What process did the Council go through to make these changes?

 

In 2002, Sheffield City Council Cabinet approved a trial of extended peak hour loading and waiting restrictions and bus lane times on the Abbeydale Road corridor. The new operating times were 7.30-9.30am and 4.00-6.30pm. The scheme was introduced in May 2003.

 

In October 2005 the Cabinet considered a report on the results of the trial. The trial showed improvements in journey times for all traffic, with private vehicles appearing to gain more than buses. Improving bus journey times is an important aim, but service reliability is also a key factor.

 

Many bus services operate on a cross-city basis, so a significant part of their journey runs against prevailing traffic flows. It is therefore vital for reliability that journey times are consistent on all parts of the route. Members subsequently approved a recommendation that the extended hours of operation should be rolled out across the city.