Planning Models for a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT): The Case of Metrobus in Mexico City

Abstract

This article is about the planningprocess of a bus rapid transit system in Mexico City, called Metrobus.It is a qualitative research that describes the two consolidated models of BRT planning, the one from the Research Board of Transportation based in North America developed cities; and the one from the Institute of Policy for Transportation and Development applied in Latin American cities. Also the study describethe BRT system of the Mexico´s Cityin which fieldwork was done based on in-depth interviews to themanagers of the operating carrier companies of the 4 current BRT corridors. The Mexican case shows two variables that are not strongly considered in the studied models and should be incorporated in similar context: the BRT environmental impact and the strategy of consensus withthe BRT operators.Keywords : BRT environmental impact, Metrobús, BRT planning models IntroductionThe Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) known in México as Metrobus have gained enormous popularity since they contribute to give a modern and orderly image in the cities where the implementation is achieved. In the case of Latin America there are several cities that have this kind of massive transportation, but the available literature agrees with the lack of planning of the transportation systems in general in this region (Rivas et al., 2007). However, the importance of planning are taken up in different kinds of studies, for exampleLevinson et al., (2003) who after studying 26 cases of study developed a guide for the implementation of a BRT system. A work of great interest not only to academics but to public policy makers, managers, directors of transportation and planners. A review of the characteristics of the Bus Rapid Transit projects made by Jarzab, Lightbody and Maeda (2002) they compare the costs and complexity between implementing light rail system versus BRT and conclude that the cost and the determination depend on the context.Polzin, Baltes, and Vuchic (2002) made a critical study of BRT systems as a viable alternative compared to urban trains. They conclude that the BRT is an initial step where there is a possibility of consolidating, later on, urban rail systems which are more expensive and therefore the BRT is a step forward in the urban renewal strategy and in the image of public transportation of a city.There is an extensive literature on the Latin American experience it highlights the work of: Menckhoff (2005) who after knowing and comparing the experience of different countries including the cities of Quito (Ecuador), Bogota, (Colombia), Santiago (Chile) Leon (Mexico) concluded that BRT systems are a great improvement over traditional bus systems often linked to integral reform processes of public transportation that are much less expensive than light train system and subway but its implementation is complex and requires competent planners and strong political leadership.In another important research Graftieaux and Hidalgo (2009) after comparing 11 cities in Asia and Latin America found that implantation resulted in a re...