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.
