Adelaide's O-Bahn was introduced in 1986 to service the city's rapidly expanding north-eastern suburbs, replacing an earlier plan for a tramway extension. The O-Bahn provides specially built track, combining elements of both bus and rail systems. The track is 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) long and includes three interchanges at Klemzig, Paradise and Tea Tree Plaza. Interchanges allow buses to enter and exit the busway and to continue on suburban routes, avoiding the need for passengers to transfer to another bus to continue their journey. Buses can travel at a maximum speed of 100 km/h (60 mph), but have been restricted to a 90 km/h (55 mph) speed limit since 2016. As of 2015, the busway carried approximately 31,000 people per weekday.[2] An additional section including a 670-metre (2,200 ft) tunnel opened in 2017 at the city end to reduce the number of congested intersections buses must traverse to enter the Adelaide city centre.[3]

Straight from the Wikipedia. Seems like it allows busses to transfer to different parts of the city using the tram systems right of way, bypassing busy streets. They can hop on and off on certain spots. Pretty clever really.

The track can be prefab sections, drainage is simplified, less concrete, and the driver only has to deal with throttle and brakes.

After some rabbit hole reading, it sounds like narrower roads at higher speed is the main difference. And the driver doesn't need to stear.

Dunno. I'm new to Adelaide. Also only seems to be north east Adelaide so possibly it's main advantage is the area it runs through. Maybe other options wouldn't work.

If they're not already using or planning on using electric buses then maybe that's all they need. I don't know if this busway could be electrified without fencing more of it off. Some parts are kinda open and slightly elevated and run alongside walking tracks.