In the State of the Nation address, President Zuma referred to the discussions around the Bus Rapid Transit System. I would like to quote:
“In April this year, I gave an undertaking to the taxi industry leadership to defer negotiations relating to the operation of the Bus Integrated Rapid Transit system until after the elections.
We undertook to allow more time to deal properly with the concerns of the industry. On the 11th of June the Minister of Transport will resume discussions with the industry.
The meeting will kick-start a series of engagements with the stakeholders affected by the BRT system. We are confident that unresolved issues will be dealt with to the satisfaction of all parties.
This will include the important issue of how all stakeholders will benefit from the initiative.”
How can we explain to the everyday road users what a Bus Rapid Transit System is?
On the Arrive Alive road safety website we find important information on this topic.
The main features of the Bus Rapid Transit System are:
• Dedicated bus lanes which operate separate from all other traffic modes. This allows buses to operate at a very high level of reliability since only professional drivers are allowed on the bus way.
• A side benefit is lower construction costs since bus ways can be engineered to tighter standards and still remain safe compared to a roadway open to non-professional drivers.
• Location of the bus ways in the median of the roadway rather than in the kerb lane
• Existence of an integrated “network” of routes and corridors
• Separate stations that are convenient, comfortable, secure, and weather protected
• Stations provide level access between the platform and the vehicle floor
• Special stations and terminals to facilitate physical integration between trunk routes, feeder services, and other public transport systems
• Pre-boarding fare collection and fare verification
• Fare and physical integration between routes, corridors, and feeder services
• Entry to the system is restricted to prescribed operators under a reformed business and administrative structure
• Low-emission vehicle technologies
• System management through a centralised control centre, utilising ITS applications such as automatic vehicle location
• Special physical provisions to ease access for people with disabilities, such as children, the elderly, and the disabled
• Clear route maps, signage, and / or real-time information displays that are visibly placed within stations and / or vehicles.
• A bus street or transit mall created in an urban centre by dedicating all lanes of a city street to the exclusive use of buses.
• Low-cost infrastructure elements that can increase the speed and reliability of bus service include bus turnouts, bus boarding islands, and curb realignments.
• Comprehensive coverage: In addition to using dedicated bus ways, BRT’s can also take advantage of existing roadways in cities that already have a comprehensive road network for private automobiles.
• Serves a diverse market with high-frequency all day service: A BRT network with comprehensive coverage can serve a diverse market (all income ranges) by moving people from their current location to their destination with high frequency and reliability while maintaining a high level of customer experience.
For more information view the following:
• Bus Rapid Transit System [BRT] and road safety
• Also view for another perspective “All hail the taxis”