This article uses a trip attribute approach to examine the relative passenger attractiveness of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems compared to other transit modes. It examines how passengers value trip attributes for on-street bus, BRT, and light rail and heavy rail systems in passenger behavior research. Empirical data is presented which suggests that passengers value trip attributes for BRT and rail modes in a broadly similar manner. All of these transit modes are favored relative to on-street bus. These findings suggest that BRT systems should be as effective as rail in generating patronage when developed to replace on-street bus services. This conclusion, in association with research demonstrating lower costs for BRT systems compared to rail, may be used to claim cost effectiveness advantages for BRT. However, a number of limitations in the evidence are identified and additional research suggested. Conclusions of the research are also used to suggest ways to improve BRT system design to enhance demand performance.

Experiences from metro schemes in developing countries by P.R.Fouracre and D.A.C.Maunder Transport Research Laboratory, UK.

developing cities capacity busways

has published the following other reports on this area of research:

performance of busway transit in developing cities

www.elsevier.com/locate/tra Transportation Research Part A 39 (2005) 522–5300965-8564/ $- see front matter 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.traffic forecasted at the time of making the decision to build that is of interest. Second, although ideally studies should take into account so-called demand ‘‘ramp up’ ’ over a period of years, the empirical evidence and practical considerations do not support this ideal requirement, at least not for large-N studies. Finally, the paper argues that large samples of inaccuracy in travel demand forecasts are likely to be conservatively biased, i.e., accuracy in travel demand forecasts estimated from such samples would likely be higher than accuracy in travel demand forecasts in the project population. This bias must be taken into account when interpreting the results from statistical analyses of inaccuracy in travel demand forecasting.

International