TORONTO, Ont. — The Greater Toronto Services Board (GTSB) is suggesting a network of dedicated bus lanes is one formula for solving the traffic congestion on Canada’s busiest highways.

In a report to be released today, the GTSB argues that the lanes should be added to the major roads and highways within the Greater Toronto Area.

The reserved High Occupancy Vehicle routes would accommodate a fleet of buses transiting from the residential suburbs into the industrial and commercial core of Toronto.

Bus Rapid Transit, as the idea is called, would feature frequent, fast service to areas not accessible by either subway or the GO Train system.

“Bus Rapid Transit is a crucial element in meeting future travel demands and increasing the use of transit in the GTA and Hamilton area,” says the report, compiled by Markham, Ont.’s Entra Consultants Inc.

“The (bus) system envisioned for the GTA and Hamilton area combines the quality of rail transit and the flexibility of buses.”

Titled Transit Corridor Priorities and Phasing, the study calls for the initial use of bus-only and HOV lanes across nine inter-regional routes.

The GTSB, which is made up of representatives from the 29 municipalities in the GTA, as well as the city of Hamilton, says $800 million will be required annually from the provincial and federal governments to beat traffic gridlock.

Bus Rapid Transit is only part of the GTSB’s plan.