State of Maryland BRT Brochure - Bus Rapid Transit Policy Center

BRT Brochure.qxd 10/11/04 12:17 PM Page 2For more information,please go to:www.marylandtransportation.comor call 1-410-865-1303Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.Governor of MarylandRobert L. FlanaganSecretary of TransportationRobert L. SmithAdministratorMaryland Transit AdministrationNeil J. PedersenAdministratorMaryland State Highway Administration7201 Corporate Center DriveHanover, Maryland 21076

BRT Brochure.qxd 10/11/04 12:18 PM Page 4The Ehrlich Administration has made a promise to Maryland's residentsand businesses to make tangible, near-term transportation improvementsthroughout the State in order to achieve Governor Ehrlich's vision of aMore Mobile Maryland. The State's transportation agencies are committedto easing the congestion that clogs our highways and constrains ourtransit services.Maryland faces a number of challenges inproviding the best possible transportationoptions. There are competing demands forfunds due to a backlog of unfunded butimportant transportation projects – somedeferred for a decade or more. This posesa hurdle for tackling congestion statewide,including in the critical I-270 TechnologyCorridor, on arterial highways in and out ofD.C. and Baltimore, in the I-95 corridor, andthroughout Southern Maryland.To help address traffic congestion and improvecustomer service, the Maryland Department ofTransportation (MDOT), Maryland TransitAdministration (MTA), and Maryland StateHighway Administration (SHA) are consideringa new approach – Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).BRT – Combining the ServiceQuality of Rail with theFlexibility of BusesConventional bus and rail transit already play a vitalrole in Maryland's transportation network. Transit servicereduces congestion, assists with efficient land use, supportseconomic development, and provides transportationaccess and mobility for the young, elderly, disabled,and those who do not own an automobile.Bus Rapid Transit encompasses a variety ofapproaches designed to improve travel speed,reliability, and quality of transit services. In generalterms, a BRT system is an integrated rapid transit systemthat combines the quality of rail with the flexibilityof buses.Bus Rapid Transit is not a one-size-fits-all solution,but rather a family of approaches that share commonPrinciples of BusRapid Transit■ Move people as effectively asrail at a potentially lower initialcapital cost■ Fully utilize existing roadways,rights-of-way, and station sites■ Take advantage of availabletechnology (e.g., automatic vehiclelocation, passenger information,signal priority, and “Smart Card”type fare collection)■ Apply incremental systemdevelopment, based ondemand and funding■ Maximize operating flexibility■ Change the mindset for bustransit – from conventionalbus fleet operations to state-ofthe-arttransit systems that areconvenient, reliable, attractive,and comfortablefeatures or principles. BRT solutions range from BRTvehicles operating in general-purpose travel laneswith preferential access and “queue jumping” attraffic signals, to full-fledged integrated systemsoperating in exclusive "running ways." There is afull continuum of BRT approaches between thesetwo extremes.Bus Rapid Transit systems may incorporatestreamlined fare collection techniques, suchas pre-pay systems, further supporting quickerboarding and exiting, as well as use of advancedinformation systems to improvecustomer convenience, speed,reliability, and safety.Common BRT componentsare explained more fully onpages 4 and 5.2 3

BRT Brochure.qxd 10/11/04 12:18 PM Page 6Components of a Bus RapidTransit SystemA BRT system combines flexible service and newtechnologies to improve customer convenienceand reduce delays. While specific BRT applicationsvary, the components may include:Running Ways – exclusive guideways ordedicated lanes that allow BRT vehiclesto be free of conflicting automobiletraffic, parked or stopped vehicles, andother obstructions – maximizing BRToperating speeds. In some situations,BRT vehicles also may operate in generaltraffic, trading speed and reliability forflexibility. "Queue jumper" is a termthat refers to short exclusive lanes atsignalized intersections that are usedto allow BRT vehicles to jump to thehead of the line and bypass stoppedautomobiles and traffic.Vehicles – modern, low-floor, highcapacity rubber-tired vehicles thataccommodate high volumes of ridersand fast boarding and exiting. BRTvehicles often use clean fuels oralternative power.Stations – ranging from protectedshelters to large transit centers, BRTstations are located within the communitiesthey serve and provide easy access tothe system.Route Structure and Schedule –established to maximize direct, no-transferrides to multiple destinations and to createmore flexible