Automobile analyst Sergei Kanaev contends that dedicating separate lanes for public transport can enhance passenger safety. In comments responding to RT Reacted about plans to establish bus-only lanes on the M-7 highway linking Moscow with the surrounding region, Kanaev outlines how such measures align with observed traffic patterns and safety data.
He notes that a substantial body of statistics supports the idea that giving buses their own dedicated corridor reduces mixing with private vehicles, which in turn lowers the likelihood of collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The principle is straightforward: when buses have a protected space, they run more predictably and at steadier speeds, creating fewer sudden braking events for surrounding traffic.
Kanaev explains that the practical benefits become clearest during peak travel periods. Buses entering and leaving a dedicated lane face less interference from lane changes and bottlenecks in general traffic. For passengers, this translates into more reliable service and less time spent waiting in congested conditions. In congested corridors, the separated lane can preserve a faster, punctual service window, which may encourage more residents to choose public transportation over private cars.
According to the expert, the overall impact on road capacity hinges on the specifics of implementation. If other lanes are narrowed only slightly without reducing their total throughput, the effect on the rest of the traffic stream might be limited. Conversely, design choices that reserve a full, uninterrupted bus lane can slow down general traffic unless complementary measures are introduced to balance demand with roadway capacity. Kanaev emphasizes that careful traffic engineering is essential to avoid creating new bottlenecks elsewhere in the network.
He also highlights the M-7 route’s favorable position for public transport users. The corridor already serves a significant number of bus riders, and people who rely on transit are accustomed to the idea of dedicated lanes in other cities. Local drivers tend to adapt as long as they experience clear and predictable rules, which can reduce the friction often associated with lane reallocation. The credibility of the plan rests on consistent enforcement, rider information, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure that the bus lane consistently delivers on its safety and efficiency promises.
Recent announcements indicated that a separate bus lane on the M-7 highway would become active by the end of the month and would operate at least through the end of March. While experimental in nature, this initiative is presented as a practical step toward improving safety and reliability for public transport users. Officials hope the project will yield measurable reductions in conflict points between buses and other vehicles, ultimately enhancing travel times for all users along this key corridor.
In broader context, experts point to various strategies that public agencies deploy to ease congestion on holiday and peak travel roads. While seasonal patterns can intensify traffic, the introduction of exclusive bus lanes is one element in a broader toolkit, including signal optimization, improved bus frequency, and real-time traveler information. The overarching goal is to reduce crash risk, improve journey predictability, and support a shift toward more sustainable urban mobility across the region.