Bus Rapid Transit(5)

8/6/2019 Bus Rapid Transit(5)

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Bus Rapid Transit:Bus Rapid Transit: A Sustainable Approach A Sustainable Approach

to Mass Transit to Mass Transit

Bhavik ShahBhavik Shah11/25/0211/25/02


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G oalsG oals

What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?

Elements of BRTElements of BRTCuritiba, Brazil: The Success StoryCuritiba, Brazil: The Success Story Applicability to the United States Applicability to the United States

ConclusionsConclusions


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What is BRT?What is BRT?Bus Rapid Transit uses a variety of innovative systemBus Rapid Transit uses a variety of innovative systemdesigns and technologies to speed travel time, cut designs and technologies to speed travel time, cut costs and make service more reliable.costs and make service more reliable.

Think rail, use buses. Think rail, use buses.These objectives are reached byThese objectives are reached by:Lane priorityLane prioritySignal prioritySignal priority

Vehicle design Vehicle designStop spacing and designStop spacing and designFare collectionFare collectionRider appealRider appealLand use policyLand use policy


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Lane PriorityLane PriorityG iving buses priority to lanesG iving buses priority to lanes(HOV) speeds travel time.(HOV) speeds travel time.Three types of priority lanes:Three types of priority lanes:curbside, median, andcurbside, median, andcontraflow.contraflow.

Curbside bus lanes are usuallyCurbside bus lanes are usuallyeffective during peak hours ineffective during peak hours inpeak directions; otherwise thepeak directions; otherwise thelane is reserved for parkinglane is reserved for parkingand deliveries. Since bus stopsand deliveries. Since bus stopsare in this lane, buses do not are in this lane, buses do not

waste time remerging withwaste time remerging withtraffic. Double curbside bustraffic. Double curbside buslanes allow them to pass onelanes allow them to pass oneanother (e.g. Madison Ave inanother (e.g. Madison Ave inNYC).NYC).

This San Francisco bus lane is the laneadjacent to the curb lane and is ineffect weekdays 7 am to 6 pm.Curbside deliveries and parking arestill possible, except at stops.


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Median LanesMedian LanesBus lanes are located in the middleBus lanes are located in the middletwo lanes of traffic, usu. separatedtwo lanes of traffic, usu. separatedfrom general traffic lanes by a raisedfrom general traffic lanes by a raisedcurb.curb.Only appropriate for wide boulevards.Only appropriate for wide boulevards.Passenger platforms on right. TherePassenger platforms on right. Therecan be one central platform, but can be one central platform, but buses then must have doors on bothbuses then must have doors on bothsides.sides.Less likely to be congested thanLess likely to be congested than

curbside bus lanes.curbside bus lanes.Disadvantages are: 1) making left Disadvantages are: 1) making left turns, and 2) passengers must crossturns, and 2) passengers must crosslanes of traffic to reach platformslanes of traffic to reach platformscreating a safety concern, esp.creating a safety concern, esp.passengers anxious to catch anpassengers anxious to catch an

approaching bus.approaching bus.


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Contraflow LanesContraflow Lanes A contraflow lane is a bus A contraflow lane is a buslane that runs in thelane that runs in theopposite direction in what opposite direction in what would otherwise be awould otherwise be aoneone--way street.way street.

These contraflow lanesThese contraflow lanescan be used during peakcan be used during peaktimes of the day to avoidtimes of the day to avoidtraffic congestion or cantraffic congestion or canbe permanent.be permanent.

They have a physicalThey have a physicaldivide to only allowdivide to only allowauthorized vehiclesauthorized vehiclesthrough.through.

BRT system in Orlando, FL.


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Traffic Signal PriorityTraffic Signal PrioritySpecial treatment to transit vehicles at Special treatment to transit vehicles at signalized intersections.signalized intersections.Passive priority: timing signal lights withPassive priority: timing signal lights withrespect to avg. bus speed rather thanrespect to avg. bus speed rather than

avg. vehicle speed.avg. vehicle speed. Active priority: uses chips on the bus Active priority: uses chips on the busand light to calculate the speed of busand light to calculate the speed of busand time of approach, and dependingand time of approach, and dependingon traffic situation at the time, to eitheron traffic situation at the time, to eithergive an early green signal or hold onegive an early green signal or hold onethat is being displayed.that is being displayed.Queue jumpers: short stretch of busQueue jumpers: short stretch of buslane combined with traffic signal prioritylane combined with traffic signal priorityto cut queues of traffic and receive ato cut queues of traffic and receive agreen signal.green signal.

Active Priority Light inOrlando, FL.


