Bus rapid transit (BRT) is one of the least expensive, quickly implemented ways to improve speed and ridership of public transportation, but as Chicago starts piloting BRT projects, has a vague and flexible definition that should be more adequately defined to international standards to fully maximize potential as the next step toward sustainable transit.
Although details of programs vary, BRT should have all of the following characteristics:
- Dedicated bus lane– because a bus would not get stuck in traffic, a dedicated bus lane can help increase a bus’ average speed from the current 9 miles per hour up to 30 miles per hour.
- Signal priority– the priority of a bus at traffic light also helps to increase the average speed of the bus.
- .5 mile stations– stations with tickets are typically at least .5 miles apart unless a transit connection requires it. This distance is considered optimal for maximizes ridership accessibility while minimizing the number of stops the bus makes.
- Pre-paid tickets– by paying for tickets before boarding, stopping time is reduced and overall speed is increased.
All the above characteristics have been developed to reduce stopping time, increase average bus speed and increase regularity. Other improvements, such as larger, articulated buses and optimized scheduling can also increase efficiency. As such, it closely resembles the characteristics of light rail transit at a fraction of the cost.
Unfortunately, the CTA’s pilot projects, the Central Area Transitway and the Jeffery Bus Corridor, are branded as BRT, they do not meet the above criteria and their effectiveness is therefore diminished. Although they are improved bus services including ‘priority’ lanes, some signal priority and branded bus stations, true BRT must have all the above characteristics to maximum efficiency.
As Chicago progresses on researching and implementing BRT projects, discussion should center around utilizing all the accepted criteria for BRT to make the most effective, safe and comfortable sustainable transit system.
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