Abstract: In this article, the author looks at challenges that North American transit agencies are facing regarding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). In order to meet these challenges, the author offers a number of recommendations. These include: 1) phased implementation, such as creating a BRT system with minimal investments in infrastructure and equipment; 2) standardization of the vehicles to help reduce risks involved in meeting the needs of communities; 3) refining the procurement process by using performance-based specifications to help keep costs down and improve delivery times; 4) encouraging government involvement, such as that of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in coordinating demonstration programs and sponsoring workshops designed to create an action plan for BRT development. The author concludes by noting that the success of BRT programs in the U.S. depends on the ability of the vehicle manufacturers to be flexible in meeting the demands of transit agencies while at the same time limiting their exposure in development costs.
Publication Year: 2003
Publication Date: 2003-02-01
Language: en
Type: article
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