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

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

7 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today