Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy 2011-2030

Bus Rapid TransitBus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high qualitybus service, with high levels of priority overother traffic.BRT characteristics typically include:• Very high levels of physical segregation (or fullsegregation) from other traffic;• High priority at traffic signals;• Measures to reduce dwell times at stops (suchas multiple bus door opening and off-vehicleticket purchase – similar to tram or train);• Bus stop areas adjacent to the running bus lane(at busier stops or where dwell time wouldaffect service reliability);• High quality, high capacity bus vehicles;• More limited stopping than conventional bus;• High quality running surfaces; and• Guided vehicle technologies (in some instances)During the period of the Strategy, it is expected thata number of the Priority 1 Quality Bus Corridorsshown on Figure 10.1 will migrate to facilitate BusRapid Transit (BRT) type services. These corridorshave high levels of passenger demand, and as theyhave dedicated bus lanes over much of their length,BRT type services could provide fast and reliablejourney times to the city centre.A number of studies have been carried out inrelation to provision of BRT type services oncertain corridors, including the ’Blue Line’ proposalbetween Sandyford and St. Vincent’s Hospital. Thepotential for these proposals, and their integrationinto the wider bus priority network includingBRT proposals in this Strategy, will be assessedby the Authority. Other corridors suitable fordevelopment of, or migration to, BRT type servicesmay be identified during the period of the Strategyand such proposals will be appropriately assessedand evaluated at the relevant time.The characteristics of BRT mean buses can operatein a more tram-like manner. In establishingthe operation of any BRT type services, theopportunities and benefits of facilitating jointrunning of bus and tram vehicles on certain streetsin the city centre will be assessed.Measure BUS 7:The Authority will explore the potential forthe upgrade of some or all of the Priority 1Quality Bus Corridors shown in Figure 10.1 toBus Rapid Transit (BRT) type operations, takinginto account passenger demand, proximity ofrail alternatives, the level of bus priority that isfeasible along the corridor and the suitability ofthe corridor for BRT type vehicle operation. Itwill seek the implementation of such upgrades,subject to the above considerations, and todemonstration of value for money.A number of studies have been carried outin relation to provision of BRT type serviceson certain corridors, including the ‘Blue Line’proposal between Sandyford and Vincent’sHospital. The potential of these proposals, andtheir possible integration into the wider buspriority network, including BRT proposals inthis Strategy, will be assessed by the Authority.The Authority may also identify and assess thepotential for development or upgrade of othercorridors to facilitate BRT type provision.Bus priority enforcementIt is important that the operating environment ofthe bus is supported by appropriate enforcementof traffic regulations to minimise infringements onbus priority space by general traffic.Chapter 10: page 6 www.2030vision.ie