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BRT BasicsBRT BasicsBRT Basics

Sam ZimmermanSam ZimmermanAECOM/DMJM+HARRISAECOM/DMJM+HARRIS

Transport ForumTransport Forum

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BRT: Bus Rapid TransitBRT: Bus Rapid TransitBRT: Bus Rapid Transit

• Imagine a rapid transit mode like LRT but with vehicles that:– Don’t require tracks– Can effortlessly pass other vehicles

stopped at stations– Can provide high-speed connections

between a variety of origins and destinations without forcing transfers

• Imagine a rapid transit mode like LRT but with vehicles that:– Don’t require tracks– Can effortlessly pass other vehicles

stopped at stations– Can provide high-speed connections

between a variety of origins and destinations without forcing transfers

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BRT: Bus Rapid TransitBRT: Bus Rapid TransitBRT: Bus Rapid Transit

• Flexible, permanently integrated high performance system with a quality image and a strong ID

• Package of components appropriate to current and future:– Markets served– Physical environment

• Flexible, permanently integrated high performance system with a quality image and a strong ID

• Package of components appropriate to current and future:– Markets served– Physical environment

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BRT System ElementsBRT System ElementsBRT System Elements

Running WaysRunning Ways

Stations & TerminalsStations & Terminals

SystemsSystems

VehiclesVehicles

Service PlanService Plan

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SimplestSimplest StationsStations Running Running WaysWays

Service Service PlanPlan

VehiclesVehicles SystemsSystems

“Super”Stops, Shelter

Mixed Traffic, Queue Jumpers

Single All-Stops Line

Buses with Unique Rte. ID’s, Head Signs

Radios, Electronic Fare Boxes

Most Most ComplexComplex

High Platforms, P/R, Amenities, Services

Fully Grade-SeparatedTransitway

All-Stops; On-Line Expresses; Feeder/Line-Haul

Hybrid, Guided, SpecializedVehicles

Central Control Room, TSP, CAD,Smart Cards Proof of Payment

Flexibility of BRTFlexibility of BRT

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BRT: Infinite Possibilities, But;BRT: Infinite Possibilities, But;BRT: Infinite Possibilities, But;

Essential Attributes

– Speed– Reliability– Identity and image– Permanence

Essential Attributes

– Speed– Reliability– Identity and image– Permanence

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Running WaysRunning WaysRunning Ways

• BRT can operate in broad variety of physical and operating environments, but segregated, dedicated preferred

• Critical planning and design parameters:– Ability to safely support rapid, reliable services– Safe rapid transit vehicle access – Identity, aesthetics

• BRT can operate in broad variety of physical and operating environments, but segregated, dedicated preferred

• Critical planning and design parameters:– Ability to safely support rapid, reliable services– Safe rapid transit vehicle access – Identity, aesthetics

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Arterial Bus LanesArterial Bus LanesArterial Bus Lanes

Curb LanesCurb LanesLondonLondonQuality Bus CorridorQuality Bus Corridor

Median lanesMedian lanesLeon, MexicoLeon, Mexico““OrugaOruga””

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Arterial Median TransitwayArterial Median Arterial Median TransitwayTransitway

TwoTwo--Lanes/DirectionLanes/DirectionBogotaBogotaTransmilenioTransmilenio

Single Lane/DirectionSingle Lane/DirectionQuitoQuitoTrolebusTrolebus

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Bus/Transitway on Freeway ROWBus/Bus/TransitwayTransitway on Freeway ROWon Freeway ROW

ShoulderShoulderBrisbaneBrisbaneSE SE BuswayBusway

MedianMedianHoustonHoustonTransitwayTransitway

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Busway on Railroad ROWBuswayBusway on Railroad ROWon Railroad ROW

PittsburghPittsburghEast (MLK) East (MLK) BuswayBusway

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Elevated SectionsElevated SectionsElevated Sections

RuncornRuncorn, UK, UK

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TunnelsTunnelsTunnels

Seattle: CBD Bus TunnelSeattle: CBD Bus TunnelBrisbane: SE Brisbane: SE BuswayBusway

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GuidanceGuidanceGuidanceOpticalOpticalRouen, FranceRouen, FranceTEORTEOR

MechanicalMechanicalLeeds, UKLeeds, UK

KassellKassell KerbKerbAmsterdamAmsterdamZuidtangentZuidtangent

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Stops, Stations and TerminalsStops, Stations and TerminalsStops, Stations and Terminals

