London, Ontario, has opened its first completed stretch of centre-running bus lanes, giving residents an early look at how the city’s developing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network will operate. The new configuration on Wellington Road is designed to keep buses moving through busy sections of the city while requiring motorists to adjust to new turning and access rules.
Express Route 90 Begins Using Dedicated Transit Lanes
London Transit has begun operating buses in the newly completed centre lanes along Wellington Road between Simcoe Street and Grand Avenue.
A London Transit Express Route 90 bus can now travel through the section using a deep red lane reserved for transit. The route connects Masonville in north London with White Oaks in the south.
The infrastructure represents the first operational section of centre-running bus lanes associated with the city’s wider BRT construction program.
Driver Al Henderson said the project appears promising despite the adjustment required from motorists.
“I think it’s going to be good when it’s finished,” he told CTV News.
New Road Layout Changes How Drivers Make Left Turns
One of the most significant changes involves access to businesses, driveways and some side streets along Wellington Road.
Drivers can no longer make direct left turns across the dedicated transit lanes at certain locations. Instead, motorists may need to continue to the next designated signalized intersection, make a U-turn and approach their destination from the opposite direction.
The system is intended to reduce conflicts between regular traffic and buses travelling in the centre lanes.
Henderson said traffic appeared to be moving well through the redesigned section.
“Traffic flows. I like the left-hand turns they got. I enjoy it,” he added.
Protected Platforms Introduced for Transit Riders
The centre-running lanes also feature protected transit platforms located in the middle of Wellington Road. Passengers reach the platforms using designated signalized pedestrian crossings.
The redesigned roadway is considerably wider in places to accommodate the transit infrastructure, raising concerns among some residents about pedestrian access.
London resident Harsha Perera said additional crossings could make Wellington Road easier to navigate on foot.
“When they want to cross, it’s difficult. I didn’t find many pedestrians’ crossings everywhere. So. Kind of a hassle,” he said.
Businesses Hope Customers Return After Years of Construction
For businesses along Wellington Road, the opening of the first transit lanes also marks progress after an extended period of major road construction.
Ryan Alnajjar, owner of Car Tech near Wellington and Simcoe streets, said conditions have improved, although ongoing construction continues to influence how motorists travel through the area.
“It’s better right now. But the thing is that, because construction is still going on on the street, so people are trying to avoid going through Wellington Street. But at least it’s better than the construction, where it was front of us,” Alnajjar explained.
Businesses along major construction corridors can face challenges when lane restrictions, detours and changing access points make it more difficult for customers to reach storefronts.
Wellington Gateway BRT Expected to Begin Full Operations in 2029
The centre-running lanes form part of London’s Wellington Gateway BRT project, which is scheduled to begin full operations in 2029.
The broader rapid transit strategy is intended to improve travel times and reliability for London Transit passengers while reducing the number of buses moving in and out of regular traffic lanes.
Car passenger Chris Ginty said the new configuration will require motorists to become familiar with a different approach to sharing the road with public transit.
“Motorists have to adapt to that concept of having the buses in the middle lanes,” he said.
Ginty also noted the absence of dedicated cycling lanes along the completed section.
“I notice there isn’t any bike lanes on either side. I know they have extended sidewalks. But the emphasis is on bus rapid transit. So, it should clear up the congestion, and help commuters get from point A to point B,” he said.
As construction continues across London, the completed Wellington Road section provides residents with the first practical example of how centre-running rapid transit will function. While the new layout brings changes for drivers, pedestrians and nearby businesses, it marks a significant step toward the city’s planned BRT operations in 2029.
Francesco Petrarca is a writer for ThePacket.ca, covering news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He is committed to clear and reliable reporting, providing readers with useful information, timely updates, and stories that highlight important developments and current affairs.