In the quest for sustainable urban development and enhanced quality of life, the implementation of a reliable and affordable public transport system emerges as a pivotal solution, particularly in bustling Indian cities. Beyond merely addressing transportation challenges, a well-executed BRTS holds the potential to significantly mitigate pollution, alleviate traffic congestion, promote active lifestyles, and even contribute to substantial revenue generation. To fully realize these benefits, it is crucial to view the BRTS not merely as an isolated mode of transport but as an integral network, similar to the Metro system. In this context, the need to shift focus from incentivizing private transport to prioritizing and strengthen public transportation becomes paramount. Alarming statistics, such as automobiles contributing a quarter of PM 2.5 emissions, as highlighted in a report by the University of Chicago, emphasize the urgent necessity to revaluate our transportation paradigm. This paradigm shift is not only vital for a healthy environment but also holds the potential to extend global life expectancy by several years, with particular relevance to India, where particulate pollution shaves off an average of four years from citizens’ lives. In comparison, the report posits that smoking, a well-acknowledged health hazard, curtails global life expectancy by a comparatively lesser 1.6 years. As we navigate the complex intersection of urbanization, transportation, and environmental health, the integration of a robust BRTS infrastructure emerges as a transformative force with far-reaching positive implications for both present and future generations.
Public Transport Landscape in India:
In India’s dynamic transportation landscape, the prevailing perception of private vehicles as the epitome of comfort has created a myopic viewpoint, overshadowing the significance of public transport. Contrary to this belief, statistics reveal that less than a quarter of all journeys occur in personal vehicles or cabs, with over a quarter relying on public transport, predominantly city buses. In cities like Bengaluru and Delhi, bus services record an impressive five million trips daily. However, the irony lies in the growing traffic resulting from increased car ownership, causing buses to navigate congested roads, compromising their reliability, and prompting commuters to abandon this mode of transport. This decline in patronage adversely impacts bus agencies, leading to fare hikes and a subsequent shift of commuters towards private vehicles, further perpetuating the cycle.
Dispelling the Congestion Myth:
It is crucial to confront a prevailing misconception concerning traffic congestion, particularly about public buses. Contrary to common belief, buses, despite their substantial size, are not the primary contributors to road congestion. The credit goes to private motor vehicles, namely cars and two-wheelers, which, due to their sheer abundance, effectively clog every available infrastructure designed to facilitate their movement. Compelling statistics support this assertion – a bus, while three times the size of a car, accommodates thirty times more passengers throughout a typical day in an Indian city. Despite cars monopolizing street space, they account for less than a quarter of all trips and remain stationary for an astonishing 95 percent of the time.
The analogy that an elephant cannot survive on peanuts draws attention to the disproportionate public expenditure required to support private automobiles. Current urban dynamics witness cities allocating substantial funds, ranging from Rs 200-300 crore per km, to construct a four-lane flyover, ostensibly to enhance capacity by 60%. In stark contrast, investing in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system at-grade could amplify road capacity by anywhere from 400-1,000 percent, at a fraction of the cost – approximately Rs 20 crore per km, representing a mere tenth of the expenditure associated with building a flyover.
A BRT system, aligned with international standards, emerges as a remarkably efficient solution. Not only does it facilitate the transportation of a greater number of commuters, but it also ensures swifter transit and enhanced accessibility for individuals across various demographics, particularly benefiting those with differing abilities and children. Thus, for cities seeking optimal modes of transport, the BRT system stands out as a pragmatic and effective choice.
Why India Needs BRTS:
The challenges in India’s public transport extend beyond traffic woes to encompass deficiencies in infrastructure and services. Inadequate bus stop shelters, signages, and outdated ticketing systems contribute to an unreliable passenger experience, despite enduring prolonged waits. Furthermore, the absence of dedicated bus lanes and inadequate road maintenance lead to increased wear and tear on buses, impacting their operational lifespan and elevating maintenance costs. Limited intermodal integration and technological gaps, including the use of outdated bus fleets and the absence of real-time tracking systems, hinder efficiency and the overall passenger experience.
In addition, fare collection challenges, such as inefficient manual ticketing systems, result in revenue leakages and pose a threat to the financial sustainability of bus operations. The heavy dependence on government subsidies for many bus services makes them susceptible to financial instability when subsidies are inconsistent or insufficient.
This paradoxical preference for buses despite the challenge’s emphasis the critical role of public transport, emphasizing the need for comprehensive improvements in infrastructure, technology, and financial management to enhance the overall quality of the service.
