MPC
Project Details

Title:	Attitudinal Analysis of Bus Rapid Transit Alternative
Principal Investigators:	Jill Hough
University:	North Dakota State University
Status:	Completed
Year:	2000
Project #:	MPC-206

Abstract

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a relatively new concept in the United States. The BRT system uses a designated bus lane to service passengers along a corridor. The system is much like a light rail system, except it can be implemented and maintained at a fraction of the cost. Curitiba, Brazil implemented the first recognizable BRT System (in what year?). The system is an asset to the city as a result of the city planning efforts over a period of 30 years. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recognizes the Curitiba system as a potential model for communities in the United States to consider when implementing a BRT system. FT A is supporting 10 BRT demonstration projects throughout the United States. There are several important questions surrounding the implementation of BRT. F TA recognizes that BRT systems will help with the mobility issues that are continuous problems in large as well as in smaller communities.

Likewise, BRT may be able to aid in the congestion problems that face both large cities and small to medium sized cities that continue to expand. Furthermore, BRT may allow second-tier cities (populations below 400,000) to better plan their transportation strategies to effectively meet the needs of their residents. One important question is "what conditions and criteria must these cities have in order to successfully implement a BRT system?" Most importantly, communities need to recognize if their residents are willing to ride the BRT system.

The focus of this study is to develop a travel demand model that will predict mode share based on the individuals’ preferences within their particular city. The results of this study will help determine if individuals are likely to choose to ride the BRT system. The results from the select FTA demonstration sites will be applied to select cities in the MPC states to identify the viability of implementing BRT in the MPC region.

FTA recognizes that BRT systems will help with the mobility issues that are continuous problems in large as well as in smaller communities. Likewise, BRT may be able to aid in the congestion problems that face both large cities and small to medium sized cities that continue to expand. Furthermore, BRT may allow second-tier cities (populations below 400,000) to better plan their transportation strategies to meet the needs of the individuals. The individual will be able to use public transportation and reduce their dependence upon their vehicles and thereby reduce any congestion problems that may be developing in the expanding cities.