The Demand Performance of Bus Rapid Transit

This article uses a trip attribute approach to examine the relative passenger attractiveness of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems compared to other transit modes. It examines how passengers value trip attributes for on-street bus, BRT, and light rail and heavy rail systems in passenger behavior research. Empirical data is presented which suggests that passengers value trip attributes for BRT and rail modes in a broadly similar manner. All of these transit modes are favored relative to on-street bus. These findings suggest that BRT systems should be as effective as rail in generating patronage when developed to replace on-street bus services. This conclusion, in association with research demonstrating lower costs for BRT systems compared to rail, may be used to claim cost effectiveness advantages for BRT. However, a number of limitations in the evidence are identified and additional research suggested. Conclusions of the research are also used to suggest ways to improve BRT system design to enhance demand performance. Introduction Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is now a major trend in the development of public transport systems worldwide. While BRT has been shown to have lower implementation costs compared to other transit modes (General Accounting Office 2001), its cost effectiveness can only be assessed by examining its relative performance in generating demand compared to other transit modes. Journal of Public Transportation, Vol. 8, No. 1, 2005 42 This article explores the relative passenger attractiveness of BRT systems compared to other transit modes by studying trip attribute research evidence. It examines how passengers value trip attributes for on-street bus, BRT, light rail and heavy rail systems in passenger behavioral research and modeling. The article includes: • a summary of trip attribute research • an analysis of trip attributes that vary between modes • an assessment of what the results suggest for the relative attractiveness of BRT compared to other transit modes Transit Trip Attributes Figure 1 shows the key components of a typical trip by public transport. Figure 1. Trip Attributes in Typical Transit Journey The measurement of how passengers value each of these trip attributes is an important input to disaggregate transport modeling and a major driver of travel demand forecasts for the development of new public transport modes. The quality of travel is measured in terms of generalized cost using a formula of the following type: Demand Performance of BRT