Analyzing the Performance of "Dedicated" Bus Lane Operations in Addis Ababa: The Case of Kara-Lamberet Road

This thesis presents an in-depth analysis of the performance of 'dedicated' bus lane operations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a focus on assessing the performance of DBL on the Kara-Lamberet Road. The study aims to assess the performance of the bus lane system in reducing travel time, enhancing reliability, and alleviating congestion. The research follows a mixed-methods research methodology, where both quantitative and qualitative data are collected and analyzed. The objectives of the research are to assess the current state of the PT, evaluate the performance of the RBL, and identifying the key challenges for the RBL operations. The analysis of the findings revealed that buses using the dedicated lane demonstrated better performance compared to mini-buses in mixed traffic. The buffer time (BT) for buses was lower at 0.02, and the buffer time index (BTI) was 2.95. For mini-buses in mixed traffic, the BT and BTI values were 0.03 and 3.36, respectively. Additionally, the travel time index (TTI) for buses was the lowest at 2.7, while for minibuses, it was 3.27. The study identified key challenges for the operation of the DBL, including illegal vendors, soil and construction materials, and illegal parking and encroachment by unauthorized vehicles. The findings suggest that the DBL has significantly improved travel time and reliability for buses. The DBL has been effective in enhancing transportation efficiency and reliability, and there is potential for broader implementation in the city. The recommendations forwarded based on the analysis include improved enforcement, public awareness, network integration, and continuous monitoring and evaluation to further optimize the DBL's performance