Despite this evident reliance on buses, numerous Indian cities, including Chennai, grapple with a shortage of buses compared to national benchmarks. As per a report by ITDP, In Chennai, a city with a population nearing 10 million, the operational bus count stands at approximately 4,000, falling significantly short of the recommended 400 – 600 buses per million inhabitants according to national service level benchmarks. This shortfall of nearly 2,000 buses contributes to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (MTC) daunting challenge of managing an impressive 4.7 million daily ridership. The result is overcrowding and a marked decline in service quality.
To address this deficit and elevate the standard of public transportation, cities require assistance from either state or national schemes. Despite criticisms, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme played a pivotal role by introducing more than 13,000 high-quality buses to city bus systems across the country. Emphasizing the crucial need for similar state or national initiatives, to replicate the impact of JNNURM, is imperative to alleviate the shortfall in buses and enhance the overall quality of public transportation services.
Janette Sadik Khan, former Transportation Commissioner of New York City, underscores the need for a paradigm shift in roadway design, challenging the outdated model focused on expeditiously moving cars from point A to B. In an interview with The Hindu, Khan advocates for leveraging streets as pivotal capital assets for cities, emphasizing the potential of Bus Rapid Transit systems (BRTS) to revolutionize urban mobility. The BRTS, she contends, can establish high-capacity systems that not only enhance ease and affordability but also expedite the movement of people.
Rather than overlooking this indispensable lifeline, Indian cities are urged to capitalize on their well-established bus systems. Drawing inspiration from Oscar Wilde’s aphorism, “Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing,” the complex nature of urban mobility can be simplified. In this context, the unassuming bus emerges as a straightforward yet powerful solution capable of unravelling the intricacies of India’s transportation challenges. As cities worldwide grapple with sustainable solutions, the emphasis on robust bus-related transport systems presents an opportunity for India to lead by example, promoting efficiency, affordability, and environmental consciousness in urban mobility.
Defining BRT:
BRT distinguishes itself by its dedicated busways and strategically positioned stations, often aligned to the centre of the road. Incorporating off-board fare collection and ensuring fast and frequent operations, BRT is recognized for its efficiency and affordability. It serves as a critical technology in the transportation landscape, particularly in developing countries, where cost-effective solutions are imperative.
Global Adoption of BRT:
Cities across the globe, regardless of their development status, have embraced BRT as a transformative solution for public transportation. Examples include prominent urban centres such as London, Marrakesh, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Curitiba, and Sao Paulo. This widespread adoption emphasis the universality of the challenges faced by cities in managing increasing urbanization and the growing demand for efficient public transit systems.
Benefits of BRT Implementation:
The advantages of implementing BRT extend far beyond mere transportation efficiency. The system contributes significantly to reducing congestion, mitigating air pollution, and curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, BRT enhances service accessibility, particularly benefiting populations in developing countries where reliable public transportation is a catalyst for economic and social development.
Cities worldwide are actively seeking sustainable transportation solutions to address the increasing demand for quick, efficient, and safe commuting. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has emerged as a promising solution, with dedicated routes and high-speed services implemented in numerous developed and developing cities. Recent research, conducted by EMBARQ, delves into the social, environmental, and economic impacts of BRT systems, highlighting their significant contributions to improving urban life.
Travel Time Savings: BRT systems, characterized by dedicated bus lanes and streamlined boarding processes, substantially reduce travel times for commuters. Notable cases, such as Johannesburg and Istanbul, showcase time savings of up to 52 minutes per day, providing passengers with valuable extra time for their personal lives.
GHG and Local Air Pollutant Emissions Reductions: By promoting the use of high-capacity buses, BRT systems contribute to a reduction in overall vehicle kilometres travelled, alleviating traffic congestion and enabling the replacement of older, polluting vehicles. The integration of modern fuel-efficient technologies further lowers emissions, enhancing air quality and minimizing the health risks associated with pollution.
Traffic Safety Improvements: The implementation of BRT systems leads to a reduction in traffic crashes and fatalities through decreased vehicle kilometres travelled, dedicated bus lanes, and enhanced driver training. Latin American cities with BRT systems have witnessed a remarkable 40 percent reduction in fatalities and injuries, underscoring the safety benefits of this transport solution.
Increased Physical Activity: BRT systems encourage physical activity among passengers due to the longer walking distances required between terminals. Despite the increased walking time, the overall travel efficiency of BRT systems incentivizes passengers to adopt a healthier lifestyle. This aligns with global health recommendations for adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.
Global Scaling Up of BRT: With over 29 million daily riders in 163 cities worldwide, BRT and busway systems have become integral components of urban transportation. An additional 143 BRT systems are currently being implemented or expanded. The research emphasizes the global scalability of BRT systems and provides recommendations for policymakers, technical experts, and financing bodies to maximize their diverse benefits.
