trentbarton has been preparing for the trial with Nottingham and Derby City Councils, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire County Councils and Via East Midlands.
The funding for the project was secured as part of the Transforming Cities Fund, in a bid between Derby and Nottingham.
The joint bid secured £161m for transport improvements in the region. The money is aimed at improving connections between Derby and Nottingham, as well as supporting links to employment sites through active travel and public transport.
Jeff Counsell said: “The project highlights the superb partnership working already in place in the East Midlands between forward thinking bus operators and their local authority partners, which the Government’s new National Bus Strategy encourages.
“We’re all committed to encouraging more and more people to travel in a greener, more sustainable way.”