Think Rail, Use Buses

Many transit advocates favor BRT over fixed rail line. It's just as convenient, and lower cost. Critics say a bus is still a bus.

1 minute read

August 5, 2003, 9:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"The Silver Line is Boston's version of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a concept that encompasses all sorts of innovations aimed at repackaging bus service to make it faster, more reliable, more comfortable and more attractive... But the competitive undercurrent persists. BRT and rail forces have clashed not only in Seattle, but in Boston and the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. Supporters say BRT can be built faster and cheaper than rail and that it's usually more cost-effective. Rail backers argue that, no matter how you market it, a bus is still a bus."

Thanks to Transport Policy Listserv

FULL STORY: Backers favor Bus Rapid Transit over rail for cost, convenience

Sunday, August 3, 2003 in The Seattle Times

Transportation Washington

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.