and continuous service(reducing the need for a schedule)for local and express bus service.Fare Collection – designed to make it fastand easy to pay, often before boarding thevehicle, BRT fare collection systems includethe use of self-service proof-of-paymentsystems or pre-paid stored-value farecards, such as a "Smart Card" system.Advanced Technology – the use of advanced technologies (or IntelligentTransportation Systems) to improve customer convenience, speed, reliability, andsafety. Examples include systems that provide traffic signal preference for busesat intersections and cross streets, as well as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) toprovide passenger information such as real-time bus arrival information.Source: Adapted from Transportation Research Board – Transit Cooperative Research Program,4Bus Rapid Transit – Why More Communities are Choosing Bus Rapid Transit, 2001.5

BRT Brochure.qxd 10/11/04 12:19 PM Page 8Capturing the Benefits of BusRapid TransitBus Rapid Transit systems share many of the benefitsof conventional bus and rail systems but also have anumber of unique benefits.For commuters and other travelers:■ An easier commute – By providing frequentservice into neighborhoods and commercial areas,BRT systems can minimize walking and reducethe need for transfers from one mode to another(e.g., from bus to rail or automobile to bus or rail).Pre-boarding fare collection systems, such as theone shown in the photo on page 7, provide quickand easy access for commuters.■ A fast and reliable travel time – When operatingin exclusive running ways or dedicated lanes, BRTsystems can run at faster speeds than conventionalbuses in regular traffic and even as fast as lightrail. By offering frequent service and avoidingtraffic-related delays, BRT systems can provideriders with a more reliable travel time.■ A more enjoyable trip – BRT systems generallyuse rubber-tired, low-floor vehicles with widedoorways and aisles that are easy to board andcomfortable to ride, as shown in the photo below.In some instances, BRT vehicles are designed toprovide premium seating and amenities such asthose found on a commuter train or commercialvan or bus.For the transportationsystem and the State:■ A potentially less expensive transitalternative – Depending on the specific systemdesign, BRT capital costs can be lower thanlight rail systems with similar capacity andservice level.■ A quicker solution – Based on a combinationof design, construction, and cost factors, BRTsystems can often be brought online fasterthan comparable rail systems. Also, becauseBRT systems can be implemented in stages asdemand grows and funds become available,they offer an opportunity for incrementalsystem development.■ An opportunity to take advantage ofunderutilized rights-of-way – Like light rail,BRT systems can take advantage of existingrights-of-way and areas for stations to maximizethe efficiency of transportation solutions andminimize community and environmental impacts.■ Community enhancements andeconomic development – Accompanied bycomplementary land use and zoning policies,BRT systems can encourage compact, pedestrianandtransit-friendly developments that areintegrated into the surrounding area.■ Operating flexibility – Depending on thesystem design, BRT systems offer operationalflexibility generally not afforded by rail systems,such as the ability to temporarily re-route BRTvehicles from dedicated lanes to general trafficlanes based on system conditions. And, BRT canoperate express and local service on the samerunning way by having bypass lanes at stations.■ A means to increase transit ridership inselect corridors – By making high-quality transitservice more accessible and customer-friendly,BRT has the potential to increase overall transitridership. It also can work as an impetus toincrease ridership on other parts of thetransit system.By taking advantage of the principles of Bus RapidTransit (described on page 3), BRT can achievemany important benefits for individuals using thesystem – i.e., fast, dependable, and convenientservice – and for the State, a lower cost, moreexpedient solution to tackling congestion insome locations.Quick Compare –BRT vs. Conventional Busand Light Rail SystemsFollowing is a quick synopsis of the generalcomparison factors between BRT and conventionalbus and light rail. In reality, these service typesmight be used as complementary services in anoverall, integrated transportation system.BRT vs. Conventional Bus ServiceFactor Bus Rapid Transit Conventional BusLower Upfront CostSpeed / ReliabilityOperating FlexibilityNeighborhoodPenetrationComfort / AmenitiesCarrying Capacity✔✔✔Both have considerableoperating flexibility✔✔BRT vs. Light Rail ServiceFactor Bus Rapid Transit Light RailLower Upfront CostSpeed / ReliabilityOperating FlexibilityNeighborhoodPenetrationComfort / AmenitiesCarrying Capacity✔Studies show BRT can equal LRT speedsand reliability✔✔Can be similarStudies show this to be similar■ Environmental stewardshipopportunities – Through the use of cleanand alternative fuel vehicles and the reductionin automobile traffic and congestion, BRTsystems can help achieve air quality and otherenvironmental goals.6 7

