BRTS: THEORY AND PRACTICE IN INDIA KEYWORDS: - BRTS, JnNURM, ITS.

As an alternative to rail-based mass transit systems (MRT), bus rapid transit systems (BRTS) has emerged as an adaptable and cost-effective means of providing fast, efficient, comfortable, convenient and high quality mobility system. Because of these above

mentioned qualities BRTS excels conventional bus system of connecting different parts in a city. Bus rapid transit system (BRTS) refers to a flexible, rubber-tired transit mode that combines stations, vehicles, services, running ways, and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) elements into an integrated system with a strong positive identity that evokes a unique message (Levinson, H. et al. BRT, Vol. 1, 2003). Although BRTS are found in cities throughout the world, their greatest success has occurred in developing countries, where technology is relatively low cost and simplified infrastructure requirements enable a quick and flexible implementation schedule. Public transport modes use roads in a more efficient way and cause less pollution per passenger per kilometer as compared to private transport. Recognizing this, public transport is much more sustainable for developing countries. Despite its taxonomical ambiguity, BRTS is now recognized worldwide as a separate mode of transportation with unique characteristics. In the late 1970s, the city of Curitiba (Brazil) was first, which successfully implemented a qualitatively enhanced and integrated bus-based urban transport system. However, it was in the late 1990s that a new wave of system in Quito (Ecuador) and Bogota (Colombia), which based their design on Curitibas system, came to form as a Latin American BRT model. This model has been emulated recently in developing countries like India, Indonesia, Thailand etc. Given the different cultural, economic, and political contexts of these countries, new experience has been gained on the potential and flexibility of BRTS and also on its shortcomings. The increasing need for urban transit mobility is now being addressed by Indian cities because of increase in population and shortage of useful resources as major factors. The Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) which aims to encourage fast track urban development in cities played a vital role in establishment of BRTS in Indian cities. Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Rajkot, Surat, Vishakhapatanam are the cities where BRTS is running successfully. These cities have combine population of 9.3 crores (2011 census) with

combined average of 35% public transport share, therefore efficient implementation of BRTS will not only increase share of public transport but also reduce problems of congestion, delays, environmental impacts due to pollution etc. Ahmedabad BRTS, a very good example of successful rapid transit system with approved cost for phase 1 was 493 crores and for phase 2 was Rs 488 crores (Source: - CEPT university report; 2010). Objectives with which it was implemented were to increase public transit patronage, for efficient public transit operation which includes reducing manpower and operating cost, to reduce accidents and to improve air quality. After completion of first phase many of the objectives were met. Bhopal BRTS, is still in its starting phase. It is somewhat different from BRTS in other Indian cities in a way that it is designed to connect central business districts (CBDs) rather than connecting suburban parts of the city to the main city. Delhi BRTS, although it was established to improve mobility in state capital but there were mixed results about its feasibility. In the peak hours, BRTS lanes turn into mixed traffic lanes which create problems; this is a big issue that policy makers are facing in Delhi. The evaluation of feasibility of BRTS is done by conducting studies which include intersection traffic volume counts, speed and delay studies, spot speed studies, queue length and saturation flow studies, pedestrian volume counts at strategic location, parking studies, user perception on the BRTS corridor, fuel consumption studies and bus passenger boarding studies. Establishment of BRTS under flagship of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) is really a major step taken by government to promote public transport and smooth urban mobility. It is just the beginning of rapid transit system; logical and objective modifications are required for better enactment of this type of facility in India.