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Home > Planning Support Tool > Elements of BRT > Stations Stations |
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The planning and design of stations is a combination of factors all of which have an important role in the overall success of the scheme. These factors are summarized as follows:
Station Spacing is a fundamental input to the planning process for BRT services and systems. BRT stations are typically spaced from as little as 1,000 feet (approximately 300 meters) in CBDs to as much as 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in low density suburbs to allow fast operating speeds without sacrificing ease of access. Spacing varies greatly depending on the form of running way to be used and development demand densities. For on-street running, it may be prudent to provide stations more closely spaced than on an exclusive bus-only road. However, the essential inputs to this feature of the design, other than passenger demand, are how riders reach the station and the delay incurred as a result of the number of stops to be made. It is important not to make so many stops that rapid transit operating speeds and reliability become difficult to achieve. Station Platform Location in the running way cross-section is closely related to available right of way and adjacent land uses and other BRT element designs. For example, for central median stations can save space on dedicated busways (e.g., Bogota, Quito), but vehicle door configurations (e.g., doors on both sides or on the one side consistent with the direction of operation) must permit boarding on the side of the vehicle opposite sidewalks. It is most advantageous to provide stations at locations that will facilitate easy interchanges to/from other bus routes, other modes and direct, safe walking access to large trip generators such as colleges or retail districts. Most BRT stations are located at the far side of signalized intersections to take advantage of progressively synchronized signals and/or transit signal priority. Station/Platform Length depends on the volume of buses through a station, the number of distinct routes it serves and the number of people boarding and alighting. In some locations these parameters will combine to require space for a minimum of 2 or 3 buses plus clearance for pull in/pull out. Where an articulated fleet is utilized, this translates into a total of 150 to 250 feet; however, in some instances (e.g., end of the line terminal where many routes, including local and BRT services, converge or diverge) it may be necessary to provide even more space for larger vehicle and passenger volumes. Design Features provided for stations can be totally different for stations along a single route, depending on available space and the number of people boarding and alighting. For example, larger stations at route termini might include a range of passenger services, such as coffee stands, ATMs, dry-cleaning services and other items that would be of use to passengers. All stations should be well-lit and include facilities to protect the passengers from inclement weather, i.e. a roof and wall to deflect wind. In climates that are particularly inclement, the shelters could be heated and even air conditioned. Stations should provide a significant amount of passenger information, including time to next bus etc., either through posted schedules and/or shown electronically via a VMS system. Efficient forms of fare payment could also be used at major stations to expedite the boarding process, for example honor-fare ticket vending machines, magnetic card vending machines or smart card vending and or value updating machines. Authors: Ian McNamara and Mark Miller
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The
stations commonly used for BRT schemes vary from system to system;
however, they are generally of a more advanced nature that those
typically used on bus transit routes. They can combine state of the
art passenger information technology, with the comfort and convenience
of rail stations, along with improved safety and fare collection
systems.
