Output details

Can bus really be the new tram?

This article reports on a research project addressing strategic issues in the design of urban public transport systems. It builds upon the conceptual work presented in Hodgeson and Potter (2010), to provide an evaluation of the financial and environmental performance of functionally comparable Tram and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) designs. The research used the best sources available worldwide to model both tram and guided BRT designs that deliver equivalent performance in capacity and passenger experience (interior design, comfort and service frequency). Extensive data gathering took place and the results emerged from 45 'runs' of the model and approximately 2 years worth of work. Earlier versions of the paper were heavily tested and vetted at two major international conferences, representing scrutiny by external academics and practitioners. The research concludes that the costs of an equivalent BRT design are two-thirds those of tram. This is a lesser saving than often claimed, suggesting that BRT is often built to a lower specification that tram systems. There are also substantial benefits in the flexible development of BRT. This ‘robust’ design is less vulnerable to variations from forecast ridership numbers, and development can be phased into fundable stages.

Using hybrid-engine BRT vehicles, CO2 emissions are similar to trams, PM10 emissions are lower, but NOx from BRT remains higher than for trams. The impartiality and relevance to the design and evaluation of real world systems in this research has led the authors to be invited to speak at Cambridge City Council and to liaise with the developers of the Luton/Dunstable guided busway. It has led practitioners to question some underlying assumptions when designing future systems. The issues explored in this paper have also led to work connected with the Milton Keynes Low Carbon Living programme, including supporting the implementation of an innovative electric bus project.