What Is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a very popular form of rapid transit implemented throughout the world. BRT uses separate transit-only roadways, called “Transitways” that transit vehicles use to operate at high speed, away from traffic congestion.
BRT vehicles are state-of-the-art rubber-tired vehicles that can operate on and off the Transitway, using the regular street system to pick up passengers, then travel at high speeds on the Transitway to major destinations. When operating on-street, BRT vehicles take advantage of transit priority measures already built, such as diamond lanes, transit signal priority lights, and the Graham Transit Mall.
A number of transit routes use the Transitway, with buses entering/exiting at either end of the Transitway or at intermediate points. This permits the operation of a very flexible route network, which minimizes the need to transfer, providing a one-seat trip for a majority of passengers.
BRT systems have the following features:
- Transitways – exclusive to transit for high-speed service
- High-frequency service throughout the day
- Rapid Transit Stations along the Transitway
- Modern state-of-the-art buses with air-conditioning and other passenger amenities
- Electronic real-time passenger information systems (such as GPS tracking, on-board “Next Stop” displays, and electronic bus departure displays)
- Traffic signal priority at intersections