Some elements of the Better BRT plan can make use of guided busways to ensure smoother operations and minimize bus lane width. Buses can be guided mechanically with rollers or remotely using optical or magnetic systems.

Mechanical-guided busways function like a track, allowing a bus driver to focus only on acceleration and braking rather than steering the vehicle.  The County’s existing bus fleet can be modified to use a guided busway by equipping small wheels on the sides.

Guided busways can be best used used on the following locations along the BRT corridor:

• Segments will very constrained road width, where narrowing lanes is a critical need.
• Stretches of Route 29 where there will be a bidirectional or reversible bus lane, such as the segment between Sligo Creek Parkway and the Capital Beltway and between Timberwood Avenue and the Burnt Mills Shopping Center.
• Approaching and at stations, to ensure the bus stops automatically at the ideal distance from the curb.