Bus Rapid Transit

Why not rail?

  When faced with the costs and logistics of rail, planners and city officials increasingly seem to favor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a trend likely to continue through the current recession.  But even with the many persuasive arguments for BRT, the nagging question remains:  why not rail?

February 7, 2010 - Diana DeRubertis

Brazilian BRT Spreads Through Latin America

This article looks at the influence of the bus rapid transit system of Curitiba, Brazil, and how it is becoming a major aspect of urban design in other Latin American cities.

December 22, 2009 - Brazzil Magazine

BRT PDQ in DF

Atlantic correspondent Cristine Russell takes a look at Mexico City's quickly-implemented bus rapid transit system.

November 20, 2009 - The Atlantic Monthly

Rea Vaya ("We are Moving") In South Africa

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!

October 26, 2009 - Todd Litman

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.

October 23, 2009 - 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.

October 9, 2009 - 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).

October 8, 2009 - 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.

September 30, 2009 - 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.

September 11, 2009 - LA Streetsblog

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.

September 1, 2009 - 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.

August 23, 2009 - 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.

August 16, 2009 - 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.

July 10, 2009 - 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.

April 22, 2009 - 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.

April 7, 2009 - 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.

March 31, 2009 - 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.

March 5, 2009 - 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.

February 25, 2009 - 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.

December 17, 2008 - 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.

December 14, 2008 - Washington Post

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

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