Tomorrow, the City of London will introduce a new specially marked traffic lane on Sarnia Road at Wonderland Road, designed to allow London Transit buses priority when turning left at the westbound traffic signal.

The new lane, which is clearly identified with white diamond shaped markers painted on the road surface, along with overhead signs and a red coloured road surface, is dedicated for transit vehicle use only.

When a bus in this dedicated lane approaches the traffic signal, it will be detected by a sensor. This sensor will trigger a new “Transit Signal” to turn green and allow buses to proceed simultaneously with other westbound traffic. The “Transit Only” signal differs in appearance from a typical traffic light, in that it is situated lower and is black in colour.

"We're focused on changing the way Londoners move across the community and this demonstrates that commitment." said Mayor Matt Brown, "This is great news and an important step forward as we build a faster, easier to use and more connected Rapid Transit system in London."

“This transit dedicated lane will be the first of many to appear in London over the next few years,” says Kelly Scherr, Managing Director, Environmental and Engineering Services and City Engineer. “Traffic signal optimization has been identified in City Council’s Strategic Plan for the City of London 2015-2019 as a key strategy to enhance transit services and improve travel.”

The designated lane and “Transit Signal” will be in use for London Transit routes 10 and 29, which together carry 440 passengers on an hourly basis, with increased ridership during peak periods.

The lane will become operational Friday morning, as months’ worth of construction work come to an end and the intersection is completely re-opened to traffic.