BUSES are being equipped with a satellite tracking device that detects if they are running late and changes traffic lights to green to speed their passage. The device allows operators to remove gaps in the service, meaning passengers will no longer endure tedious delays before three buses turn up at once.

The system, known as IBP, or Intelligent Bus Priority, also allows local authorities to avoid creating bus lanes on busy highways. It cuts journey times by 15 per cent, which is similar to the impact of bus lanes on many routes.

IBP pinpoints the bus’s position via satellite and calculates whether it is behind schedule. If the bus is more than a minute late, a radio transmitter on board sends a signal to a receiver on a traffic light instructing it to remain on green for at least a minute.

The signal can be picked up when the bus is 100 yards away, meaning the driver can keep accelerating as he approaches the lights.

If the bus is more than five minutes late, the lights will stay on green for 90 seconds.

Local authorities using the device considered freezing the lights on green for even longer periods but decided this could lead to drivers on other roads becoming so frustrated that they jump red lights.

More than 1,900 buses already have IBP, including fleets in Cardiff, Merseyside, Aberdeen and Kent. The manufacturer, Cambridge-based ACIS, is holding talks with Transport for London about equipping the capital’s 6,000 double-deckers.

Dirk van Dijl, chief executive of ACIS, said bus managers could use the system to monitor the progress of their entire fleet. An infra-red counting device relays back to the depot how many passengers are on board.

If the bus is too crowded another can be sent out to ease the burden. Gaps in frequency can be removed by an automatic voice message telling the driver either to speed up or slow down. ACIS costs £2,000 to £3,000 a bus.

The company is expanding the system to allow passengers to receive messages on their mobile phones telling them when the next bus will arrive. Vodafone has introduced the technology at its Newbury headquarters where a large proportion of the 2,500 staff rely on buses because of planning restrictions imposed on parking spaces.

Mr van Dijl said Cardiff, which has equipped 300 buses and 90 sets of lights with IBP, had chosen the system as an alternative to placing bus lanes on narrow stretches of road.

He added: “Car drivers can also take advantage of the system by driving just in front of a bus. Then they can enjoy green lights all the way.”

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Should Knox’s trial even have reached the courtroom?
• All that glitters is not sold in Wright’s world
• Believe it or not, Big Brother is your friend