High capacity bus systems or BRT (bus rapid transit) systems are popular in these days. South and North America, Asia, Africa and also Europe have built up such systems. No system is equal to another and each one has specific advantages. This study surveys existing high capacity bus systems and focuses on some aspects which can help cities and urban areas to create their own tailor made solution. A brief definition of BRT or high capacity bus systems is given (this can also include different definition from different continents or countries) to make the topic clear. In this survey all important (or systems well known from publications) BRT and bus systems are named and a short description is given. Basic data like technical equipment, lane design, passengers/day, and financing cost are included and give a brief overview over up to date systems. Planned or discussed projects are also listed to show the importance of this subject. To divide the existing systems into common groups, the characteristics are viewed and listed by examples. To get a wide spectrum of different groups the focus is not only on the technical aspects of a system. For a better comparison of the existing systems a classification based on the results of the previous topic is made. This classification shows the common elements and techniques of different systems. The size of each group will be relevant for the importance of a characteristic. Compared with forecasted passenger figures, operating costs and individual tasks the systems are divided into more or less successful. If there are any, special problems are named. Through this individual characteristics can by analysed and give conclusions to their effectiveness. As a result of this survey certain elements and procedures are seen as successful or less successful. This gives planning authorities the guidance to avoid mistakes and built up their own tailor made successful BRT system. For the covering abstract please see ITRD E135207.
Samenvatting