The vision for Plymouth’s buses is set out in the Bus Service Improvement Plan and aims to create a thriving bus network where everyone can be connected to important people and places, while also helping to achieve the city’s net zero goals by 2030.
The Royal Parade scheme aims to reduce delays at this key point by creating more bus stops, cutting the queues and double stacking of buses, making services more reliable and helping to make going by bus a more attractive option than the private car. The key elements of the scheme are:
Redesigning the layout
We are redesigning the layout so it is more efficient for buses, safer and better for the environment.
25% with more buses will be able to pick up and drop off more efficiently. Redesigning the road with a shallow saw-tooth layout to increase the number of bus stops from 12 to 15. This will prevent double stacking, unnecessary idling and improve air quality. This will also improve bus manoeuvrability and safety by reducing the need for buses to reverse out from bus stops and ensure passengers can get on and off from the pavement.
Improving passenger information
We are proposing clearer and easier information about where and what bus to get in the new shelters and upgraded Real Time Passenger Information displays.
More accessible bus shelters
The new bus shelters will be bigger, with upgraded bench seating with armrests and more space for wheelchair users and pushchairs. The paving design has a hidden purpose, where dark grey banding will act as a reference point for bus drivers to stop to ensure their doors align with the shelter opening. The new shelters will also be set a little further back from the kerbs to make more space, which will also help when buses use their ‘kneeling suspension’ to lower the bus to the kerb for wheelchair access.
Installing greener shelters
They will have green roofs that are partially or completely covered with plants and vegetation. In urban areas, green roofs offer safe spaces for wildlife and nature to thrive. They can help insects, birds and plants to find a haven.
Improving air quality
By improving the layout of Royal Parade, there will be fewer buses having to idle for long periods of time. This will help to improve the air quality in the area.
Ensuring a safer crossing
This is currently a pelican crossing and cyclists should dismount, but we are aware some people cycle across. We will be upgrading the signal heads to a toucan crossing to formalise cyclists being able to cross without dismounting. This means when the green man shows, a green cycle symbol will also show, which will also improve safety with all crossing users being aware they are sharing the space as both pedestrians and cyclists.
It will connect the cycle routes at Civic Square and Armada Way.
Upgrading the cameras
Average speed camera system to replace existing static cameras, supporting a safe environment for pedestrians.
New paving
The scheme includes laying high quality granite paving slabs along the length of the pavement on this side of Royal Parade to replace concrete slabs that have become worn over time and are slippery in places.
When we carry out public realm improvement schemes, we aim to replace damaged and aged footpaths with better quality, longer lasting material. This means, however, that the pavement between the kerb and shop fronts will be sectioned off for this work. This will be carried out in stages to minimise the impact on businesses and shoppers. Temporary pedestrian footways to allow access to shop doorways will be put in place.
In addition to these improvements, the Council, working in partnership with local bus operators, are committed to improving services and the bus network. This includes the joint ZEBRA2 funding bid for 50 zero emission, electric, double decker buses for routes operating in Plymouth and the Rame Peninsula as well as the necessary associated electric charging infrastructure at the Plymouth Citybus depot.