Bus Rapid Transit -- Improving Mobility at Lower Cost

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:30:00 -0400

During our recent visit to South Africa, we had the chance to review a host of infrastructure projects in anticipation of the 2010 World Cup soccer championship that will be held there. Much of this work related to improved roadways and intersections. Regarding mass transit, the entire country has embraced bus rapid transit (BRT) as the solution to their transit deficiencies. They anticipate that BRT will have a significant effect on South Africa's urban landscape long after the games have ceased.

But what is bus rapid transit? The National Bus Rapid Transit Institute at the University of South Florida defines it as an "innovative high capacity lower cost public transit solution that can significantly improve urban mobility." Twenty years ago, Pittsburgh began planning a bus rapid transit facility, but it has not received widespread use in the United States. Countries in South America and Latin America use bus rapid transit as the major means for their mobility. Other countries such as Australia and Nigeria have implemented BRT systems. China is also launching 13 bus rapid transit systems. Baltimore is considering it as one of the alternatives to their east/west Redline.

In South Africa, the chairman of their parliament's transportation committee recognizes that BRT is not a silver bullet, but does have many advantages. He believes that it shares roughly the same efficiencies as urban rail at a fraction of the cost. Johannesburg and Cape Town in particular are planning extensive systems, 122km and 38km respectively. Other towns such as Port Elizabeth and Durban are planning less ambitious routes.

Hopefully, South Africa's ambitious effort will provide an excellent example of the use of BRT that will inspire its use elsewhere.

Measuring Economic Impact

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:40:01 -0500

I recently read the results of a study by the National Chamber of Commerce Foundation that attempted to show the linkage between the condition of the nation's transportation system and the health of the U.S. economy and its key industries. The report examined the relationship between transportation investment and long term economic productivity, competitiveness and growth. As a basis, the report expressed the view that the continued underinvestment and business as usual transportation policies and programs will have a detrimental impact on the ability of the U.S. to compete in the world economy. One major underlying fact is that during the next 30 years, the U.S. population is expected to grow by 80 million people.

The manufacturing sector, with fewer employees but more automation, still leads the world in output. The location of U.S. economic growth is shifting; the South and West are continuing to grow and major population areas of the nation are being combined together into massive mega regions. U.S. industries in all sectors are creating lean on-demand supply chains that stretch across the globe. The report concludes that it is time for the U.S. to be much more strategic in planning and investing in the U.S. transportation structure. The study goes on to say, if we do not, our transportation system will become a competitive disadvantage for U.S. industries and it will become harder and harder to sustain the economic growth of our region and the national economy.

At the ASCE Board of Direction fall meeting, we heard a presentation by Mr. Patrick L. Reed, Executive VP and CEO of Federal Express. He presented one shipper's views on our transportation system. Should ASCE create stronger linkages with users who have a stronger voice in transportation public policy and, if so, how should we go about doing it?

President's Blog

Bus Rapid Transit -- Improving Mobility at Lower Cost

Measuring Economic Impact