GAO Report Supports Bus Rapid Transit

The Bus Rapid Transit systems generally had lower capital costs per milethan the Light Rail systems in the cities reviewed.

1 minute read

October 4, 2001, 12:00 PM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"In an attempt to presentbuses as a more reliable and effective high-speed transit alternative, aconcept involving the improved use of buses--Bus Rapid Transit--hasemerged. Bus Rapid Transit includes operating buses on exclusive bushighways, High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, or improving service onbusier routes on city streets. Bus Rapid Transit may also include a varietyof technological and street design improvements, including traffic signalprioritization for buses; exclusive lanes; better stations or bus shelters;fewer stops; faster service; and cleaner, quieter, and more attractivevehicles...You asked us to (1) examine the federal role in supporting Bus RapidTransit; (2) compare the capital costs, operating costs, and performancecharacteristics of Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rail systems; and (3)describe the other advantages and disadvantages of Bus Rapid Transit andLight Rail." [Complete 61-page report in PDF format, 1.13 Mb].

Thanks to Joshuah Mello

Monday, September 17, 2001 in U.S. General Accounting Office

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