Bus Rapid Transit Overview and Information

Overview of the Bus Rapid Transit

Effective public transit is central to development. For the vast majority of developing city residents, public transit is the only practical means to access employment, education, an public services, especially like here in Gauteng, when such services are beyond the viable distance of walking or cycling. Unfortunately, the current state of public transit services in developing cities does little to serve the actual mobility needs of the population. Bus and Rail services are too often unreliable, at times costly, inconvenient and dangerous.

In response to all these challenges, the Bus Rapid Transit system was born. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) can provide high-quality, metro-like transit service at a fraction of the cost of other options.

What is the Bus Rapid Transit?

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a bus-based mass transit system that delivers fast, comfortable and cost-effective urban mobility. Through the provision of exclusive right-of-way lanes and excellence in customer service. BRT essentially emulates the performance and amenity characteristics of a modern rail-based transit system but at a fraction of the cost.

The Department of Transport has made it clear that the Bus Rapid Transit System [BRT] is crucial to the success of South Africa’s transport system. Without a good bus service that is accessible, affordable and attractive to a broad range of people across society, local transport simply cannot work.

Currently a high number of daily passenger trips first go to the central parts of cities, before arriving at the final destination. These commuters no longer will have to travel via the CBD to reach their final destination. The public transport priority measures to be implemented will reduce travel times, having an enormous economic impact. Immediately after full operations of the BRT system, journey times for road users have reduced, having a positive impact on vehicle operating costs and savings on time in vehicles.

What are the benefits of the Bus Rapid Transit?

The main features of the Bus Rapid Transit System are:

Dedicated bus lanes
These operate separately from all other traffic modes. This allows buses to operate at a very high level of reliability since only professional drivers are allowed on the bus way.
Lower Construction Costs
Bus ways can be engineered to tighter standards and still remain safe compared to a roadway open to non-professional drivers.
Location
Location of the busways in the median of the roadway rather than in the kerb lane
Network
Existence of an integrated “network” of routes and corridors
Separate Stations
Separate stations that are convenient, comfortable, secure, and weather protected
Access
Stations provide level access between the platform and the vehicle floor

Connection
Special stations and terminals to facilitate physical integration between trunk routes, feeder services, and other public transport systems
Fares
Pre-boarding fare collection and fare verification
Physical Integration
Fare and physical integration between routes, corridors, and feeder services
Administrative Structure
Entry to the system is restricted to prescribed operators under a reformed business and administrative structure
Low-emission
Low-emission vehicle technologies
System management
System management through a centralised control centre, utilising ITS applications such as automatic vehicle location

Special physical provisions
Special physical provisions to ease access for people with disabilities, such as children, the elderly, and the disabled
Clear Signage
Clear route maps, signage, and/or real-time information displays that are visibly placed within stations and/or vehicles.
Exclusive Lanes
A bus street or transit mall created in an urban centre by dedicating all lanes of a city street to the exclusive use of buses.
Low-cost infrastructure
Low-cost infrastructure elements that can increase the speed and reliability of bus service include bus turnouts, bus boarding islands, and curb realignments.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage: In addition to using dedicated bus ways, BRT’s can also take advantage of existing roadways in cities that already have a comprehensive road network for private automobiles.
Comprehensive coverage
Serves a diverse market with high-frequency all day service: A BRT network with comprehensive coverage can serve a diverse market (all income ranges) by moving people from their current location to their destination with high frequency and reliability while maintaining a high level of customer experience.