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Vehicle Design Vehicle DesignLow level boarding: faster boarding time for all passengers,Low level boarding: faster boarding time for all passengers,namely those in wheelchairs, which means shorter dwellingnamely those in wheelchairs, which means shorter dwellingtime at the bus stop.time at the bus stop.

Adding additional and wider doorways facilitates the rapid Adding additional and wider doorways facilitates the rapidentry and exit of passengers (32 in. allows for easy access forentry and exit of passengers (32 in. allows for easy access for

those in mobility aids).those in mobility aids). Additional and wider doorways must be integrated with the Additional and wider doorways must be integrated with thestructural support systems to maintain crash worthiness.structural support systems to maintain crash worthiness.Buses can be biBuses can be bi- -/articulated with two or three sections capable /articulated with two or three sections capableof transporting 170of transporting 170- -270 passengers. (Think of the long A, H,270 passengers. (Think of the long A, H,and EE buses).and EE buses).


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Vehicle Design Vehicle Design

Propulsion:Propulsion:cleaner diesel fuel due to stricter EPA standardscleaner diesel fuel due to stricter EPA standards

compressed natural gas (CN G ) hybrid electriccompressed natural gas (CN G ) hybrid electric- -dieseldieselbuses have emerged as viable alternatively fueledbuses have emerged as viable alternatively fueledvehiclesvehicles

Low noise and emission pollutionLow noise and emission pollution to make theto make thebuses sexy.buses sexy.


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Stop Spacing and LocationStop Spacing and LocationStop spacing affects demand for transit service.Stop spacing affects demand for transit service.Tradeoff between: (a) closely spaced, frequent stops and shorterTradeoff between: (a) closely spaced, frequent stops and shorterwalking distance, but more time on the vehicle and (b) stops spacedwalking distance, but more time on the vehicle and (b) stops spacedfurther apart and longer walking distance, but less time on thefurther apart and longer walking distance, but less time on the

vehicle.vehicle.Stop locating can be near side, far side, or midStop locating can be near side, far side, or mid- -block.block.BRT systems with active signal priority and queue jumpers shouldBRT systems with active signal priority and queue jumpers shouldplace stops at the far side, allowing for effective use of theseplace stops at the far side, allowing for effective use of thesemeasures. It also clears the bus through the intersection withmeasures. It also clears the bus through the intersection with

minimal delay.minimal delay.If the stop was on the near side, queue jumpers would be not beIf the stop was on the near side, queue jumpers would be not beused, and the bus would have to merge with queue traffic on theused, and the bus would have to merge with queue traffic on thecurbside lane for the stop. Consequently, the bus would be delayedcurbside lane for the stop. Consequently, the bus would be delayedby at least one signal cycle.by at least one signal cycle.


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Stop LocationStop Location

If bus stops are bays (think of bus stop across from ARC),If bus stops are bays (think of bus stop across from ARC),there is a delay to remerge with traffic.there is a delay to remerge with traffic.Bays are not efficient for BRT systems.Bays are not efficient for BRT systems.If necessary, located on far side of intersections withIf necessary, located on far side of intersections withtapered deceleration and acceleration lanes.tapered deceleration and acceleration lanes.Priority Merge Rule: all vehicles to yield the right of way,Priority Merge Rule: all vehicles to yield the right of way,when safe to do so, to buses signaling to reenter the trafficwhen safe to do so, to buses signaling to reenter the trafficstream a stop.stream a stop.

Rule is common in Europe, Australia, Japan, Oregon,Rule is common in Europe, Australia, Japan, Oregon,Washington, and Florida.Washington, and Florida.PMR is BRTPMR is BRT--friendly as it reduces waiting times at friendly as it reduces waiting times at subsequent stops and decreases travel times forsubsequent stops and decreases travel times forpassengers.passengers.


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Fare CollectionFare CollectionOnOn--board collection increases dwelling time thus decreasingboard collection increases dwelling time thus decreasingthe efficiency of a BRT system.the efficiency of a BRT system.Monthly passes, smart cards, preMonthly passes, smart cards, pre- -paid tickets. Incentives forpaid tickets. Incentives forprepre--payment is a sharp discounts for multipayment is a sharp discounts for multi- -trip cards/tickets.trip cards/tickets.Pay as you board worst during peak hours.Pay as you board worst during peak hours.

Pay on exit: speeds up boarding at central sites duringPay on exit: speeds up boarding at central sites duringpeak hours, and decreases dwell time as smaller groupspeak hours, and decreases dwell time as smaller groupsexit the bus at the stops.exit the bus at the stops.