As cities embark on the journey to implement BRT systems, a comprehensive grasp of the foundational elements is indispensable. The success of a BRT system is intricately tied to fundamental basics. Understanding these basics is not only essential but forms the cornerstone for creating a robust and effective BRT corridor.
Basics of a Successful BRT System:
Dedicated Right-of-Way: A dedicated right-of-way ensures buses can move quickly and unimpeded by congestion.
Busway Alignment: The busway is best located in the central section of the carriageway where conflicts with other traffic are minimal.
Off-Board Fare Collection: Off-board fare collection improves reliability and reduces dwell time at the station.
Intersection Treatments: Intersection priority is a must for free-flowing bus movement. Improved signal phasing for bus-only lanes ensures better bus movements.
Platform-Level Boarding: Having the bus station platform level with the bus floor is key in reducing boarding and alighting times per passenger, ensuring accessibility for all.
Beyond Basics: Elevating BRT Systems to Excellence
Service Matters: Multiple routes within and beyond the corridor, express and limited stops, control centres, high-demand area coverage, and extended operational hours enhance the system’s ability to serve people efficiently.
Infrastructure for Sustainability: BRT networks should focus on improving mobility and decreasing carbon emissions through buses with minimized emissions, smart infrastructure, and roads with an extended lifespan.
Comfortable and Efficient Stations: Well-lit, transparent structures with safety measures such as sliding doors and sufficient width for passengers, along with buses featuring more doors for efficient boarding and alighting, ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Seamless Communication: Customer satisfaction is linked to knowing when the next bus will arrive. Passenger information systems and effective branding can enhance footfall and awareness of the facilities and the system’s capabilities.
Universal Access and Transit Integration: BRT systems must prioritize universal accessibility and integrate with pedestrian and cycle infrastructure and other rapid transit forms.
Success Stories
In recent years, two Indian cities, Indore and Hubballi-Dharwad, have emerged as pioneers in transforming urban mobility through their exceptional success in implementing Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS). These success stories not only challenge initial scepticism but also offer a comprehensive blueprint for urban planners globally. By combining strategic corridor placement, affordability, effective communication, strategic identification, holistic solutions, thorough planning, single nodal agency coordination, strong technical support, and high-level commitment, these cities exemplify how BRTS can revolutionize public transportation.
- Strategic Corridor Placement
- Indore strategically placed its BRT corridor along the busiest city road, emphasizing accessibility and convenience for commuters, setting the foundation for increased ridership.
- Hubballi-Dharwad identified a major city artery, expanding a four-lane highway into an eight-lane configuration with central lanes reserved exclusively for public transport, showcasing strategic planning.
- High Frequency and Affordable Fares
- Indore’s commitment to high-frequency services and affordable fares established a favourable environment for passenger confidence, significantly increasing ridership.
- Hubballi-Dharwad’s BRTS corridor ensured efficient travel with new buses and streamlined fare collection, attracting passengers with a focus on quality bus services.
- Effective Communication Strategy
- Indore employed proactive communication strategies, including project branding and citizen sensitization campaigns, overcoming initial opposition and garnering public support.
- Hubballi-Dharwad emphasized effective communication by integrating various elements into a comprehensive public transport solution, showcasing the significance of a holistic approach.
- Profitability of Dedicated Bus Transit Systems
- Indore’s iBus system achieved financial success by attracting low-distance passengers with affordable fares and generating revenue through strategic advertising opportunities.
- Hubballi-Dharwad showcased profitability through a comprehensive public transport solution, integrating intelligent transport systems and advanced traffic management.
- Single Nodal Agency Coordination
- Indore and Hubballi-Dharwad both established fully staffed special purpose vehicles (SPVs) with clear mandates, showcasing the importance of coordination in the successful implementation of BRTS.
- Strong Technical Support
- Indore’s success was supported by collaboration with CEPT University, emphasizing the significance of technical expertise in designing and implementing BRTS projects.
- Hubballi-Dharwad engaged project management consultants, showcasing the importance of technical support in overcoming challenges and ensuring successful implementation.
- High-Level Commitment
- Both cities demonstrated high-level commitment; Indore exhibited unwavering commitment through effective project branding, while Hubballi-Dharwad showcased commitment through the Directorate of Urban Land Transport.
As cities worldwide seek sustainable solutions for urban mobility, the emphasis on robust bus-related transport systems presents an opportunity for India to lead by example. While funding for metro systems is crucial, equal attention must be given to improving bus service infrastructure, encompassing aspects like ticketing systems and reliability. Only by addressing these comprehensive improvements can India realize the full potential of BRTS, promoting efficiency, affordability, and environmental consciousness in urban mobility. The path forward involves not merely a shift in infrastructure but a cultural shift towards embracing the simple yet powerful solution that buses offer in unravelling the intricacies of India’s transportation challenges.