BRT Brochure.qxd 10/11/04 12:19 PM Page 10Learning from Experiences inOther CommunitiesThe entire BRT system will provide 20 stationsalong seven miles. Current ridership is 80 percenthigher than the predecessor conventional bus service.Exploring BRT Opportunitiesin MarylandBus Rapid Transit is being considered in a numberof locations throughout Maryland. Project developmentstudies are underway in the following corridors:■ Bi-County Transitway – A 14-mile corridorin Montgomery and Prince George's Countiesconnecting Bethesda, Silver Spring, TakomaPark/Langley Park, College Park, and NewCarrollton. Exclusive running way and mixedflow (lanes shared with general traffic) BRTalternatives are being studied.■ Red Line in Baltimore – A study for this 10-mileBaltimore City and County corridor is evaluatingexclusive and mixed flow BRT alternatives. Thepurpose is to provide better mobility in the eastwestcorridor from Woodlawn, to downtownBaltimore, to Fells Point and Patterson Park.■ Green Line in Baltimore – A study for this 4-mileBaltimore City corridor is evaluating exclusiveand mixed flow BRT alternatives that wouldextend transit service from downtown Baltimoreto northeast suburbs in the vicinity of MorganState University and Good Samaritan Hospital.■ I-270/US 15 Corridor – This study is evaluatingtwo alternatives for BRT service: one along theCorridor Cities Transitway as an exclusive runningway from the Shady Grove Metro Station toClarksburg, and the second Express Bus transitservice within existing HOV and proposedExpress Toll Lanes along I-270.The State of Maryland and local communities arebeginning to consider BRT as part of the solution ina number of other corridors throughout the State.BRT is by no means the only solution being considered,but rather one tool in the expanding toolboxto help address the State's transportation needs.Based in part on strong support from the federalgovernment, the BRT concept is taking off as analternative to be considered in a diverse range oflocations and to address a variety of service needs.National studies have concluded that BRTworks – it can attract new riders, encouragetransit-oriented development, be cost-effective,and, in many instances, provide greater operatingflexibility than rail transit and better servicethan conventional bus systems. The vast majorityof new, fully-integrated BRT systems have experiencedthe same type of ridership increases previously thoughtto be achievable only by rail transit.While still a relatively new and evolving concept, BRTsystems have been successfully designed, built, andnow operated in a number of locations within theUnited States and worldwide. Following are just afew examples.Silver Line – Boston, MassachusettsAn example of BRT in an urban corridor andconnected to other transit services – much likewhat is being considered for the Green andRed Lines in Baltimore.The Silver Line, Boston, MassachusettesThe Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority's (MBTA)new Silver Line is a BRT service connecting historicRoxbury to downtown Boston. The Silver Line usesdedicated transit lanes as well as mixed trafficoperation. The MBTA also is constructing tunnels toprovide direct connections to the subway, commuterrail, Amtrak, intercity bus, and Logan Airport.A state-of-the-art Intelligent Transportation Systemis planned to improve mobility, safety, efficiency,and customer service by collecting real-time datatransmitted from Silver Line vehicles. Using GlobalPositioning System satellites, the system will trackbus locations and enable the MBTA's Control Centerto respond to changing route conditions. Thisinformation also will be transmitted to digital messageboards and "smart" kiosks at Silver Line stations.Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania BuswaysBusways – Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAn example of BRT commuter service –similar to what is being considered forthe I-270/US 15 Corridor.The Port Authority of Allegheny Countyoperates a series of busways, providing18 miles of fast, reliable rapid transitservice to downtown Pittsburgh. Easypedestrian access, feeder services (buses andvans that bring riders to the busway system),and park-and-ride lots make it easy for commutersto leave their cars and ride into town. Within thecity, BRT vehicles exit the busways and use citystreets to deliver passengers to their destinations.The Pittsburgh Busways use direct connections intopark-and-ride