Bus travel times in cities like Edinburgh are increasing due to congestion. Industry experts highlight that growing traffic and insufficient priority measures are making public transport less appealing.
Bus speeds dropped to 11.3 mph
Number 38 bus faces heavy delays
Passengers need to plan extra time
Traffic limits worsen bus operations
AI solutions being tested for efficiency
Bus gates improved journey times in Aberdeen
Public transport in cities is getting slower, especially in Edinburgh, where the Number 38 bus route is struggling with increasing delays caused by heavy congestion. More cars on the road and not enough measures to prioritize buses are making the service less attractive to commuters.
Growing Delays on Popular Routes
The Number 38, a critical bus route in Edinburgh serving colleges and hospitals, now averages just 11.3 mph—down from 14.9 mph two years ago. This slowdown affects daily commuters like Nico Reverie, who find themselves waiting more often and concerned about making transfers. Research by CPT Scotland reveals that over the past 20 years, rising vehicle numbers and slowing traffic have led to longer travel times. Consequently, bus frequencies are getting cut back, leaving passengers like Francis Boyle, who relies on the service for work at a hospital, feeling the strain.
Here are some key insights about the changing bus service trends:
Average bus speed dropped significantly.
Commuters report increased stress from delays.
Frequency reductions due to congestion.
AI pilots are in testing stages in Glasgow.
Success seen in Aberdeen’s bus gate use.
Impact of Traffic and Roadworks
It’s not just about buses moving slower; the growth in roadworks adds another layer of frustration for operators like Willie Hamilton of Lothian Buses. He points out that bus delays affect many passengers, unlike individual car trips. The rise in roadworks has compounded the issue, leading to longer travel times overall.
Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. L. Fischer earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media.
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