Benefits of BRT

Used in more than 40 cities across the country, BRT service provides a host of wide-ranging benefits. Read on to learn more.

BRT is a high-quality, bus-based travel option that combines the speed, efficiency, and comfort of rail transit with the flexibility of traditional bus service. It’s a bold, new transit innovation for our region that will bring faster-than-ever service and significantly reduced travel times for riders. BRT systems can also encourage economic growth and community enhancements along its corridors and around BRT stations.

Benefits and Facts At-A-Glance

• Frequent service: buses arrive every 10 – 15 minutes.
• Dedicated bus lanes: BRT corridors often have special bus-only lanes, allowing buses to bypass traffic congestion and preventing cars from being stopped behind buses at the stations.
• Station spacing: bus stations are spaced every half mile which reduces travel time.
• Smart traffic signals: priority given to BRT buses – such as extended green lights – which helps reduce stopping time.
• Paid-in-advance fares: purchasing fares at BRT stations reduces pick up and drop off times.
• Multiple doors: Enter or exit BRT buses via multiple doors, reducing loading times.
• Amenities: enhanced bus stations with Wi-Fi and comfortable seating; bike storage inside the bus; easy entry for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, strollers and more with full ADA accessibility at stations and on buses.
• Real-time arrival information: on monitors, in stations, on the web and via an app.

Quality of Life Benefits

• Reduced travel times due to fewer stops and shorter wait times.
• Universally accessible due to enhanced BRT stations and same-level boarding; no ramps, steps, or lifts needed.
• Comfortable, reliable service.
• Amenities like enhanced bus stations with Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, on-board bike storage, and real-time arrival time tracking via monitors, app and website.

Environmental Benefits

• Reduces traffic congestion.
• Reduces vehicle emissions and improves air quality.
• Reduces noise.
• Fits within existing street right-of-way.

Economic Benefits

• Offers the speed and efficiency of rail with less expense.
• Encourages transit-oriented development.
• Attracts revitalization, rehabilitation, new jobs, new retail, and affordable housing.