A Cost-Effective Solution for Urban Congestion

At a time when urban travel usually means congestion, pollution and frustration, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a breath of fresh air. BRT is a specialized bus service designed to help commuters bypass traffic and get to their destinations quickly.

BRT uses specially-branded high-capacity buses that operate in dedicated lanes to avoid traffic congestion. Buses have a limited number of stops and traffic signal prioritization systems help ensure that buses keep moving. Optical guidance systems and off-board ticketing minimize stop times. Buses come more frequently, enhancing passenger convenience and satisfaction.

The BRT concept is similar to light rail, but has two key advantages:

1) BRT costs much less and is quicker to implement because it typically uses existing roads and streets.
2) BRT is flexible, and integrates easily with existing transit modes. Service can be expanded quickly and less expensively to meet the needs of cities as they grow.

From Phoenix to Toronto, from Bordeaux to Bogota, Veolia Transport is demonstrating that BRT is a valuable transit solution for environmental, mobility and economic reasons.

Veolia’s Approach to Bus Rapid Transit

With 150 years of experience in public transportation, Veolia knows what it takes to plan, launch and operate a successful BRT service. Our step-by-step approach covers everything from design to operation to future growth.

  • Designing the network Veolia brings in experts from all over the world to give clients the advice and knowledge they need to create a tailor-made BRT system. We often provide comprehensive project management services to our clients. We start with careful analysis of current information, and assess expected future demand. We propose cost-effective solutions that can be smoothly integrated with existing services and expanded as necessary.
  • Planning and strategy development We have experience planning and operating BRT systems in a variety of environments, from historic European cities with narrow streets to North American centers with highly-congested downtown cores. We can assist and advise clients on business strategy, financial planning and procurement, infrastructure design, planning and computer modeling, vehicle design and procurement, market research, marketing and branding, and network performance analysis.
  • Building and operating the BRT
    We have extensive experience in operating the many unique technologies and services that comprise a BRT:
    • Innovative vehicle tracking systems
    • Passenger information systems
    • Ticketing systems
    • Driver training to ensure brand and customer service promises are met
    • Sophisticated vehicle maintenance
    • Quality performance indicators
  • Developing for the future BRT systems are flexible by design. We plan for future growth, and have helped many clients successfully extend their BRT routes and services.
BRT is a low-cost transit solution that’s fast, efficient and rider-friendly.
This innovative system gives communities and transit authorities the speed, convenience and capacity of light rail, at far less cost.

We believe that to maximize the potential benefits and efficiency of BRT, as many as possible of the following conditions should be met:

  • Reserved bus lanes so BRT vehicles can bypass rush hour traffic congestion
  • Traffic signal priority so buses can get through busy intersections quickly
  • High-tech off-board fare collection systems to eliminate driver transactions and minimize stop times
  • State of the art vehicles designed for rapid boarding, comfort and convenience
  • Real-time passenger information systems including digital and wireless technology to provide up-to-the-minute arrival and departure information for passengers
  • Traffic management infrastructure like bus turnouts, bus islands and curb realignments
  • High quality bus stops that are well-designed, clean, safe and accessible
  • GPS monitoring to provide real-time traffic management information