While this change is primarily about the E line, the 5 and 28 will benefit as well, as they use Aurora too through Queen Anne. This is really a no-brainer change that should have happened back when RapidRide E was first created, if not even earlier for the old 358 bus.
I was not in Seattle at the time, but I assume SDOT opted for peak only bus lanes to compromise with local business. Fortunately, all recently installed bus lanes are 24/7. SDOT should also upgrade the remaining peak only bus lanes to 24/7 (especially for RR D on Elliott and 15th).
That great as long as the lane is enforced. HOV/Bus lane enforcement is rare in Seattle even though there’s extensive violations…