Abstract: The first bus rapid transit (BRT) system, called Metrobus, in Buenos Aires opened in May 2011. This article describes the long and complicated process of developing this BRT line. The city was committed to reducing travel time for commuters, as well as providing a higher quality of service, as it began to plan the Metrobus service. BRT was chosen as a faster and less expensive alternative to a subway system. The city conducted extensive research on bus choices and financing. It also collected data about passenger demand, traffic patterns, bus service, service quality and commuting times to create appropriate routes and service plans. Metrobus faced many obstacles, including regulatory challenges, concerns from local business owners, and resistance from residents. Now that the BRT system has been implemented, however, most agree that the new system is beneficial. The BRT corridor includes an exclusive and physically separated bus lane running down the center of a 12.5-km stretch of a central artery. The segregated bus lane allows the buses to avoid heavy traffic congestion and get people to their destinations more reliably and quickly. Metrobus has reduced traffic on the avenue for both buses and mixed traffic. Bus riders appreciate the higher quality of service and the time savings. Ridership is up 20% on the corridor compared to the old bus service, and the line serves nearly 100,000 passengers each day. As a result of this success, the city is planning to expand the BRT network by adding a second line.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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