What is BRT?
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) provides reliable travel time experiences through the use of dedicated lanes, transit signal priority technology, and dedicated stations that offer seamless connections to local bus and rail services.
Bus Rapid Transit Characteristics
BRT typically includes the following:
Frequency is the amount of time between transit vehicle arrivals at a stop. A route with a bus arriving at a stop every half-hour would have a 30-minute frequency.
While transit buses usually operate on surface streets with other vehicles in “mixed traffic,” BRT systems include “fully dedicated” lanes on sections of the route, in which only public transportation and emergency vehicles may operate.
Some transit systems use unique branding for BRT service, which helps to clearly differentiate the enhanced transit service.
Queue jump lanes are additional travel lanes on the approach to intersections, allowing transit or emergency vehicles to bypass traffic at busy intersections.
Transit Signal Priority (TSP) technology connects transit vehicles to traffic signals, reducing the amount of time buses are sitting at red lights.Â
Examples of Bus Rapid Transit
Bus Rapid Transit is being utilized in a number of major American cities across the nation. Below are a few notable examples.Â
By the numbers:
- Operating since 2008
- 6.8Â miles of BRT
- 59Â stops
- 7 – 10 minute frequencies
- 20,000 Daily Riders
By the numbers:
- Operating since 2005
- 18Â miles of BRT
- 17Â stops
- 9 park & rides, 2 mobility hubs
- 22,256 Daily Riders
By the numbers:
- Operating since 2002
- 6Â bus routes
- 14 – 21 stops
- 1Â Mobility Hub
- 39,000Â Daily Riders
What is a Bus Rapid Transit Station?
Southlake BRT features proposed station areas at strategic locations along the proposed alignment.
Bus Rapid Transit stations often offer enhanced features and amenities similar to that of a rail experience.
- Shelter
- Bench
- Sign
- Next bus arrival information
- Emergency phone
- Ticket vending
- 24/7 security monitoring
- Proximity to existing activity centers
- Proximity to major intersections
- Optimal station locations to achieve peak travel time frequencies
- Projected ridership
- Connections with other transit services
- Technical feasibility
What is a Mobility Hub?
Mobility hubs are stations with specialized amenities. They may also feature Park-and-Ride lots and interconnections with local bus services at strategic locations.
The proposed station areas for Southlake BRT include a mobility hub location at Southlake Mall.
- Ticket-vending machine
- Shelters with seating
- Time boards
- Bicycle parking
- Restrooms
- Trash receptacles
- Park-and-Ride lots (available at select locations)
- Easy transfer between BRT and Local Bus Service
- Proximity to major activity centers
- Seamless transfers to other transportation modes
- Adequate land area to support transit operationsÂ
BRT Example
For more information on BRT visit: https://itsmarta.com/brt.aspx