Bus Rapid Transit is a high-quality bus transport system that offers fast, comfortable and cost-effective urban mobility.
BRT systems are now in operation on every continent and in a wide variety of cities – from megacities such as Istanbul, Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City to smaller European cities such as Strasbourg and Nantes in France.
Dedicated lanes, priority at intersections and short dwell times at stops enable attractive journey times.
BRT systems offer enormous flexibility in terms of infrastructure design and operation. Building your own infrastructure is only necessary where advantages can be generated.
The separate lanes and priority given to vehicles result in a more balanced driving style with fewer stops and lower fuel consumption. High utilisation of BRT buses reduces per capita CO₂ emissions.
BRT systems are characterised by low infrastructure costs and low operating costs compared to rail-based transport systems.*
Experience from projects worldwide shows that significantly less time is required for planning and implementation than for comparable rail-based transport systems.
A successful BRT system consists of well-planned individual components that are optimally coordinated with each other. It is essential to consider BRT at an early stage in the planning process in order to reap its benefits. In general, BRT includes the following sustainable components:
The most visible element of a BRT system is the dedicated bus lanes. Being separate from other traffic ensures high travel speeds and a high level of operational reliability.
An important element that helps attain a high travel speed is the use of state-of-the-art "ITS" (Intelligent Transport Systems). This system prioritises buses at traffic lights, allowing them to pass intersections without loss of time.
BRT stops offer step-free access to the vehicle, enabling passengers to board and alight quickly and providing easy access for passengers with reduced mobility. In Europe, North America and most Asian cities, stops are designed for use with low-floor buses. Special kerbs enable bus drivers to pull up precisely at the stops.
The majority of BRT systems in Latin America rely on stops with raised platforms, which also enable step-free access to high-capacity, high-floor vehicles that are particularly easy to maintain.
Tickets for BRT systems are sold online or at stops, not from the driver. This means less time spent at stops and attractive journey times. BRT systems are flexible in their choice of ticketing system and ticket inspection method. This means that both open and closed ticketing systems are possible.
BRT lines are part of a public transport network with various modes of transport, which are usually optimally interconnected.
Latin American BRT systems often consist of main lines, which are served by articulated buses running at frequent intervals, and feeder lines from the suburbs, which serve special transfer terminals.
In European and North American systems, in addition to optimal connections to other public transport services, P+R (Park and Ride) or B+R (Bike and Ride) facilities and bicycle rental systems are often provided near stops.
The buses used in BRT systems are adapted to the specific requirements of the respective system. These adaptations include the drive technology, the size and floor height of the bus, and its design.
Most systems worldwide are currently still operated with diesel buses. However, the flexibility of the system allows for the use of a wide variety of drive technologies. The switch to electric mobility offers great opportunities for BRT, and we also see autonomous driving as an interesting idea. Articulated buses have proven to be the best option for BRT systems worldwide. Extra-long buses can also offer increased capacity.
The first BRT system was developed in Latin America in the 1970s, where rapid population growth in cities led to major traffic problems. The enormous demand for transport and the financial situation of the cities called for an innovative solution. As a result, a new, cost-effective transport system was developed that enables mobility for all sections of the population and is now recognised worldwide. The success of BRT has contributed to the worldwide spread of these systems; there are now over 180 vehicle systems in operation worldwide, with many more under construction or in planning. Daimler Buses are successfully used in BRT systems worldwide, from extra-long articulated buses to 10-metre vehicles as feeder buses. Together with our experience in maintenance and spare parts supply, as well as tailor-made financing solutions, Daimler Buses contribute to the success of BRT.
The eCitaro fuel cell is the powerful all-rounder among battery-electric public transport buses. Battery-electric buses with fuel cell technology offer high passenger capacity and efficient, locally emission-free transport – perfect for busy routes and high frequencies in urban transport.
The CapaCity and CapaCity L are ideally suited for specialised BRT systems on separate lanes. They impress with their considerable transport capacity and offer fast passenger flow and outstanding manoeuvrability.
Daimler Buses | Neu-Ulm, Germany
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* Source: ITDP (2007), Bus Rapid Transit – Planning Guide, 3rd Edition, New York