That behavior inconsequential during non-congestion hours as the traffic can flow around the bus or else there'd be congestion, and helpful when traffic is near

That behavior inconsequential during non-congestion hours as the traffic can flow around the bus or else there'd be congestion, and helpful when traffic is near congestion. Traffic models show that it's the sudden acceleration and esp deceleration that "propagate" and cause congestion, accelerating slower and staying (at a safe distance so you don't have to hit the brakes) behind the bus are helpful. Imo everyone driving unpredictably to "get ahead" and save (literally, do the math) 1 minute on a 30 minute commute is what causes a lot of congestion. Imo even if a bus took up 10 car spaces, the more predicable driving and slower accel/decel might still be a net positive for traffic flow.