Bus Rapid Transit: Synthesis of Case Studies

Abstract

Bus rapid transit systems have grown in popularity in recent years. Spurred by federal initiatives, the spiraling cost of rail transit, and market realities, a growing number of cities have installed or are planning bus rapid transit (BRT). There is a synthesis of current experience, drawing on ongoing research conducted in a project for TCRP. The nature of BRT is described; where it operates; key features, such as running ways, stations, vehicles, intelligent transportation systems, and service patterns; performance in ridership, travel times, and land development; and the emerging implications for new systems. It is important to match transit markets to rights-of-way; achieve benefits in speed, reliability, and identity; minimize adverse impacts to street traffic, property access, and pedestrians; and obtain community support throughout an open planning process.

The gaps in satisfaction with transit services among BRT, metro, and bus riders: Evidence from Guangzhou

“…The length of all systems totals more than 4,200 kilometers and daily ridership exceeds 29 million. The popularity of BRT is partly attributable to its ability to combine the quality of rail transit and the flexibility of conventional bus (Levinson et al 2003a). Because BRT is often characterized as a low-cost "rail-like" rapid transit (Levinson et al 2003a), it becomes an alternative to rail transit.…”

“…The popularity of BRT is partly attributable to its ability to combine the quality of rail transit and the flexibility of conventional bus (Levinson et al 2003a). Because BRT is often characterized as a low-cost "rail-like" rapid transit (Levinson et al 2003a), it becomes an alternative to rail transit. BRT is expected to create a new image distinct from conventional bus (Levinson et al 2003b), which helps attract choice riders (who have the option to drive but choose to ride transit) and reduce…”

Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual Applied to a Bus Corridor in Dublin, Ireland

“…Federal incentives have been used to implement bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors because of the costs of implementing rail-based public transport systems (5,6). The following section examines the situation with regard to bus corridors in the United States; London, United Kingdom; and Dublin.…”

“…"BRT is a flexible, rubber-tired rapid transit mode that combines stations, vehicles, services, running ways, and intelligent transport systems (ITS) elements into an integrated system with a strong positive image and identity" (5).…”

The European Bus with a High Level of Service (BHLS): Concept and Practice

“…BRT was then defined as "a rapid mode of transportation that can combine the quality of rail transit and the flexibility of buses" (Levinson et al, 2002). As their implementations increased in North and South America, the studies describe a wider spectrum of characteristics to define the BRT systems (Levinson et al, 2003a, 2003b, Diaz, 2009). They are ranked from "BRT-Lite" to "Full-BRT" depending on their components (Gray et al, 2006).…”