• .25 – 1 mile station spacing• Permanent, substantial, weather protected • Amenities, passenger information • Good pedestrian, local bus, auto access• Well-lit, safe, secure• Convey identity and image• Design integrated with surroundings

• .25 – 1 mile station spacing• Permanent, substantial, weather protected • Amenities, passenger information • Good pedestrian, local bus, auto access• Well-lit, safe, secure• Convey identity and image• Design integrated with surroundings

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Range of Station Options:SimpleRange of Station Range of Station Options:SimpleOptions:Simple

Number Three Rd Number Three Rd TransitwayTransitwayVancouverVancouver98B98B

Washington St. Interior Washington St. Interior BuslaneBuslaneBostonBostonSilver LineSilver Line

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Range of Station OptionsRange of Station OptionsRange of Station Options

Center PlatformCenter PlatformLeon, MexicoLeon, Mexico

OrugaOruga

Side PlatformSide PlatformBrisbaneBrisbane

SE SE BuswayBusway

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Transfer Terminal: LeonTransfer Terminal: LeonTransfer Terminal: Leon

Accessible UnderpassAccessible Underpass

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VehiclesVehiclesVehicles

• Rubber-tired, steered and/or guided• Variety of sizes through 80+ feet• Conventional buses or specialized

BRT vehicles• Environmentally friendly

– Low emissions– Quiet

• Rubber-tired, steered and/or guided• Variety of sizes through 80+ feet• Conventional buses or specialized

BRT vehicles• Environmentally friendly

– Low emissions– Quiet

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Conventional Low Floor BusesConventional Low Floor BusesConventional Low Floor Buses

Van Van HoolHool 300AG300AGAmsterdam, YorkAmsterdam, YorkZuidtangentZuidtangent, VIVA, VIVA

IrisbusIrisbus AgoraAgoraRouen, FranceRouen, FranceTEORTEOR

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Specialized High FloorBRT VehiclesSpecialized High FloorSpecialized High FloorBRT VehiclesBRT Vehicles

Volvo/Marco Polo 18 Volvo/Marco Polo 18 MtrMtrLeonLeonOrugaOruga

Volvo/Marco Polo 24 Volvo/Marco Polo 24 MtrMtrCurritibaCurritiba

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Specialized Low FloorBRT VehiclesSpecialized Low FloorSpecialized Low FloorBRT VehiclesBRT Vehicles

IrisbusIrisbus CivisCivisLas VegasLas VegasMAXMAX

NABI BRTNABI BRTLos AngelesLos AngelesOrange LineOrange Line

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Open, Well- Lit InteriorOpen, WellOpen, Well-- Lit InteriorLit Interior

Volvo/Marco Polo 18 Volvo/Marco Polo 18 MtrMtrLeonLeonOrugaOruga

IrisbusIrisbus CivisCivisRouenRouenTEORTEOR

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●Needs to facilitate multiple stream boarding

−Off-board (preferred) −On-board multi-point payment−Significant pass utilization

● Integrated with but may not be the same as for local bus system

●● Needs to facilitate multiple stream Needs to facilitate multiple stream boardingboarding

−−OffOff--board (preferred) board (preferred) −−OnOn--board multiboard multi--point paymentpoint payment−−Significant pass utilization Significant pass utilization

●● Integrated with but may not be the same Integrated with but may not be the same as for local bus systemas for local bus system

Fare CollectionFare Collection

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Off–Board Fare Collection OptionsOffOff––Board Fare Collection OptionsBoard Fare Collection OptionsTVM TVM QuitoQuitoTrollebusTrollebus

Smart Card/Coin Fare GatesSmart Card/Coin Fare GatesLeonLeonOptibusOptibus, , ““OrugaOruga””

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Need To Facilitate Multiple Stream BoardingNeed To Facilitate Multiple Stream Need To Facilitate Multiple Stream BoardingBoarding

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Needs To Facilitate Multiple Stream BoardingNeeds To Facilitate Multiple Needs To Facilitate Multiple Stream BoardingStream Boarding

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BRT ITS ApplicationsBRT ITS ApplicationsBRT ITS Applications

• Automatic vehicle location• Passenger information• Safety, security • Signal priority• Communications• Fare collection• Vehicle guidance and control

