The Milwaukee and suburban transport corporation operates two rapid transit bus routes making use of existing freeway roadways as the means of rapid travel. Both facilities are park and ride making use of outlying parking lots made available by privately owned shopping centers. The routing and service of these rapid transit bus lines are reviewed. These services indicate that standard city buses can operate freely and without hindering other traffic on city freeways. Buses operated on the freeway can operate as fast as automobile traffic, and when taking into account parking time, may provide a faster door-to-door service than the automobile itself. Passengers are willing to change mode, transfer from an automobile to a bus in commuting to downtown. However, they do not appear to be as willing to transfer from one transit vehicle to another. Increased use of shopping centers parking results in increased business for the shopping centers. It is concluded that bus rapid transit making use of existing freeways can be financially successful and can convert auto drivers to bus riders.
Abstract