From buses to BRT: Case Studies of incremental BRT projects in North America

Abstract

This study examines five approaches to bus rapid transit (BRT) systems as implemented by public transit agencies in California, Oregon, and Ontario. BRT can be thought of as a discretionary set of elements that can be assembled in many different combinations over time. Every element incrementally adds to the quality or attractiveness of the service. For example, a BRT service can combine operations serving free flowing arterial roads in the fringes of the downtown with dedicated lanes in areas closer to city center where congestion is greatest. Specific BRT components and strategies, such as traffic signal priority and increased stop spacing,can be applied to existing local bus operations as a way to increase bus speeds and reduce operating costs. Elements can be implemented all at once, or in incremental stages. All of the case studies showed ridership increases, but the Los Angeles Metro Rapid bus system illustrates the wide geographic coverage, improved ridership, and moderate cost per new rider that is possible with an approach that includes fewer BRT features spread over more miles of route. Quantitative results suggest that incremental improvements, applied widely to regional bus networks, may be able to achieve significant benefits at a lower cost than substantial infrastructure investments focused upon just one or a few corridors.

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