What are the most important considerations when designing a bus rapid transit system?

1 Alignment and integration

The alignment of the BRT routes should be based on the existing and projected travel demand, the availability of road space, the connectivity to other modes of transport, and the impact on the surrounding land use and environment. The BRT system should be integrated with the existing urban fabric and the overall transport network, creating seamless transfers and minimizing conflicts with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The alignment should also consider the operational efficiency, safety, and reliability of the BRT system, avoiding bottlenecks, intersections, and curves that could slow down the service.

3 Service and operations

The service and operations of the BRT system should be planned to meet the diverse needs and expectations of the users, the operators, and the regulators. The service includes the frequency, the speed, the capacity, the reliability, and the coverage of the BRT system. The operations include the scheduling, the dispatching, the monitoring, and the maintenance of the BRT system. The service and operations should be optimized to maximize the performance, the profitability, and the customer satisfaction of the BRT system, using data, feedback, and innovation.

4 Institutional and regulatory framework

The institutional and regulatory framework of the BRT system should be established to ensure the effective governance, management, and coordination of the BRT system. The institutional framework includes the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders involved in the planning, design, implementation, and operation of the BRT system, such as the public authorities, the private operators, the civil society, and the users. The regulatory framework includes the policies, laws, rules, and standards that regulate the BRT system, such as the fares, the subsidies, the concessions, the contracts, and the enforcement. The institutional and regulatory framework should be transparent, accountable, and participatory, fostering trust, collaboration, and compliance among the stakeholders.

5 Financing and economic viability

The financing and economic viability of the BRT system should be secured to ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of the BRT system. The financing includes the sources and mechanisms of funding for the capital and operational costs of the BRT system, such as public budget, private investment, loans, grants, taxes, fees, and fares. The economic viability includes the analysis and evaluation of the costs and benefits of the BRT system, taking into account the direct and indirect impacts on the users, the operators, the public sector, and the society. The financing and economic viability should be realistic, balanced, and flexible, reflecting the value and the risks of the BRT system.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?