Free fare zone, loading platforms (staffed), paid areaFree fare zone, loading platforms (staffed), paid areaterminals (barrier free for transfers), and proof of payment terminals (barrier free for transfers), and proof of payment

Loading platform inCuritiba, Brazil.


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Rider AppealRider AppealProviding proper information to theProviding proper information to thecustomer is crucial for high qualitycustomer is crucial for high qualitytransit information. (aka being usertransit information. (aka being userfriendly)friendly)

Therefore, to increase the appeal of Therefore, to increase the appeal of a BRT system, and consequently,a BRT system, and consequently,ridership, each stop should have:ridership, each stop should have:

A stop name. A stop name.Route names and destinationsRoute names and destinationsfor all routes serving the stop.for all routes serving the stop.Span of service and frequency of Span of service and frequency of service.service.Service schedule for lowService schedule for low- -frequency routes.frequency routes.

A system map A system map Orlando BRT Service Map


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Rider AppealRider AppealOnboard schematic maps and automatedOnboard schematic maps and automatedannouncements can assist passengers when/where toannouncements can assist passengers when/where toboard and exit.board and exit.Use of real time information of arrival times to beUse of real time information of arrival times to bedisplayed at bus stops, kiosks, etc.displayed at bus stops, kiosks, etc.Technology is Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) and isTechnology is Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) and ispowered by G PS.powered by G PS.Reduces anxiety of waiting.Reduces anxiety of waiting.Market BRT system as being an preferable mode of Market BRT system as being an preferable mode of transportation: color schemes and logos to identify thetransportation: color schemes and logos to identify theBRT system (and distinguish it from the regular busBRT system (and distinguish it from the regular bussystem), stops and stations need appealing architecturalsystem), stops and stations need appealing architecturaland aesthetic designs to attract riders, market fasterand aesthetic designs to attract riders, market fastertravel times, new technologies (signals and AVL), andtravel times, new technologies (signals and AVL), andoffer coupons.offer coupons.


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Land Use PolicyLand Use PolicyModifying land use policiesModifying land use policiesto permit growth that isto permit growth that isconcentrated aroundconcentrated around

transit nodes and corridorstransit nodes and corridorswill help to maintain andwill help to maintain andincrease transit's base of increase transit's base of riders in the future.riders in the future.Location of stationsLocation of stationsalready near developedalready near developedsites, e.g. shopping malls,sites, e.g. shopping malls,is ideal for optimizing landis ideal for optimizing landuse with mass transit.use with mass transit.

Orlando's Lynx system has createdSuperstops at major shopping malls.Buses stop at loading areas close tothe mall entrance. Amenities includeshelters, system information, bikeracks, and a guide to mall stores.


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BRT in UseBRT in Use

Several cities across the world are using aSeveral cities across the world are using aBRT system.BRT system.These include: Bogot, Quito, Rouen,These include: Bogot, Quito, Rouen,London, Sydney, Istanbul, and Taipei.London, Sydney, Istanbul, and Taipei.By far, however, the greatest successBy far, however, the greatest successstory in BRT comes from Curitiba, Brazil.story in BRT comes from Curitiba, Brazil.


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Curitiba, BrazilCuritiba, Brazil

During 1950s and 60s, cities across BrazilDuring 1950s and 60s, cities across Brazilexperienced rapid population growth due toexperienced rapid population growth due toagricultural mechanization. Curitiba had one of agricultural mechanization. Curitiba had one of the highest population growths, 6% a yr.the highest population growths, 6% a yr.demanded effective city planning in areasdemanded effective city planning in areasranging from social services, housing andranging from social services, housing andsanitation, to the environment andsanitation, to the environment and

transportationtransportationBy the 1960s, officials were working on a MasterBy the 1960s, officials were working on a MasterPlan (1966) to meet these demands, whichPlan (1966) to meet these demands, whichincluded a consolidated bus transit systemincluded a consolidated bus transit system


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Transportation and Development Transportation and Development restructured the city s radial configuration into a linearrestructured the city s radial configuration into a linearmodel of urban expansionmodel of urban expansiontransportation land use and road systems can be used astransportation land use and road systems can be used asintegrative tools of development; backbone forintegrative tools of development; backbone for

development and growth of the citydevelopment and growth of the citydirect linear growth by attracting residential anddirect linear growth by attracting residential andcommercial density along a mass transportation lanecommercial density along a mass transportation laneThe Research and Urban Planning Institute of CuritibaThe Research and Urban Planning Institute of Curitiba(IPPUC) was created to monitor the implementation and(IPPUC) was created to monitor the implementation andoperations of the BRT.operations of the BRT.The BRT, with its 2,000 buses, serves eight neighboringThe BRT, with its 2,000 buses, serves eight neighboringcities, 2 million passengers, and an approval rating of cities, 2 million passengers, and an approval rating of 90%.90%.


