Pursuant to subclause 3.4(1) of the Land Transport Rule: Traffic Controls Devices 2004 (“Rule”) and a delegation from the NZ Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi, (NZTA), I, Chris Rodley, National Manager, Regulatory System Design, authorise the the installation, maintenance, and operation of Adaptive Bus Lanes and adaptable bus lane signs.

1. for the purpose described in Schedule 1;
2. in the form and layout and complying with the operating requirements set out in Schedule 2;
3. at the locations stated in Schedule 3;
4. for the period specified in Schedule 4; and
5. subject to the evaluation outlined in Schedule 5.

Adaptive bus lanes and adaptive bus lane signs with inset electronic paper may be installed for the purpose of evaluating their use and the trial will be called the “Main Highway Adaptive Bus Lane Trial”.

Schedule 1 – Purpose of trial

The purpose of the trial is to:

1. enable the installation and operation of adaptive bus lanes and adaptive bus lane signs with a changeable electronic paper inset.
2. evaluate the legibility of electronic paper signage in all weather and light conditions.
3. assess road user understanding of and compliance with adaptive bus lane concept and adaptive signage.

Schedule 2 – Form, layout and operation of the Adaptive Bus Lane and Signage

The signs must conform to the following description:

Phase 1: Adaptable signs replace existing R4-7 bus lane signage and the bus lane is operated only in the AM peak (7am to 10am) as it currently operates. variable electronic paper insert is only used for the lower portion of the sign.

Phase 2: As with phase one, however the bus lane will operate in the AM peak and at other times of the day when congestion in the bus lane reaches a threshold requiring a dedicated bus lane.

Phase 3: As with phase two, however a larger variable electronic paper display is to be used incorporating all of the black text and symbol within the red boarder of the sign. For these signs, the bus lane symbol will have a maximum of 388mm wide.

Example of the Adaptive Bus Lane signs at different phases of the trial

Schedule 3 – Location

The location approved for this trial is Main Highway, Auckland, from Walpole Street to Great South Road.

Schedule 4 – Period of trial

The trial may begin after 23 July 2024 and, unless terminated earlier, must end by 31 November 2025.

Schedule 5 – Evaluation

An evaluation and analysis shall be undertaken as outlined in the “Main Highway Adaptive Bus Lane Traffic Control Devices trial application” document received from Auckland Transport in November 2023.

The report must include an assessment of:

1. all road users’ recognition and understanding of the adaptable bus lanes as an alternative to fixed peak time bus lanes;
2. drivers’ compliance with the adaptable bus lane, measured before and during the stages of the trial;
3. analysis of the visual conspicuity and legibility of the electronic paper sign, under different light and weather conditions, compared to the existing R4-7 retroreflective bus lane signage, including washout or glare issues associated with bright sun or vehicle lighting at night;
4. Road users perception of the visibility and legibility of electronic paper signage, while in motion at the posted speed limit, and in all light and weather conditions, compared to standard retroreflective signage;
5. analysis of costs, efficiency improvements and other benefits, including costs compared to other forms of changeable signage currently available;
6. analysis of the reliability of the technology, including a description of any operational issues which arose during the trial and how they were resolved;
7. analysis of enforcement, conflicts and crashes associated with the adaptive bus lane and signage;
8. a summary of feedback received from road users, residents and the public during the trial; and
9. recommendations for improvements or changes that should be made to the form and layout or operation of adaptive bus lanes and associated signage.

An interim evaluation report must be sent to the Senior Engineer Regulatory Technical (TCD) by 31 March 2025 and a final report by 31 March 2026.

Signed at Auckland this 23rd day of July 2024.

CHRIS RODLEY, National Manager, Regulatory System Design, NZTA Waka Kotahi.