Bus rapid transit (BRT) systems provide major benefits to cities by offering efficient, reliable public transportation that reduces congestion and pollution. The first successful BRT was implemented in Curitiba, Brazil in the 1970s and served as a model for other cities. A study of 20 BRT case studies from around the world found that BRT systems consume less energy and emit fewer emissions than traditional bus systems or private vehicles. BRT can help contain urban sprawl, promote social inclusion, and spur economic development near stations over the long term. While BRT requires fewer dedicated facilities than other rail systems, it still faces challenges including potential traffic disruptions and requires strong political support to implement high-quality service.

1. Impact of Bus Rapid
Transit System ON cities

3. BRTS DEFINATION
Lloyd Wright ITDP (2002)
“It is a high quality public transport system, oriented to the user that offers fast, comfortable and
low cost urban mobility”
BRTS HISTORY
• In 1972, Jaime Lerner, then Mayor of Curitiba had a brilliant idea to transform the
face of his city. At the time Curitiba was a small but rapidly expanding city in the
south of Brazil.
• His aim was “To develop a plan for the city that could accommodate growth
without the sprawl and congestion”
• His plan, which would later be replicated throughout the world, called for an above-
ground subway system that would use buses instead of rail.
• Bus rapid transit has been so instrumental in Curitiba’s fight against congestion and
sprawl, that Curitiba known as “the most innovative cities in the world” and other
cities are beginning to take note.

4. METHODOLOGY
 The study covers 20 BRT case studies from around world. Figures on energy
consumption are calculated from the data provided by the different transport agencies
responsible for the case studies covered. After determining the energy consumption
for each system has ben calculated.
 The emissions produced by the existing cities BRT systems are computed.
 The comparative data of vehicular growth rates in all major metro cities in India was
studied based on local preferences and culture, population density, distribution of
trips, climate, geography, topography, available financial resources,local technical
capacity and knowledge, existing business and institutional structures, and, perhaps
most importantly, the degree of existing political will to implement a high‐quality
system.

5. Short Term Benefits:
1.Efficient, reliable and frequent
services
2.Affordable fares
3.A safe and secure public transport
system
4.Universal design
5.A decrease in road congestion,
6.Decrease energy consumption and
vehicle emissions(co2)
7.An enhanced urban environment
BRTS-benefits
Medium-Term Benefits:
1.Containing urban sprawl
2.Promoting social inclusion instead of
isolation.
3.Direct and indirect job creation in both the
transportation and construction industries
Long-Term Benefits:
1.Economic development in and around the
areas of BRT operation
2.Reduction in pollution
3.Reduction of harmful pollutants and
greenhouse gases

6. BRTS-benefits

7. BRTS-challenges

8. PROS AND CONS
BRT PROS
• Flexibility
• Requires no special facilities
•Time management
• It is used more by people who are transit
dependent
• Can serve a larger geographical area
• Can phase in service instead of waiting for
entire system to be completed
BRT CONS
•traffic for other vehicles
•Accidents
•corruption
• Poor quality service
• Can cause traffic disruption
• Lower ridership
• Higher operating & maintenance (O&E)

9. CRITICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1. Since Curitiba BRTS success; BRTS has been popular across the globe
& so in India.
2. Growing BRTS will lead to increase popularity of public transport
system and hence leading to sustainable transport system.
3. BRTS, MINI BRTS and other innovation can act as feeder service to
other existing modes and hence developing a integrated multi modal
transport system.
4. Like Bogota BRTS can also help in developing better transport and
land use integration and also transit oriented design.

10. REFERENCES
Jarzab, J., Lightbody, J. and Maeda, E. 2002. Characteristics of Bus Rapid Transit
Projects: An Overview. Journal of Public Transportation, 5 (2): 31-46.
ITDP. 2007. Bus Rapid Transit Planning Guide. Published by the Institute of
Transportation and Development policy. NY, USA. www.itdp.org/brt_guide.html.