Home > Planning Support Tool > Elements of BRT

Elements of BRT

It is perhaps fair to say that no two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in operation around world are identical. The one common feature; however, is that each system comprises a series of basic elements. The difference in each system being the choice of option for each element, with some options being far more advanced than others. These elements also form the basic structure of any rapid transit service, including light rail or commuter rail. The major advantage of Bus Rapid Transit over fixed-guideway forms of transit is its flexibility and ability to be implemented in almost any operating environment, as well as tailored to suit all budgets. The elements that comprise any rapid transit system are listed as follows:

• Running Ways;
• Stations;
• Vehicles;
• Intelligent Transportation Systems;
• Fare Collection;
• Service Patterns; and,
• Identity and Branding.

When planning and designing BRT systems one generally tries to provide an improvement over the local bus system on the network, so that forms the starting point and options to provide a greater overall level of service for passengers are identified. A choice of options exists for each element ranging from the highly sophisticated to what would be included in a typical local bus system. In this paper, the options available for each of the above elements when planning and designing BRT systems are discussed.

This section offers a general discussion of each BRT element. For more site-specific examples, see the “Elements of BRT” subsection within Case Studies.

Authors: Ian McNamara and Mark Miller