Exploring BRT Ridership Drivers: An Empirical Study on European Systems (original) (raw)
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Exploring BRT Ridership Drivers: An Empirical Study on
2012
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems are becoming internationally popular as a viable public transport option. However, it is not exactly clear which features of BRT systems affect the demand. The hypothesis tested in this paper is whether the BRT design features contribute to higher ridership above and beyond any increase in service frequency when compared to conventional bus routes. An empirical methodology is adopted using multiple regression analysis to analyze data collected on 40 European BRT systems, covering the operation, infrastructure, traffic management and user demand for the selected systems, in addition to other factors like speed and design features. Two models were developed using regression analysis. The models highlighted the three variables which significantly impact the demand: population density, operation span and average commercial speed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the various influences on BRT ridership and recommendations for future research.
A Worldwide State-of-the-Art Analysis for Bus Rapid Transit: Looking for the Success Formula
Journal of Public Transportation, 2015
This paper's intended contribution, in terms of providing an additional angle in the existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) state-of-the-art knowledge spectrum, is a dual one. On the one hand, it provides a detailed description of the mode, redefining BRT as an overall concept by identifying, discussing, and categorizing in a systematic way its strengths and its weaknesses in comparison with rail-based solutions and conventional bus services. On the other hand, it presents in detail a number of selected scheme-oriented applications from around the world, looking into some of the basic ingredients behind BRT's success (or failure) stories. This is a scientific effort that could inform the reader about the current status of BRT internationally and about the challenges and opportunities that exist when trying to materialize BRT's potential as an effective urban passenger solution that could challenge the merits of more conventional mass-transit options. Introducing Bus Rapid Transit Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a modern breed of urban passenger transportation with a consistently growing global importance due to evidence of an ability to implement mass transportation capacity quickly and at a low-to-moderate cost (Deng and Nelson 2011). Perhaps the most complete and focus-driven definition of what BRT intends to be is the one addressing it "as a rubber-tyred rapid transit service that combines stations, vehicles, running ways, a flexible operating plan, and technology into a high quality, customer focused service that is frequent, fast, reliable, comfortable and cost efficient" (Canadian Urban Transit Association 2004). More specifically, BRT refers to schemes that apply rail-like infrastructure and operations to bus systems in expectation of offerings that can include high service levels, segregated rights-of-way, station-like platforms, high-quality amenities, and intelligent transport systems for a fraction of the cost of fixed rail (Currie and Delbosc 2011). This cautious phrasing means that BRT "does not necessarily represent transformation as such, but a means to achieve transformation" (Mejia-Dugand et al. 2013). A combination of infrastructure
Bus rapid transit (BRT): An efficient and competitive mode of public transport
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems have gained popularity worldwide as a cost-effective alternative to far more expensive urban rail investments. High-quality bus-based systems also better serve the low-density settlement patterns of many suburban markets and small-to-medium size cities due to the inherent flexibility advantages of rubber-tire systems-the same vehicle that provides speedy line-haul services on a dedicated bus lane or busway can morph into a feeder vehicle, collecting and distributing customers on local streets. This report reviews experiences with designing and implementing BRT systems worldwide. BRT is first defined across a spectrum of service qualities and costs. Global trends are next reviewed, highlighting cities and regions of the world with the most extensive and advanced systems. Relationships between urban densities and BRT cost-effectiveness are noted. System designs and operations-in terms of running ways, rolling stock, route configurations, stations, fare collections, and the like-are then reviewed. This is followed by a comparison of BRT's cost and performance relative to urban rail transit systems. Information on the cost-effectiveness of heavy-rail, light-rail, and BRT systems relative to urban densities are also compared. The report then turns to efforts among a handful to cities to proactively promote transit oriented development (TOD) near BRT stations and along corridors. This is followed by discussions on the institutional arrangements that have been introduced to effectively manage BRT services. The report closes with discussions on BRT's likely future given global growth projections and other pressing policy agendas in the foreseeable future. 2. BRT: A Suite of High-Quality, Bus-Based Mobility Options Dozens of definitions can be found on BRT however they all frame BRT as a bus-based system that mimics the high-capacity, high-performance characteristics of urban rail systems at a much lower price. Curitiba, Brazil is credited with pioneering BRT and its mayor at the time, Jaime Lerner, referred to the city's BRT system as a "surface metro"-a high-quality bus service with similar performance of a subway but at a fraction of the cost (Cervero, 1998). In terms of service quality and costs, then, BRT is often thought of as occupying the middle ground between urban rail and traditional bus systems. In ways, it offers the best of both worlds: the speed and reliability of rail and the operating flexibility and lower cost of a conventional bus (Deng and Nelson, 2011). New York-based Institute of Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP), which has emerged as one of the technology's strongest proponents, defines BRT as "a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable and cost-effective urban mobility through the provision of segregated right-of-way infrastructure, rapid and frequent operations, and excellence in marketing and customer service" (Wright and Hook, 2007). It is the element of a separate right-of-way that distinguishes "high-end" BRT from lower quality services, which some have called "BRT Lite".
