Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a flexible, high performance rapid transit mode that combines facilities, equipment, service and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) elements into a permanently integrated system with a quality image and unique identity. Vehicles are an extremely important component of BRT systems, because they not only contribute significantly to BRT's image and identity, but also play a strong role in achieving measurable performance success. Vehicle related planning and design issues confront BRT planners in these seven basic areas: capacity, external dimensions; internal layout; doors; floor height; propulsion systems; vehicle guidance; and aesthetics, identity and branding. This paper draws heavily on 26 case studies documented in TCRP Project A-23. It also reflects experience from newer BRT systems and concludes with a series of general principles and guidelines for vehicle design, selection, and use in BRT applications.
Abstract