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New InfrastructureNew Infrastructure


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Transportation SystemTransportation System

Road hierarchy (spider web network)Road hierarchy (spider web network)5 main arterial roads, structural growth corridors that 5 main arterial roads, structural growth corridors that dictate the growth pattern of the city, had two mediandictate the growth pattern of the city, had two medianexpress bus lanesexpress bus lanesBy 1982, all 5 arteries, interBy 1982, all 5 arteries, inter- -district, and feeder linesdistrict, and feeder lineswere complete.were complete.Types of routes: feeder, interdistrict, and expressTypes of routes: feeder, interdistrict, and expressExpress buses travel as fast as subway cars, but at oneExpress buses travel as fast as subway cars, but at oneeighth the construction costseighth the construction costs

As buildings moved away from corridor avenues, the As buildings moved away from corridor avenues, thedensity of the building capacity decreased. (urban apt.density of the building capacity decreased. (urban apt.buildings to residential homes)buildings to residential homes)


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A Fare System A Fare System

Paper transfers: forgeryPaper transfers: forgeryTwoTwo--fare system for feeder and express: failed becausefare system for feeder and express: failed becauseit favored the rich living near the middleit favored the rich living near the middleOne fare policy: can take you from anywhere within theOne fare policy: can take you from anywhere within thesystem (40+ miles worth of travel)system (40+ miles worth of travel)Shorter rides subsidize longer ones.Shorter rides subsidize longer ones.Installed automatic ticket vendors at stops and terminalsInstalled automatic ticket vendors at stops and terminalsto decrease dwell time.to decrease dwell time.The system is entirely financed by these fares andThe system is entirely financed by these fares andwithout any subsidies. A 1990 laws dictates that without any subsidies. A 1990 laws dictates that revenues can only be used to pay for the system. Thisrevenues can only be used to pay for the system. Thisavoids fare inflation.avoids fare inflation.


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Bus and Station DesignBus and Station Design

Buses:Buses:Three doors: 2 exiting, 1 boardingThree doors: 2 exiting, 1 boardingTurbo enginesTurbo engines

Wider doorsWider doorsLower floorsLower floorsBi/Articulated for greater passenger capacity (170Bi/Articulated for greater passenger capacity (170- -270)270)

Boarding tube stations along direct and express lines.Boarding tube stations along direct and express lines.Staffed (to deter fare evaders).Staffed (to deter fare evaders).

Three functions: shelter, preThree functions: shelter, pre- -boarding payment andboarding payment andlevel boardinglevel boardingSpeeds boarding time, especially with the disabled,Speeds boarding time, especially with the disabled,therefore less idling and less pollutiontherefore less idling and less pollution


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Bus TubeBus Tube


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Some NumbersSome Numbers340 routes340 routes2,000 buses transport 2 million passengers daily2,000 buses transport 2 million passengers daily700 miles of bus routes; 40 miles dedicated to bus use700 miles of bus routes; 40 miles dedicated to bus useonlyonly

25 terminals, 200+ bus tubes25 terminals, 200+ bus tubes30 routes and buses designed for specific use by the30 routes and buses designed for specific use by thedisableddisabled5050--second deadhead (period between buses) at peaksecond deadhead (period between buses) at peaktimes, and 2 to 3 minutes at other times at the centraltimes, and 2 to 3 minutes at other times at the centralstationstationfirst city in Brazil to use less polluting fuels; 89.4%first city in Brazil to use less polluting fuels; 89.4%diesel, 8% anhydrous alcohol, and 2.6% soybeandiesel, 8% anhydrous alcohol, and 2.6% soybeanadditiveadditiveThe resulting fuel is less polluting and cuts the emissionsThe resulting fuel is less polluting and cuts the emissionsof particles to the air by up to 43 per cent.of particles to the air by up to 43 per cent.


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More NumbersMore Numbers

Cost of implementing the bus system inCost of implementing the bus system inCuritiba was $2.0 million (U.S.) per mile.Curitiba was $2.0 million (U.S.) per mile.10 percent of yearly income on transport.10 percent of yearly income on transport.

As a result, despite the second highest per As a result, despite the second highest percapita car ownership rate in Brazil (one carcapita car ownership rate in Brazil (one car

for every three people), Curitiba's gasolinefor every three people), Curitiba's gasolineuse per capita is 30 percent below that of use per capita is 30 percent below that of eight comparable Brazilian cities.eight comparable Brazilian cities.