lots to improve travel time. In addition,the corridors take advantage of right-of-wayadjacent to existing rail lines.Ontario Transitway –Ottawa, OntarioThe Ontario Transitway, Ottawa, OntarioAn example of an integrated BRT systemusing available rights-of-way and operatingin a combination of dedicated and mixedtraffic environments – with some elementssimilar to the Bi-County Transitway.The Ontario Transitway is a 20-mile systemconstructed primarily on rail rights-of-way, aswell as exclusive bus lanes on city streets and aregional highway. A portion of the system (SouthTransitway) serves a very high-density residentialcorridor with stations every ½ - 1 mile. In thedowntown area, buses use bus-only curbsidelanes to load and unload passengers. Ottawaoffers its users in-line stations with pedestrianoverpasses to avoid conflicts with the highvolumes of buses. Stations are integrated intotheir setting such as downtown business districtsor suburban shopping malls.8 9

BRT Brochure.qxd 10/11/04 12:20 PM Page 12Bus Rapid Transit offers a way to rethink transitservice – merging the service benefits of rail withthe cost-effectiveness and flexibility of conventionalbus service. BRT systems can be developed asstand-alone transit service or as part of anintegrated transit system. Bus Rapid Transit,therefore, is one of a number of strategies beingconsidered to address near- and longer-term traveldemand, improve customer service, and expeditetransportation improvements.Maryland transportation agencies are consideringthe role BRT can play throughout the State andbelieve that the concept holds considerablepromise. BRT's flexibility – the ability to tailorservices to meet specific local needs as well asits potential lower upfront cost and thus quickerimplementation – could help build transit ridershipin targeted corridors and help address the State'scongestion challenge.FREQUENTLY ASKEDQUESTIONSQ:A:What are the differencesbetween LRT and BRT?BRT is sometimes referred to as a"rubber-tired Light Rail Transit (LRT) system"but with greater operating flexibility andpotentially lower costs. BRT has some ofthe benefits of LRT at a fraction of theupfront capital cost. Key operationaldifferences, however, include: the use ofrubber-tired vehicles rather than rail cars;flexibility to take vehicles off dedicatedlanes and into general traffic; better localaccess to stations for transit riders; andless need for transfers and multiple modesof transportation to complete a trip.Q:A:Q:A:What are the costsof constructing andmaintaining BRT?Capital costs of BRT are generally thoughtto be less than those for light rail. The actualcosts of each individual system, however,depend on the local conditions and contextin which the system will be operated. Capitalitems include the running way (busways orbus lanes), stations, park-and-ride facilities,communications and improved traffic signalsystems, storage and maintenance facilities,and vehicles.Like the capital costs, BRT operating costsvary and are dependent on factors such asthe number and type of vehicles operated,service frequency, and number of stops.How is BRT differentfrom a city bus?BRT systems incorporate elements from bothbus and rail. Key differences from city buses,however, include use of dedicated transitwaysor lanes for at least a portion of the route,vehicle design that provides easier and fasterboarding and exiting, greater use of hybridelectric power, and stations within neighborhoodsthat provide not only shelter but a widerange of additional services and amenities.Q:A:Q:A:Will the BRT vehicleget stuck in traffic?BRT may rely on separated, dedicated lanesor access to HOV or Express Toll Lanes thatare shared with toll-paying automobiletraffic. In this way, BRT vehicles are able toprovide reliable travel to many destinations.Could you convert a BRT toLRT or Metro at some point?Yes. BRT systems may be designed to beconverted to rail service at a future date –as ridership increases and funding is secured.Seattle, Washington, for example, is pursuinga partial conversion of its bus tunnel systemto allow for shared use by both bus andlight rail. The Seattle Bus Tunnel is onesegment of a regional BRT system that alsoincludes a network of exclusive transitwaysand HOV lanes.Q:A:Are people more likelyto take rail than bus?By incorporating many of the serviceamenities of rail with the added convenienceof nearby, neighborhood-friendly stations,BRT has proven its ability to attract theridership levels previously thought to bepossible only with rail systems.Q:A:Will BRT service stopin my neighborhood?Because BRT systems generallyare able to provide more stopsin locations that are withinneighborhoods than railsystems, there is a muchgreater likelihood that serviceis directly accessible in yourneighborhood – or withinwalking distance of it.10 11