GUIDED BUSWAY Meaning and
Definition
-
A guided busway is a specialized transportation infrastructure designed for the efficient and safe operation of buses. It consists of a dedicated corridor, typically separated from regular traffic lanes, that provides a clear and controlled path for buses to travel along. This infrastructure incorporates guide rails or tracks embedded on the road surface or raised above it, allowing buses to be steered by automatic or manual guidance systems.
The purpose of a guided busway is to enhance the reliability and performance of bus services by offering improved speed, reduced congestion, and increased efficiency. The separated dedicated corridor minimizes potential delays caused by traffic congestion and interactions with other vehicles on the road. Furthermore, the guidance mechanism ensures precise steering and alignment, enabling buses to maintain a consistent and accurate path.
Guided busways often feature designated stations and infrastructure, including specially designed boarding platforms and high-quality shelters. These stations typically offer level boarding, ensuring easier access for passengers, including those with mobility challenges. Additionally, advanced technologies such as traffic signal priority systems may be incorporated to minimize waiting times at junctions, optimizing the flow of buses along the route.
By providing dedicated and controlled lanes, a guided busway aims to enable efficient and reliable public transportation, improving overall mobility and reducing the reliance on private vehicles.
Etymology of GUIDED BUSWAY
The etymology of the term "guided busway" can be understood by breaking down the components of the phrase:
1. Guide: The word "guide" comes from the Old French term "guider" which means "to lead, direct, or show the way". It ultimately originates from the Proto-Germanic word "widanjan" meaning "to see".
2. Bus: The word "bus" is short for "omnibus", a Latin word meaning "for all". It originated in the mid-19th century as a name for a horse-drawn passenger vehicle before being used for motorized public transport.
3. Way: The word "way" derives from the Old English word "weg", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "wegaz". It refers to a path or route.