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BRT and BeyondBRT and Beyond

Curitiba s public policy has been ecoCuritiba s public policy has been eco- -sociosocio--friendly. Innovative with approach tofriendly. Innovative with approach topublic life.public life.In addition to BRT, pedestrian walkways,In addition to BRT, pedestrian walkways,bike paths, parks, recycling programs, etc.bike paths, parks, recycling programs, etc.

all encourage a greener, healthier city andall encourage a greener, healthier city andlifestyle.lifestyle.


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BRT in the United StatesBRT in the United States

BRT systems are in place in several American citiesBRT systems are in place in several American citiesincluding:including:

BostonBostonCharlotteCharlotteClevelandClevelandDulles, VADulles, VAEugeneEugene--Springfield, ORSpringfield, ORHartfordHartfordLALAMiamiMiamiPhoenix (planning)Phoenix (planning)San FranciscoSan Francisco


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Orlando at a G lanceOrlando at a G lanceOpened Aug 1997Opened Aug 1997BRT improved an already existing transit system serving OrlandoBRT improved an already existing transit system serving Orlandotarget market is people who drive to downtown Orlando and thentarget market is people who drive to downtown Orlando and thenuse Lymmo to get to other locations, such as the Courthouse,use Lymmo to get to other locations, such as the Courthouse,restaurants, shopping, etcrestaurants, shopping, etcService offers:Service offers:

exclusive lanes for the entire 2.3 mile routeexclusive lanes for the entire 2.3 mile routesignal presignal pre--emptionemptionstations with large shelters and route informationstations with large shelters and route informationautomatic vehicle location (AVL)automatic vehicle location (AVL)next bus arrival information at kiosksnext bus arrival information at kiosks

new lownew low--floor compressed natural gas (CN G ) busesfloor compressed natural gas (CN G ) busesmarketing and image development through vehicle graphics,marketing and image development through vehicle graphics,stations, advertisements, and business tiestations, advertisements, and business tie- -insinsfree fare, so no fare collection delayfree fare, so no fare collection delay

Fierce marketing to attract riders: theme buses, couponFierce marketing to attract riders: theme buses, coupon- -of of--thethe--day,day,etc.etc.


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Lymmo SystemLymmo System

Lymmo Right-of-Way andStation at Turn-Around Area

Lymmo Bus Painted inLeonardo DaVinci Theme


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PerformancePerformance

Table 1 Route Statistics for Lymmo and Rest of System


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CostsCosts

$1.2 million to operate, 65% more than the$1.2 million to operate, 65% more than theFreebee service of 1997.Freebee service of 1997.Because of the even greater increase inBecause of the even greater increase inridership, the average cost per boardingridership, the average cost per boardingdecreased from $1.37 for Freebee to $1.14 fordecreased from $1.37 for Freebee to $1.14 forLymmo.Lymmo.total capital cost of the system was $21 million,total capital cost of the system was $21 million,

of which $3 million was for vehicles, $0.4 millionof which $3 million was for vehicles, $0.4 millionfor landscaping, and the remainder for street for landscaping, and the remainder for street reconstruction, shelters, information kiosks, AVL,reconstruction, shelters, information kiosks, AVL,traffic signals, banners, and other expensestraffic signals, banners, and other expenses


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Criticisms to BRTCriticisms to BRT

Curitiba, for example, has far lower labor costs, farCuritiba, for example, has far lower labor costs, farfewer environmental controls, and much lessfewer environmental controls, and much lessstringent bureaucratic review of transportationstringent bureaucratic review of transportationprojects.projects.politicians want solutions that fit their electionpoliticians want solutions that fit their electioncycles; score big with voters by extending past intocycles; score big with voters by extending past intofuture (road projects)future (road projects)

America s car culture America s car culturePrice on gasoline is cheap, discouraging publicPrice on gasoline is cheap, discouraging publictransportation as is. (oh yes, this is where Prof.transportation as is. (oh yes, this is where Prof.Sunil talks about his famous (or infamous) gas tax)Sunil talks about his famous (or infamous) gas tax)


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ConclusionsConclusions

BRT provides a sustainable, efficient method of BRT provides a sustainable, efficient method of mass transit.mass transit.

Can be used in conjunction with land use andCan be used in conjunction with land use anddevelopmental policies to curtail sprawl anddevelopmental policies to curtail sprawl andguide growth.guide growth.

Appeal to riders is key for any mass transit Appeal to riders is key for any mass transit

system to worksystem to work must be attractive and usermust be attractive and userfriendlyfriendlyG as tax or DIE! lolG as tax or DIE! lol


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The EndThe End

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Bus Rapid Transit(5)