Definitions
Definitions
(with credits to “Characteristics of Bus Rapid Transit for Decision-Making” by Federal Transit Administration, United States Department of Transportation 2004)
BRT Definition
A flexible, high performance rapid transit mode that combines a variety of physical, operating and system elements into a permanently integrated system with a quality image and unique identity.
BRT Elements
Fare Collection
Options range from traditional pay-on-board methods to pre-payment with electronic fare media (e.g., smart cards).
Intelligent Transportation System
ITS options include vehicle priority, operations and maintenance management, operator communications, real-time passenger information, and safety and security systems.
Running Ways
Running ways drive travel speeds, reliability and identity. Options range from general traffic lanes to fully-grade separated BRT transit ways. Characteristics of a running way are Degree of Segregation (The level of separation from other traffic is the primary running way planning parameter), Running Way Markings (treatments or markings to differentiate a running way can effectively convey where a BRT service operates) and Guidance-Lateral (This feature controls the side-to-side movement of vehicles along the running way similar to how a track defines where a train operates).
Service and Operations Plan
Designing a service plan that meets the needs of the population and employment centers in the area and matches the demand for service is a key step in defining a BRT system.
Stations
A facility where transit vehicles stop to pick up and discharge passengers and may include boarding/alighting platforms, bus bays, passenger shelters, benches, fare collection equipment, passenger information facilities and other related passenger equipment, amenities, and facilities. Stations are the single most important customer interface, affecting accessibility, reliability, comfort, safety, and security, as well as dwell times, and system image.
Vehicles
BRT systems can utilize a wide range of vehicles, from standard buses to specialized vehicles. Aesthetics, both internal and external are also important for establishing and reinforcing the brand identity of the system.
Automatic Passenger Counter
Automatic counting of passengers as they board and alight the BRT vehicle. Data can be used in real-time for vehicle operations or archived for future planning use.
Bus Bay
A specially designed or designated location at a transit stop, station, terminal, or transit center at which a bus stops to allow passengers to board or alight buses.
Hybrid – Electric Drives
A combination of electrical propulsion and a conventional fuel burning engine, usually a diesel, offering improved performancfuel economy with reduced emissions (e.g., of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PM).
Passenger Information
Passenger Information technologies can improve passenger satisfaction, help to reduce wait times, and thus increase ridership. The system utilizes VMS signs at terminals/stations, automatic annunciation and visual next stop on buses, traveller updates on mobile devices and trip itinerary planning on the web.
Queue-jump Lanes
An additional travel lane on the approach to a signalized intersection often restricted to transit vehicles only. The intent of the lane is a type of roadway that consists of an additional travel lane on the approach to a signalised intersection. This lane is often restricted to transit vehicles only. The intent of the lane is to allow the higher-capacity vehicles to cut to the front of the queue of other traffic waiting to proceed through the intersection. The queue jump reduces the delay to the transit vehicles caused by the signal and improves the operational efficiency of the transit system
Transit Signal Priority
TSP is used to used to extend or advance green times or allow left turn swaps to allow buses that are behind schedule to get back on schedule, improving schedule adherence, reliability, and speed. Requires traffic signal controllers and software and TSP capable equipment on the transit vehicle and at the intersection for identifying the transit vehicle and generating low priority request when appropriate.
Vehicle – Articulated
These buses are longer and have a higher passenger carrying capacity more than standard vehicles. Typical floors are partial low floors with steps with two or three doors. Stylized buses utilize step-low floors, at least three doors, with 2 double stream and quick deploy ramps all facilitate boarding and alighting to shorten stop dwell times. Specialized vehicles employ advanced propulsion systems and often come with advanced ITS and guidance systems.
Vehicle Mechanical Monitoring and Maintenance
Automatically monitor the condition of transit vehicle engine components via engine sensors and provide warnings of impending (out of tolerance indicators) and actual failures that occur.
Vehicle Tracking
Transit location information will be used for improved traveler advisory services, schedule adherence and archived to support future planning efforts. Requires a communication system integrated with vehicle tracking components using GPS.
|