There are several reasons why the busway is guided rather than a bus-only road.
- A guideway requires less land than a normal road. Because buses travelling in opposite directions are constrained within the two kerbs of the guideway, they can travel close together. Therefore the total width of the guideway is less than a standard road. This means we spend less money on land purchase and also have a lesser impact on the environment.
- A guideway is better in terms of drainage than a solid tarmac road, as water can drain away between the guideway beams.
- A bus only road would need to have stringent measures to stop other vehicles travelling on it. The guideway will be unsuitable for other vehicles.
- The smoothness of guideway provides higher ride quality for passengers and a greater ability for level boarding.
- Studies have shown that the level of use is greater than that for bus lanes or bus-only roads.