INRIX’s Post

Wes Guckert, PTP details the reasons why #BRT just makes more sense than light rail transit in this article in Streetsblog USA. In fact, he also highlights a variety of cities across the country that are currently working on new BRT projects. #busrapidtransit #lightrail #transit #masstransit #transportation #transportationplanning #trafficengineering #urbanmobility #urbanplanning

Bus rapid transit offers cities a flexible and cost-effective solution for improving urban mobility. But what exactly is #busrapidtransit? And what should cities consider when planning a BRT system? Designers from HOK, Pininfarina and Austin Transit Partnership share insights. #publictransit #urbanplanning

I've long been curious about how we can deliver a less expensive transit solution using 21st century technology. Light rail is too expensive, #BRT has had lukewarm #TOD investment in the US, streetcars are too slow to be useful, and commuter rail uses technology that is grounded in 150 year old tech. We need to do better. #urbanism #transit https://lnkd.in/g5G_ewwi

Cities across the country are making the switch to focus on BRT, which aims to combine the capacity and speed of a light rail or metro system with the flexibility, cost and simplicity of bus system. @WesGuckert of @the-traffic-group-inc argues that's often the smartest choice they can make.

It's a no-brainer that better bus service can improve ridership. If a #transit service can be time-competitive, with more frequent headway, and boast better features (e.g improved signage, better lighting, real-time arrival, etc), more folks will ride. I'm glad to hear that more cities are realizing that building better transit service doesn't mean spending billions on rail, but rather, they can use existing infrastructure, like BRT, for a fraction of the cost. https://lnkd.in/gq49SGAd

BC Transit determined LRT to be the best option in 2011. They keep taking the report down, so I've hosted it for anyone that wants to review it. Here's the meat of it While the initial cost to implement the Light Rail Transit is higher than Bus Rapid Transit initially, the long term benefits of LRT far outweigh the long term benefits of BRT. Delivery of Provincial Transit Plan Targets Only LRT has the capacity to achieve the Plan’s ridership goals. LRT will deliver the greatest reduction of green house gas at 480,000 tonnes, or 10% of the Provincial Transportation Plan target (145,000 tonnes more than BRT) Greatest Ridership Growth LRT is forecast to generate 13.3 million annual rides by 2038, 45% more than BRT and 110% more than BAU Long Term Solution LRT will be able to accommodate the ridership growth forecast for the busy Douglas Street Corridor, whereas a BRT solution would reach its capacity limits within 10 –15 years Long Term Operating & Maintenance Costs With its high capacity and ability to provide expanded, higher quality services, the operating cost per passenger for LRT will decrease over time. It is common for LRT vehicles to remain in service for 30 – 40 years; unlike a bus-based solution, no replacement of LRT vehicles will be required over the life of the project. These costs are estimated at $230M (2010$) until 2038 Greater Community Support LRT has higher level of community support than BRT. It provides the greatest comfort and safety and will be the most effective vehicle technology at reducing roadway congestion Improved Shaping of Urban Development LRT provides the best support for the CRD’s emphasis on transit-oriented development and delivers $85 million more land development benefits than would BRT Highest Return on Investment LRT has a positive benefit cost ratio and the highest transportation benefits ($1 billion more than BRT over 27 years) Job Creation LRT will generate 4,500 more job years of employment https://lnkd.in/gVRwK_ie 180,000 more people live on the island since 2011. 16000 people have signed up for rail! https://chng.it/HTPJ25CqPr All Aboard! Restore Island Rail

Many #cities view #rail #transit as an enticing boost to civic fortunes; however, Aaron M. Renn says there’s a better, cheaper way to accomplish the same thing. #Bus #rapid #transit is a bus line that has light rail characteristics, including dedicated travel lanes, limited stops, entry-level boarding, off-board fare collection and traffic signal pre-emption and is much more capital-efficient and faster to implement than #lightrail.

Tacoma BRT project is taking a different approach.

Short read - but summarizes well some of the benefits of BRT.

I find it interesting that the metro itself might not be enough to attract people to use public transport. The key seems to be the last mile connectivity. Many software companies provide cab services to their employees, making it easy because they don't have to pay for the cab and need not worry about catching a bus or an auto to get to the office after deboarding the metro. Additionally, people might also consider walking at least 1 km if the footpath infrastructure is as good as it should be. So, the government should not only construct metros but also focus on surrounding infrastructure like footpaths, feeder buses, and more. https://lnkd.in/gGgiCYgg #metrorail Finshots #roadtransport