Cost / Benefit Analysis of Converting a Lane for Bus

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION Overview Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has emerged as a viable option to enhance transportation capacity and provide increased levels of mobility and accessibility. BRT systems vary from one application to another but all provide a higher level of service than traditional bus transportation. Service on BRT systems is generally faster than regular bus service because the buses make fewer stops and may run as often as comparable rail systems during peak travel times. BRT lines can transport large numbers of people efficiently and cost-effectively and can be an attractive way to get drivers out of their cars and onto transit. BRT systems are characterized by a broad range of running ways which determine the speed and overall performance of the system. Table 1 shows the range of BRT facilities characterized by type of access control, ranging from grade-separated bus-ways at one end of the spectrum to operation in mixed traffic at the other. BRT lanes that have a high degree of right-of-way segregation provide the fastest and most reliable BRT service and are most attractive for travelers. In addition to user benefits, they are likely to induce land and economic development benefits (Kittelson 2007). However, they cost more than BRT that operates in mixed traffic or reserved on-street bus lanes. Levels of service vary for the different types of bus lanes on arterial streets. Bus lanes can help improve transit speed and reliability on urban streets. BRT lanes are most effective and reliable when the buses operate in conditions that are free from delays caused by other vehicles including autos and trucks. Separate bus lanes are also known to have a positive effect on ridership because they increase the visibility and identity of the BRT system. On an arterial street, bus lanes may operate in the same direction of general traffic (concurrent flow) or in the opposite direction (contraflow) along one-way streets. While BRT in an exclusive ROW provides the highest level of service, such systems are often challenging to develop in urban areas. Yet BRT operating in mixed flow lanes may not be able to achieve the improvement in travel time and reliability necessary to attract significant new rider-ship. One solution is to convert a mixed flow arterial lane to exclusive BRT use. Such a conversion has pros and cons. While the exclusive bus lane helps to ensure a high transit level of service, the loss …