Bus Rapid Transit Systems and their implementation in the Mediterranean
Photo credits: AFD
DESCRIPTION
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems are a mass transit system which is most often created by physically separating a lane of a highly congested road to traffic. The separated lane is served by high capacity buses who stop at dedicated stops which in their design often resemble metro stops, with sliding doors as part both of the station and the vehicle. The advantages of the BRT system include cheaper construction costs and an accelerated construction time in comparison to rail-based high-capacity transit systems.
However, in order for a BRT system to smoothly integrate into the existing transit network, a plethora of details need to be considered in order to make the adoption a success. Gathered from experience of BRT implementations around the globe, the ITDP BRT Guide offers a complete description of details that needs to be considered across all areas of the system. This involves project preparation, operations, communications and marketing, the business plan, technology, infrastructure and integration into the existing network. Given the extent of the volume, selected reading is recommended.
Relevance
Given the mass-motorisation and preference of private vehicle usage, various cities in the Mediterranean could opt for the introduction of BRT systems. BRT systems are already operational in different Moroccan cities, and Amman plans to complete its first lines in 2020. The learning value that has and will be gained during these projects might prove useful for inspiring further projects.
LINK
The BRT planning guide:
About the project in Amman:
À Amman, un Nouveau Résau de Bus pour Désengorger les Rues
SOURCE
Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
Institute for Transportation & Development Policy
LANGUAGES
BRT Planning Guide: English & Others
AFD note on BRT Amman: French & English
YEAR
2017 (BRT Guide)
2018 (AFD Amman Note)
