Some bus services travelling through Nottingham will be given an automatic green light at key junctions in a bid to avoid delays.
Trentbarton says its flagship express route between Nottingham and Derby will be taking part in live testing of new traffic light infrastructure which automatically gives a service a green light.
Nine Red Arrow services have been fitted with technology which automatically lets traffic signals know when they are running late, and on approach the lights will turn green to allow the services to pass without interruption or delay.
Five key junctions between Nottingham and Derby will be part of the trial, including Derby Road in Nottingham at the junction of Lenton Boulevard and at Gregory Street.
The junctions in Derby will include Pentagon Island and Cock Pitt Island.
The trial starts this week and will run for 12 weeks. If a success, more traffic signals will get priority technology to benefit other routes.
Managing director, Jeff Counsell, said: “Traffic congestion is the biggest factor in slowing down bus services and it is expected that this technology will enable red arrow and then other services to be more on time more often.
"That will encourage more people to travel by bus, reducing the number of cars on the roads and therefore helping buses to be quicker and more punctual.
"Everyone will benefit, not least from less air pollution from fewer vehicles being on the road."
Trentbarton says it has been preparing for the trial with Nottingham City Council, as well as Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire county councils and Via East Midlands.
The funding for the project was secured as part of the Transforming Cities Fund, in a bid between Derby and Nottingham.
The joint bid secured £161m for transport improvements in the region.
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