The Digital Press

Bus bunching occurs when delays cause buses on the same route to cluster together, resulting in uneven wait times and crowded buses. This phenomenon arises because a delayed bus picks up more passengers, further increasing its delay, while the following bus encounters fewer passengers and speeds up.

Why it matters: Bus bunching disrupts schedules, causing passenger frustration and inefficient transit service.

The big picture: Traditional scheduling often fails; solutions include dynamic delays, skipping stops, or removing fixed schedules to maintain spacing.

The stakes: Adding more buses doesn't solve bunching; traffic congestion and stop delays are the core issues needing targeted solutions.

Commenters say: Many emphasize that bus-only lanes are the most effective fix, while others caution against skipping stops or dropping schedules due to reliability concerns.