There is perhaps no better way to quickly grow transit ridership than to improve an existing bus system. Relatively simple steps, such as improved shelters and service design, can dramatically enhance performance and image. These steps also can be part of a broader, longer-term strategy to implement bus rapid transit (BRT) or other forms of high quality rapid transit.
What are the best practices in improving bus systems? How much have these improvements cost and what are their benefits? Where has the funding come from? Are there special considerations, especially if the bus improvements are part of a broader plan to implement full BRT?
The Breakthrough Technologies Institute (BTI) is starting a new project to answer these and other questions. Through case studies, we will explain the key elements of incremental bus improvements and the experience to date in several North American cities. Our goal is to create an overview that will help transit agencies, public officials, and others evaluate the potential for bus improvements in their communities.
BTI will be joined in this effort by John Niles, a senior transportation systems and policy analyst for the Seattle-based consulting firm Global Telematics.
We seek your help. We are actively seeking input and welcome your suggestions or comments. We anticipate that our findings will be published by Summer 2008.
Here is how to reach us:
Emails sent here reach all the researchers simultaneously.
Lisa Callaghan and Bill Vincent are in Washington, DC at 202-785-4222.
John Niles in Seattle is at 206-781-4475.
This research is supported by the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University in San Jose, California.
Bill Vincent and Lisa Callaghan
Breakthrough Technologies Institute
202-785-4222
John Niles
Global Telematics
206-781-4475
