Rapid Bus

Screen Shot 2015-09-21 at 2.26.54 PM
Click on image to view.

This report in the Transit Strategies Series explores Rapid Bus. Over the past decade, much attention has been placed on the development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. These systems provide rail-like service, but with buses, and are typically less expensive to construct than rail service. However, while costs are lower than rail, BRT systems can still be expensive. Implementation times can also be long. In order to provide many of the benefits of BRT service, many transit systems have begun operating “Rapid Bus” services. This type of service includes the elements of BRT that can be implemented on existing roadways at a lower cost and in a much shorter timeframe. Rapid Bus can also be a first step toward full-featured BRT.

What do you think? Do you use any of MTA’s current BRT “lite” lines? Where should MTA/RTA consider more rapid bus service?

Comments

  1. says

    When I first saw Dan's work, it inspired me to seriously look at what I was doing and try to elevate my photography to the next level. His trademark images are visual masterpieces that seem to effortlessly evoke emotional statements. I am truly in awe of his work and his talent. Thank you DH for sharing this!

  2. says

    Hi Gary,Thank you for what you have written. I have been one of those ignorant Americans, completely unprepared. Have you already written steps to being prepared? If so, where are they located? I did sign up for the email notification, but did not receive it yet.

  3. says

    Es gibt keine statischen, demografisch geprägten Zielgruppen mehr. Es geht einzig und allein nur noch um Interessensgruppen (Communities), in denen das größte IneeEvemont/lngagemvnt zu einer gewissen Thematik nahezu

  4. Oliver says

    I personally love the BRT. The buses are clean and always run on time. I have only taken the Charlotte and Gallatin buses.
    Couple suggestions:
    1) Please create a route that somehow links the East and West side without having to go through downtown and getting off at the Music Central bus depot.
    2) Bus only lanes along Charlotte and Gallatin. The Bus is “rapid” but not during rush hour. Have a bus only lane where no cars are allowed at any point. This might increase car traffic but it would make BRT more convenient and push more people to ride the bus.

    Thank you for being forward thinking with Nashville’s transporation needs. Simply widening the roads (impossible as it stands) is not an option.

  5. Val Knust says

    I’ve taken the buses and they are very cumbersome, not to mention quite empty. Trains would have the right of way and their speed would surpass buses. Time to update our mode of transportation.

  6. Charles H. says

    I would like to see BRT service on all major arteries from downtown to the furthest limits possible.
    I would like to see bus service hours extended to accommodate those of us who work second shifts.
    I would like to see the number of buses increased so that no rider need wait more than 15 minutes for a ride.
    I would like to see regular bus service extended into communities in surrounding counties, i.e. Brentwood, Hendersonville, LaVergne and Goodlettsville as these areas offer ample opportunities for employment but are inaccessible to those of us who are limited to public transportation…

  7. Hubert Simon says

    No,no,no,no,no,no,no!
    NO MORE BUSES EITHER RAPID OR STREETWISE!
    Mass transit only! NO BRT!!!
    NO MORE BUSES!!
    MASS TRANSIT VEHICLES ONLY!!!

    • mike says

      what kind of VEHICLES, would you use if not buses? I am in favor of more BRT lines. I use the 26/56 and the 10/50 routes all the time. They are awesome compared to what used to be – a time when there was no BRT
      Thanks Mike

    • Roy Wellington says

      Didn’t I read that Music City Star is $160 per ride? Nashville MPO says light rail is $80 per ride out to Gallatin. Just how much were you planning to kick in to clear all of the buses out of Nashville?

  8. Roy Wellington says

    Here is the link to my “Loops and Bows” Rapid Bus concept diagram: https://goo.gl/94KUml

    The idea is to provide high frequency Rapid Bus service along the major corridors marked for dense development in the NashvilleNext project. These “Loops” would be targets for transit oriented development. At strategic locations there would be mini transit hubs to connect with circulators, local service “Bows” and regional transit services such as Express Bus (BRT), light rail and neighboring county transit systems.

    The “Loops” would serve as a distributed transfer network instead of downtown being the only transfer point. Other problems with the present BRT Lite implementation: the old local service is now largely duplicative, providing less needed service to downtown when service to schools and neighborhoods are still necessary. Also, current BRT Lite service demands a transfer downtown where the “Loops and Bows” system as described enables a rider to stay on the bus and pass through downtown. Also, the “Loops and Bows” system connect arteries at the edge of the county allowing riders to access shopping, schools and other destinations without having to transfer in downtown.

    The regional transit hubs at the edge of the county would also be a stop for Express Bus and neighboring transit systems. A well placed regional transit hub will also have Park and Ride lots and be a destination for any future light rail system.

    Roy

  9. Collin Brown says

    Nashville needs to focus its bus service on downtown and move out from downtown extending to East Nashville and the 440 corridor West of the Cumberland, including Germantown/Salemtown, Buena Vista, Hope Gardens, Fisk U, Hadley/Washington, TSU, West End, Vandy, Belmont/Hillsboro, Music Row, The Gulch, 12th S, Wedgewood Houston, SoBro.

    Instead of Nashville’s current intermittent bus service, Nashville needs a circulator system with buses making stops at each and every stop in a concentrated area. Bus riders should have to wait no more than 10 minutes at any stop. Start by building a reliable bus service with a great phone app and digital times at bus stations on all major routes. All bus routes should run until at least midnight 7 days a week with service until 3am Thurs-Sat. Once you’ve established good service in Central Nashville, you can expand beyond the 440 Loop.

    This will not be nearly as expensive as other forms of public transportation and could significantly reduce car traffic in town.

  10. Sarah Nowicki says

    I totally agree with Steve, BRT is Express Bus. If you call it what it is people will understand and ride it.

    What is BRT? it sounds like a digestive ailment.

    Make sure the express bus route connects to reglar bus routes and there is parking at the stops. If I could park at the lot and take the bus I would.

    Also this is not just for tourists, downtowners and day workers. Make it work for everyone at all times.

  11. steve doughty says

    BRT as operated by MTA is nothing but express bus service. I suppose it arguably becomes more “rapid” than regular bus service by dropping some stops. Rapid transit as compared to cars will require a dedicated roadway. Calling what we have now BRT merely causes a less than favorable public impression of “rapid transit.” I suggest you call it what it is: Express bus service.

  12. John says

    I’d love to see more BRT type bus routes using the city’s major corridors, as well as frequent bus routes that run between these spokes.

  13. JOHN REDING says

    WE NEED THE BUS TO RUN LATER IN THE NIGHT … SOME OF US WORK LATE HOURS AND HAVE NO WAY HOME AFFTER 11:15 AT NIGHT … AND THE WEEKEND SUCKS…. BUSES NEED TO RUN LATER IN TO THE NIGHT, SO SOME CAN GO TO A DINNER AND A SHOW . AND A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN … THANK YOU ! … THE J.R.

  14. Christine Watt says

    I’ve asked for the BRT Lite service on Nolensville to come to Bell/OHB when it is implemented. I have been told the service will only run to Harding. Given the huge growth in congestion in the three years between Harding and OHB in the three years I’ve lived here, this is frustrating. I don’t expect to use it when I have to drive halfway to work just to board the bus. Rapid bus/express service from OHB to downtown with minimal stops would be wonderful!