Guided bus - an attractive public transport alternative?

Light rail public transport schemes are well-liked by the public, who find their efficiency and reliability levels and general 'high tech' image far superior to buses, However, light rail schemes are also proving increasingly expensive to build and operate and the UK Government has recently withdrawn support for a number of future schemes. This paper suggests that public transport schemes incorporating guided busways-of which there are already six schemes operating in the UK-could be a viable alternative for busy urban areas, potentially combining the efficiency and reliability benefits of light rail with the traditional flexibility of bus operations.