BUS RAPID TRANSIT: A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE?

The several specific characteristics of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) that differentiate it from other public transit modes are addressed in this article. The explicit considerations of BRT as an alternative in Major Investment Studies (MIS) is supported. One of the key characteristics of BRT is the prospect that it can offer a lower cost method of providing better performing public transit service that is able to both retain current and attract new customers as well as garner political and taxpayer support. Also addressed in this article is the definition of BRT as well as the implications of the various definitions on branding of the mode. The article offers an interesting perspective on BRT branding by looking at it from the perspective of various user groups. Also explored are the prospects of BRT becoming attractive to the public transit industry and with customers, decision makers, and taxpayers.