To celebrate an important victory a winning team sometimes parades around the arena with their coach on their shoulders as the fans cheer in adulation. Planners sometimes deserve similar treatment! For example, regardless of who wins the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa June and July 2010, the real victor will be residents of the four cities where matches will be held, who gain an efficient new public transportation system as a long-term legacy. Everybody wins!
Bus Rapid Transit
BRT Takes Babysteps in South Africa
This post from The City Fix discusses the new bus rapid transit system that just opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, and why the system was sorely needed.
The City Fix
Despite Intimidation and Violence, Officials Vow to Complete South Africa BRT
Amid recnt violence thought to be related to the country's plans to implement a bus rapid transit system, South Africa's national transport minister has vowed that the transportation project will move ahead.
The Times
Madison Ditches Rail, Considers BRT
After Madison, Wisconsin withdrew its FTA application for funding of a commuter rail system, the city has been wondering where Transport 2020 is going next. The buzz now includes Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
The Cap Times
World Cup Bus System Causes Conflict in Cape Town
Taxi and minibus drivers in Cape Town are concerned that a new Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system will put them out of work. The city cites lack of regulation, safety concerns, and standardized work hours as reasons the new system is necessary.
BBC News
LA's Wilshire Blvd. Bus-Only Lane Moves Forward
In an important step toward a bus-only lane on LA's busy Wilshire Blvd., the city council approved beginning an Environmental Impact Report for the project, to only minimal skepticism from the councilmember from the wealthier part of the area.
LA Streetsblog
The Planetizen News Brief - 9/3/09
4:35 minutes (4.2 MB)
Creating a new New Orleans, getting on the BRT in Johannesburg, and finding value in parks -- all on this week's Planetizen News Brief, airing weekly on the nationally-syndicated radio show "Smart City". Read, listen or download.
BRT Gets Rolling in Johannesburg
A new dedicated-lane bus rapid transit system has begun operations in Johannesburg, South Africa. The system is part of a nationwide plan to update public transit facilities as the country prepares to host the 2010 World Cup next June.
AFP
Despite Protests and Strikes, BRT Moves Ahead in Johannesburg
Despite strong opposition from taxi driver associations, a new bus rapid transit system is set to open later this month in Johannesburg, South Africa.
AllAfrica
Utah Edges Closer to First BRT System
Officials in Utah have approved plans for a bus rapid transit system between Provo and Orem, which will be the state's first BRT system.
Deseret News
Fighting Climate Change with Bus Rapid Transit
Bogota, Colombia's bus rapid transit system is seen as a shining example of how buses can make up a good public transportation system in cities. It's also being looked at as a model for fighting climate change.
The New York Times
Bogotá, Champion of BRT
GOOD provides a glimpse of TransMilenio, a Colombian bus rapid transit system and shining example of BRT done right.
GOOD Magazine
Lagos BRT Seen As Success
Officials in Lagos, Nigeria, are praising the recently installed Bus Rapid Transit system as making distinct improvements in mobility for the crowded and growing African city.
This Day
Jerusalem Mayor Wants BRT Finish for Light Rail System
The mayor of Jerusalem is seeking to cancel plans for expanding the city's light rail system in favor of buses, which he is calling a less expensive and more flexible alternative.
The Jerusalem Post
How to Make BRT Work for New York City
In this fourth and final installment on Bus Rapid Transit, Streetsblog and Walter Hook discuss how to make BRT work along 1st or 2nd Avenue--two ready-made BRT corridors.
Streetsblog
Why Bus Rapid Transit Works
This interview with Walter Hook, director of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, probes the merits of Bus Rapid Transit versus subways and light rail. The first of four installments.
Streetsblog
BRT Fails in Delhi
The Bus Rapid Transit System has failed to meet the demands of New Delhi's riders and pedestrians. A better strategy, according to one report, is to improve its mass transit instead.
The Indian Express
Rapid Buses To Serve Suburbs?
A local leader in the suburban Maryland/Washington DC area proposes aggressive use of "rapid buses" in dedicated lanes to accommodate growth, like other jurisdictions in the U.S.
Washington Post
BRT: A Case of Mistaken Identity
As Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT, has become a much-discussed alternative among transportation planners, Jeff Wood of Reconnecting America argues that a rose by any other name does not smell as sweet. When comparing transportation options, it is important to understand the true definition.
It's Light Rail Versus BRT in Honolulu's Mayoral Race
As election day approaches in Honolulu, the Hawaiian capital's mayoral race has centered around transit. The incumbent has been pushing light rail, but now the challenger has unveiled a cheaper bus rapid transit system.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin




















