Performance Evaluation of BRT Standard in Decision Support System for Integrated Transportation Policy

Abstract

Increased urbanization implicated in the form of increased vehicles on roads which burdened limited resources and caused environmental deterioration. To reduce these effects, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was considered the right solution, requiring minimal infrastructure, as compared to other mass transit options, yet demanding great expertise. This research analyses BRT systems in four cities of Pakistan and the performance evaluation of BRT standards is conducted by developing a statistical model to evaluate predictive BRT standard, which results in identifying the parameters used to improve the performance of the BRT, thus resulting in improved BRT Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) standard. As per ITDP, Peshawar BRT was ranked as Gold, whereas Lahore BRT, Rawalpindi/Islamabad BRT and Multan BRT were ranked as Silver. Research describes that ITDP rating can be significantly enhanced if worked in the right direction, taking into account the standards; Peshawar BRT is an example to follow for existing and future BRT in Pakistan. If fully integrated networks of routes and corridors for Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Multan BRT have been developed, the model predicts the enhancement of ratings. This paper will assist transport policy makers to strategize in accordance with ITDP standard developed to evaluate and improve the quality of BRT.