•• Automatic vehicle locationAutomatic vehicle location•• Passenger informationPassenger information•• Safety, security Safety, security •• Signal prioritySignal priority•• CommunicationsCommunications•• Fare collectionFare collection•• Vehicle guidance and control Vehicle guidance and control

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Central Control RoomVehicle Location, Service SupervisionCentral Control RoomCentral Control RoomVehicle Location, Service SupervisionVehicle Location, Service Supervision

Brisbane SE Brisbane SE BuswayBusway

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Station SecurityStation SecurityStation Security

Brisbane SE Brisbane SE BuswayBusway

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Passenger InformationPassenger InformationPassenger Information

At StationsAt StationsVancouver 98B Vancouver 98B

On BoardParis: Val de Marne Busway

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Service Plan ParametersService Plan ParametersService Plan Parameters

• All-day, frequent service– 8-10 minutes or better in peaks– 15 minutes or better in off-peak

• Integrated with rest of transit system• Simple route structure

– Minimum variations, easy to understand

• Use BRT flexibility – Maximize directness– Minimize transfers

•• AllAll--day, frequent serviceday, frequent service–– 88--10 minutes or better in peaks10 minutes or better in peaks–– 15 minutes or better in off15 minutes or better in off--peakpeak

•• Integrated with rest of transit systemIntegrated with rest of transit system•• Simple route structureSimple route structure

–– Minimum variations, easy to understand Minimum variations, easy to understand

•• Use BRT flexibility Use BRT flexibility –– Maximize directnessMaximize directness–– Minimize transfersMinimize transfers

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BRT Service Plan Options: Local Only (e.g., Leon, Quito, LRT)BRT Service Plan Options: BRT Service Plan Options: Local Only Local Only (e.g., Leon, Quito, LRT)(e.g., Leon, Quito, LRT)

AllAll--day, allday, all--(limited) stops trunk line(limited) stops trunk line

Stat

ion

Stat

ion

Stat

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Stat

ion

Stat

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Stat

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Stat

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Stat

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Local

Tran

sfer

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rmin

al

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Route SimplicityRoute SimplicityRoute Simplicity

Rouen TEORRouen TEOR

Vancouver Vancouver TransLinkTransLink 99B99B

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Mix: On-Line Local + ExpressesRequires Passing CapabilityMix: OnMix: On--Line Local + ExpressesLine Local + ExpressesRequires Passing CapabilityRequires Passing Capability

●● Base: AllBase: All--day, allday, all--stops trunk line stops trunk line ●● Overlay: Peak only or allOverlay: Peak only or all--day express servicesday express services

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Tran

sfer

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Express

Local

Express

CBD

University,University,HospitalHospitalDistrictDistrict

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TransMilenioTransMilenioTransMilenio

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Mix: Local, Express, IntegratedMost Complex (e.g. Pittsburgh) Mix: Local, Express, IntegratedMix: Local, Express, IntegratedMost Complex (e.g. Pittsburgh) Most Complex (e.g. Pittsburgh)

Integrated Neighborhood, Express

Integrated Neighborhood,Express●● Base: allBase: all--day, allday, all--

stops trunk linestops trunk line

●● PeakPeak--only or allonly or all--day integrated day integrated servicesservices

●● PeakPeak--only or allonly or all--day expressesday expresses

All Stops Trunk Line

Express

Transit Center,Park/Ride

Shopping Mall, University

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111 120 130 135 140 150 160 170 180

112 177

114 119 121 129 131 134 136 141 151 155 156 161 171 173 176 178 179 181 189 201 208

150

Eight Mile Plains

Upper Mt Gravatt (Garden City)

Griffith University

Holland Park West

Greenslopes

Buranda

Queen St

Cultural Centre

South Bank

Mater Hill

111

CITY

160

Riverside

161

136156

130 135140

129 131134 141151 155

170Birdwood Rd

171 176 178

120

Juliette/Cornwall Sts180

173 179 181 189 201 208

114 119 121

145 / 119

99 / 57

99 / 5764 / 16

12 / 8

12 / 8

34 / 15

21 / 10

6 / 4

(35) (57)

25s / 30s

36s/ 1m

36s/1m1m / 4m

5m / 8m

5m / 8m

2m / 4m

3m / 6m

10m / 15m

NOTES:Brisbane Transportstopping buses onlyBrisbane: SE Brisbane: SE BuswayBusway

