The Structure of a BRT System

A typical BRT system comprises of the following components:

1. Stations with off-board fare collection
2. Central alignment of roads
3. Level boarding at stations

The Benefits of BRT

The BRT system offers several benefits, including:

• Reduction in overall vehicle kilometres by shifting commuters to high-capacity buses.
• Opportunities to replace older, polluting vehicles with new, efficient buses.
• Significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
• A reduction in traffic accidents and fatalities through the use of dedicated bus lanes and other safety measures.
• Improved speed and efficiency through the use of dedicated bus lanes, pre-paid boarding, and high-frequency services.

The First BRT System in the World and in India

The first BRT system in the world was launched in Curitiba, Brazil, in 1974, and was known as the Rede Integrada de Transporte (‘Integrated Transportation Network’).

India's first BRT system, the Rainbow BRT, was launched in Pune in 2006.

The Advantages of the Bus Rapid Transit Corridor

The BRT corridor offers several key advantages, including:

1. The use of level boarding mechanisms, eliminating the need for lifts or ramps.
2. Efficient traffic management and prevention of bus bunching, helping to control operational costs.
3. Enhanced safety through effective lighting at stations and along the route.
4. The ability to keep lanes free for emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks.
5. Significant time savings for daily commuters in cities with heavy traffic.

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