Bus rapid or light rail transit for intermediate cities?

Performances and costs of BRT (bus rapid transit) and LRT (light rail transit) systems are examined. A variety of benefits and disbenefits are considered. An analysis of planning, design, passenger satisfaction and development potential try to compare them. In conclusion, BRT presents an investment opportunity for intermediate cities in developed and developing countries: some cities have already adopted it with success. In a second term, when the BRT attains a high patronage on some well identified corridors, an LRT could be adopted while buses operate as feeders. For the covering abstract see ITRD E116619.