Characteristics of bus rapid transit for decision-making
This report presents basic information and data to support the development and evaluation of bus rapid transit concepts as one of many options during alternatives analyses and subsequent project planning.
The Characteristics of Bus Rapid Transit for Decision-Making (CBRT) report was prepared to provide transportation planners and decision makers with basic information and data to support the development and evaluation of bus rapid transit concepts as one of many options during alternatives analyses and subsequent project planning. This report provides information on BRT systems in a single, easy to use reference tool for transportation planners in selecting from the large array of BRT elements and integrating them into comprehensive systems. The CBRT report explores BRT through a progression of three different perspectives. First, seven major elements of BRT are presented along with their respective features and attributes. Second, the BRT elements are related to attributes of system performance. Finally, the benefits of BRT systems are discussed. This order of the discussion suggests the relationship between BRT elements, system performance and system benefits. BRT systems are constructed by choosing and integrating among BRT elements. The integration of elements improves system performance and improves the experience for customers. Improvements to system performance (in combination with features of BRT elements) generate benefits to transit agencies and communities.