Statistical Evaluation of the Performance of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
STATISTICAL EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT), 2012
In order to have an efficient management of the vehicular and human traffic elements, there is need for improvement on the transportation network infrastructure and its proper maintenance. Dysfunction within any of the elements can lead to a breakdown of the system and this is more apparent in urban transport systems in developing countries where congestion is witnessed everyday. This paper reviews the performance of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT-Lite) introduced by the Lagos State Government to convey more commuters in order to reduce the volume of traffic on the roads. The performance was based on several criteria such as comparison of the BRT travel time, travel cost and capacity with other Commercial/Private Vehicles. Statistical analysis combined with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) proved that the BRT services actual performs better (>50%) than other modes of transport, but there is need for improvement in its operations to justify its introduction and the huge financial invest...
Bus Rapid Transit: what can change in travel strategies?
The Sustainable City IX, 2014
The implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) is a reality in many Brazilian cities. In Belém, where the public transportation system is mainly operated by buses with no integration, BRT is expected to serve: bus users on a larger scale; users of other modes of transportation, such as alternative collective transport system and microbuses; and users of individual modes of transportation, such as cars, taxis and motorcycle taxis. Therefore, it is expected that users change their travel strategies, especially those who are located in the area surrounding the project. This study intends to explore the effects of BRT on townspeople and on public and private transport users regarding their travel strategies. The study is composed of an initial discussion about BRT projects in Brazilian cities and the development of a case concerning the routes, which are part of BRT system in Belém, Pará, Brazil. The investigation involved focus groups in a one-mile radius around the route. A questionnaire was applied using the stated preference technique, with questions about socioeconomic profile, travel standards, inputs related to the current transport system and strategies for current and future travels after the implementation of BRT system. Among the results achieved, BRT was found to cause tremendous impacts on travel strategies of townspeople and public transport users in the surveyed area. Cyclists expect the system to be integrated with the implementation of bicycle racks. In general, the survey has shown that users tend to change their travel strategies and that BRT is positively regarded by public transport users, as something that would improve their urban mobility.
Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 2017
Bus rapid transit systems (BRT) have evolved in all shapes and sizes around the world in the last 30 years motivated by providing greater efficiency and value for money than potential alternatives. This paper aims to explore and compare the effectiveness (including its determinants) and revenue potential of 58 BRT systems globally. A key research question for this paper is to what extent there is a trade-off between long term capital expenditure and short term operating cost. The results suggest that BRT systems located in developing countries or countries that have high population densities are successful in generating higher revenues per passenger and unit of input than their conventional bus counterparts but are from a community perspective not more cost effective in doing so. Better BRT standards and hence higher capital expenditure, while significantly increasing patronage and input effectiveness do not have a significant impact on either yields or cost effectiveness. In contrast, public ownership and the number of stations are on average associated with higher cost effectiveness scores.
Over the past two decades, four Australian capital cities (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney) have implemented Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) within their Urban Public Transport (UPT) networks. This has resulted in extensive BRT networks and high patronage. From 2006 to 2010, the total length of BRT networks in Australia increased 194% to 318 kilometres backed by an increase of 130% (36.6 million to 84 million) in annual number of passengers carried. However, despite the increasingly important role of BRT as a component of the UPT networks, the extent to which BRT has modified travel patterns in Australian cities has scarcely been investigated. As such this paper examines this question in order to better understand the impacts of BRT implementation on travel patterns. Drawing on journey-to-work (JTW) census data from 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011 in Brisbane, we first examine changes in the dynamics of JTW patterns over a decade period (1996 to 2006) before modelling the relationships between mode shares of BRT adjacent catchment and socio-demographic characteristics in 2011. Results reveal some localised changes in JTW patterns associated with the expansion of the BRT network and linked to socio-demographic characteristics. The findings provide a first step in developing an evidence base with the capacity to inform future expansions of the BRT.
Attraction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for Car and Bike Owners
Romanian Journal of Transport Infrastructure, 2020
This study aims to find the potential of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to attract the vehicle owners from their personal vehicles i.e., motorcars and motorcycles. Stated preference survey (questionnaires) and interviews were conducted at BRT (Metro Bus) Stations for the prediction of the individuals shifting from their private vehicles to BRT. Questions were designed critically as per the requirements of the research related to numerous aspects of BRT use i.e., vehicle ownership of the travelers, driving license holder, demographic characteristics, choice to use BRT if the fare increases, trip purpose and their prior mode of transportation for the same trip. A total of 374 responses, as per the population of the study area (Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Pakistan), were collected. The Multinomial Logistic Regression (MNL) model has been employed for four categories of vehicle ownerships i.e., “Car owners using BRT”, “Bike owners using BRT”, “Both Car and Bike owners using BRT” and the last one whi...
Applicability of Bus Rapid Transit to Corridors with Intermediate Levels of Transit Demand
Journal of Public Transportation, 2002
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has the potential to bridge the gap between conventional rubber-tired transit operations and rail systems. Based on relatively low-cost, proven technology, BRT is gaining acceptance in many communities around the world that are endeavoring to provide high-quality transit service. While proposed applications of this new mode vary considerably, some conditions may be more appropriate than others. This article explores, from the point of view of the practitioner, some of the benefits and drawbacks of BRT.