Buses are now allowed to use the emergency lane along traffic jams on part of the A67. This is how the province of North Brabant, Brainport Bereikbaar, and Rijkswaterstaat are trying to stimulate the use of public transport. This contributes to the accessibility of the Brainport region, the reduction of car traffic, and thus a decrease in CO2 emissions.

Bus-on-emergency-lane is a measure that allows buses to use the emergency lane during traffic jams. This makes travel time more reliable. Public transport lines and private transport for employees and/or students can apply for an exemption for this. Bus operator Hermes has already received such an exemption. On Thursday, September 4, an exemption was offered to DAF.

Behavioral Change

Especially during the morning and evening rush hours, it is often congested on our highways, says mobility deputy Stijn Smeulders. And unfortunately, a lasting solution is not yet in sight. Therefore, we must do everything we can to make alternative transport as attractive as possible. If people see the bus driving over the emergency lane every day in traffic jams, it becomes very attractive to leave the car at home next time. This way, the bus can really help keep Brabant moving.
“We focus on motorists who would generally prefer to travel differently but face obstacles,” says behavioral expert Rick Baggermans from Brainport Bereikbaar, who is associated with this project. “With this project, we are removing some of those barriers, such as having to transfer multiple times. This makes it more attractive to travel differently. It is important to address peoples behavioral factors before you start thinking about measures. Ultimately, we also want to map the effect. In this case, for example, a decrease in the occupancy of parking spaces in business areas.”

Other Routes

On the A67, the section between exit 30 (Eersel) and exit 31 (Valkenswaard/Veldhoven) towards Eindhoven has been prepared for Bus-on-Emergency-Lane. By mid-2026, this will also be implemented on parts of the A50 and A2.

A50

  • Towards the south between exit 15 (Nistelrode) and bus exit Uden.
  • Towards the south between exit 13 (Volkel) and exit 12 (Veghel-Noord)
  • In both directions between exit 10 (Eerde) and junction Ekkersrijt

A2

  • Towards the south between junction Leenderheide and exit 34 (Valkenswaard)