SmartBus infrastructure
| Before a SmartBus service commences, improvements are made to roads and bus stops to ensure a more reliable journey. |  |  |
Information on this page
SmartBus technology
Technology that has never before been used in Victoria's bus network is now available on SmartBus routes to help keep buses running on time and to keep passengers up-to-date on bus arrival times.
Using the new technology, positions of all SmartBuses are tracked so that predictions of arrival times on
information displays at bus stops are continually updated.
Each SmartBus is fitted with a computerised unit that enables the bus location to be tracked by a control centre. This tracking information is provided using satellite signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS) within the bus. This information is constantly sent back to the control centre via the mobile phone network.
If a SmartBus is running late, the SmartBus system will communicate with the VicRoads traffic control system to automatically request priority at traffic lights. Find out more about
traffic light priority.
SmartBus road priority treatments
SmartBus road priority treatments - such as bus lanes, traffic light priority and parking restrictions - are designed to reduce the number of minutes a bus might be delayed over its entire journey. They help ensure a more reliable journey.
Dedicated bus lanes give buses the opportunity to drive past built up traffic or to get ahead of traffic at intersections. Three types of treatment are applied to create dedicated road space for buses - full bus lanes, set-back bus lanes and queue-jump bus lanes.
Smart traffic signals are able to give priority to buses before other traffic. Traffic signals can also be used if a SmartBus is running late - the SmartBus system will communicate with the VicRoads traffic control system to automatically request priority at traffic lights. When it is safe to do so, priority at the traffic lights will be provided by extending the green light phase to assist the SmartBus to continue through the intersection and allow it to remain on schedule.
Parking restrictions ensure that buses have free movement close to intersections, shopping strips and other built-up areas. Restrictions include clearways and ‘no standing’ signs, as well as signs to indicate that an area is reserved for buses to pull up at the kerb and collect passengers or
to park temporarily.
SmartBus bus stops
Before a SmartBus service commences, improvements are made to bus stops to ensure buses have easier and safer access to passengers.
Bus stops along SmartBus routes are safer and are highly visible, because they have been designed to the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standards.
The low-floor buses used on SmartBus routes are able to 'meet' the bus stop at the same level and eliminate a 'step' to board the bus.
Unlike most bus stops, all SmartBus stops provide local area maps and stop specific timetables.
High-use SmartBus bus stops also have Passenger Information Displays (PIDs) to provide real-time information on the arrival of the next SmartBus. They display the current time, the route number and destination of the next two SmartBus services, and the estimated minutes until their arrival. A push button triggers an audible message of the same information to help passengers who have a vision impairment.
Bus stop features
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Bus stop upgrades include the provision of a 'hardstand' area. |
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Some bus stops feature a shelter, seat or rubbish bin. |
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Tactile ground surface indicators to assist the vision impaired with clear access paths to the bus stop. |
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Totem signs to provide improved passenger information ('real time' bus arrival information at selected stops). |