Curitiba BRT © Revista ESCALA, Número 186. 2001
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective urban mobility. It is one of the most important transportation initiatives today and is increasingly being used by cities looking for cost-effective mass transport solutions. There are currently 47 BRT systems operating worldwide, with the most extensive systems being in Latin America. BRT systems can enhance bus efficiency through segregated bus lanes, designs that make boarding and exiting buses quick, bus priority at intersections, and effective coordination at stations and terminals. Political backing is a key ingredient for success in all BRT systems. However, dedicating road space to exclusive use by public transport can be politically difficult, especially given the relative political strength of private motorists.
Read more in the gTKP Urban Mobility Topic Information Sheet on Bus Rapid Transit.