Bus Rapid Transit

Have you heard of BRT or Bus Rapid Transit system?

'Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a broad term given to a variety of transportation systems that, through improvements to infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling, attempt to use buses to provide a service that is of a higher quality than an ordinary bus line. Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a broad term given to a variety of transportation systems that, through improvements to infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling, attempt to use buses to provide a service that is of a higher quality than an ordinary bus line.'

'An ideal bus rapid transit service would be expected to include most of the following features:

1. Bus only, grade-separated (or at-grade exclusive) right-of-way;

2. Comprehensive coverage;

3. Serves a diverse market with high-frequency all day service;

4. Bus priority / bus lanes;

5. Vehicles with tram-like characteristics.'

Comparison with other forms of mass transit

'BRT attempts to combine the advantages of a metro system (noticeably right-of-way which improves punctuality and frequency) with the advantages of a bus system (low construction and maintenance costs, right-of-way not required for entire length).

Compared to standard bus service BRT systems with dedicated right-of-way lanes, and thus an increased average vehicle speed, can provide more passenger miles with the same number of vehicles and personnel. They also bring about a smoother ride than a normal bus immersed in stop-and-go traffic.'

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Examples of BRT systems currently operating in the world:

-- Transmilenio system in Bogotá

--OC Transpo Transitway, Ottawa

--South-East Busway, Brisbane

--Metro Bus Tunnel, Seattle

--Silver Line, Boston

In the Philippines, BRT system is being studied and developed in Cebu. For further details, click here.