Combination Service PlanCombination Service PlanCombination Service PlanCombination Service PlanAll day, All Stops (Blue Line)All day, All Stops (Blue Line)Peak Expresses, IntegratedPeak Expresses, IntegratedFeeder/LineFeeder/Line--Haul (Others)Haul (Others)

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Conveying System Identity & ImageConveying System Identity & ImageConveying System Identity & Image

• Vehicles:– Design, colors, graphics, signage

• Stops, Stations, Terminals: – Design, colors, graphics, signage,

materials

• Running Ways: – Barriers, pavement markings/materials/

colors, graphics, signage, landscaping

•• Vehicles:Vehicles:–– Design, colors, graphics, signageDesign, colors, graphics, signage

•• Stops, Stations, Terminals: Stops, Stations, Terminals: –– Design, colors, graphics, signage, Design, colors, graphics, signage,

materialsmaterials

•• Running Ways: Running Ways: –– Barriers, pavement markings/materials/ Barriers, pavement markings/materials/

colors, graphics, signage, landscapingcolors, graphics, signage, landscaping

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Consistent, Unique Station DesignConsistent, Unique Station DesignConsistent, Unique Station Design

Metro RapidMetro RapidLocal BusLocal BusLACMTALACMTA

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Unique Vehicle LiveryUnique Vehicle LiveryUnique Vehicle Livery

Local BusLocal Bus

Metro Rapid Metro Rapid

LACMTALACMTA

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Consistent, Unique Graphics, IconsConsistent, Unique Graphics, IconsConsistent, Unique Graphics, Icons

Brisbane: S.E. Brisbane: S.E. BuswayBusway

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Running Way Color, MarkingsRunning Way Color, MarkingsRunning Way Color, Markings

ParisParis

Sao PauloSao Paulo

AucklandAuckland

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Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

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Lessons LearnedLessons LearnedLessons Learned

• Work hard to inform public and decision-makers that BRT is a high quality, high performance RT option

• Plan for BRT as for any rapid transit mode– Start by analyzing problems– Objectively evaluate range of alternatives

•• Work hard to inform public and Work hard to inform public and decisiondecision--makers that BRT is a high makers that BRT is a high quality, high performance RT option quality, high performance RT option

•• Plan for BRT as for any rapid transit Plan for BRT as for any rapid transit modemode–– Start by analyzing problemsStart by analyzing problems–– Objectively evaluate range of alternativesObjectively evaluate range of alternatives

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Lessons Learned Lessons Learned Lessons Learned

• Recognize that there is no single BRT system prescription

• Use transportation planning process to sort out alternatives– Serve demonstrated markets

– Match markets with service plans, running ways, vehicles, stations

– Focus on system integration

•• Recognize that there is no single Recognize that there is no single BRT system prescriptionBRT system prescription

•• Use transportation planning process Use transportation planning process to sort out alternativesto sort out alternatives–– Serve demonstrated marketsServe demonstrated markets

–– Match markets with service plans, Match markets with service plans, running ways, vehicles, stations running ways, vehicles, stations

–– Focus on system integrationFocus on system integration

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Lessons LearnedLessons LearnedLessons Learned

• Be willing to spend money on BRT– Maintain system integrity– Resist de-construction

• Begin transit-oriented land use planning early

•• Be willing to spend money on BRTBe willing to spend money on BRT–– Maintain system integrityMaintain system integrity–– Resist deResist de--constructionconstruction

•• Begin transitBegin transit--oriented land use oriented land use planning earlyplanning early

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Lessons LearnedLessons LearnedLessons Learned

• Need Project Champion(s)

• Institutional Arrangements Critical– Planning– Implementation– Operation

•• Need Project Need Project Champion(sChampion(s))

•• Institutional Arrangements CriticalInstitutional Arrangements Critical–– PlanningPlanning–– ImplementationImplementation–– OperationOperation

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Lessons LearnedLessons LearnedLessons Learned

• Use BRT’s flexibility, but essential attributes are:– Speed– Reliability– Identity and image– Permanence

•• Use Use BRTBRT’’ss flexibility, but essential flexibility, but essential attributes are:attributes are:– Speed– Reliability– Identity and image– Permanence

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York Region Ontario VivaYork Region Ontario VivaYork Region Ontario Viva

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BRT BasicsBRT BasicsBRT BasicsSam ZimmermanSam Zimmerman

AECOMAECOMDMJM+HARRISDMJM+HARRIS