Buses will share dedicated lanes with motorcycles and taxis under a trial in Western Australia
Motorcycles and taxis in Western Australia will be allowed to travel in selected bus lanes for a 12-month trial period starting in March.
Under the trial properly-licensed taxis can also travel in most bus lanes, except those which terminate in dedicated bus facilities.
Transport Minister Dean Nalder says the trial is being run in response to requests from the motorcycling community, including the Motorcycle Riders Association of Western Australia Inc.
“Motorcycles and taxis will soon be able to travel in the Beaufort Street bus lanes between Roe Street in Northbridge and Grand Promenade in Inglewood, as well as along South Street between Vahland Avenue to the Kwinana Freeway,” he says.
“The State Government is now updating signage and preparing bus drivers for the changes.”
Nalder says motorcyclists and taxis will be restricted to the same signposted speed limits as buses.
Once the trial is completed, GPS data and feedback from bus drivers will form part of a review.
“I will then assess whether there are any safety implications or impact to the on-time running of Transperth buses, which will dictate whether the trial continues, and whether it is rolled out in other bus lanes across Perth,” he says.
“Regardless of the outcome of the motorcycle trial, I anticipate taxis will continue to be permitted in bus lanes.
“I urge motorcyclists and taxi drivers to treat bus lanes as they would any other road – being aware of what’s happening around them, being conscious of blind spots and driving safely to safeguard themselves and other road users.”