The bus-only lane on Dongguan Avenue

Recently, people driving in the urban area may have noticed that special bus lanes have been newly marked on many roads. 12 bus-only lanes will be introduced in downtown Dongguan as the first phase of the bus lanes project in Dongguan to reduce traveling time for rush-hour commuters.

Bus operations are usually less efficient during rush hours in the morning and evening as affected by traffic congestion. Therefore, special bus lanes were set up to improve commuting effectiveness. There were four bus lanes in the downtown area of the city before, but only one of them is still in operation due to lack of supervision. In order to change the status quo, the city launched a study of bus lanes in the urban area in August last year. After data collection, analysis and research, the final planning was formed in April this year and the first phase of the project began this September.

In the first phase of the downtown bus lane project, bus lanes were set up in 22 sections of 12 roads in Dongcheng, Nancheng, Wanjiang and Guancheng districts, about 62.5 kilometers in length. The bus lanes are on the right side of lanes. They are separated from other lanes by yellow dotted lines, and on the road, they are marked in Chinese as "bus-only lane". From 7:30am to 9am and 5:30pm to 7pm during weekdays, such lanes will only allow buses to use.

In the first phase of the bus lane project, approximately 75,743 square meters lanes will be marked. At present, 11 bus lanes have been marked. 120 sets of smart camera equipment will be installed around these bus lanes before January 30, 2021. According to the city's transportation department, these designated bus lanes are expected to be put into use in early 2021.

If the bus lane is occupied within the specified period, a fine of 150 yuan shall be imposed in accordance with the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China and the Road Traffic Safety Regulations of Guangdong Province.