Bus Rapid Transit Technologies in the Americas: An Overview

Abstract

Results from a survey of international bus rapid transit (BRT) systems reveal a wide range of technology options for implementing a BRT system. Eight BRT systems (seven existing and one under development) in North and South America demonstrate innovative applications of five bus technology components—vehicles, guideways and stations, control systems (dispatching and signaling), fare systems, and passenger information systems. These innovative applications, combined with fundamental changes in operating plans and the customer interface, provide a mode distinct from conventional bus transit. This preliminary phase of the survey found that guideway improvements are the most common strategy to move from conventional to rapid transit service. Innovations in vehicle design, control system technology, and fare system technology are also commonly used. All the surveyed systems demonstrate isolated innovation in passenger information systems technology. These technology applications were primarily directed toward improving the speed, reliability, and user-friendliness of service.