Bus Rapid Transit Institutional Issues: The Route from Research to Experience

Abstract

The institutional aspects of bus rapid transit (BRT) are investigated through a macroscopic examination and a survey of members of FTA’s BRT Consortium and several Canadian transit properties. The macroscopic examination resulted from a literature review, project team brain-storming meetings, and input from FTA’s BRT staff. Several dozen issues were identified and grouped into nine categories that formed the basis of the survey—intergovernmental and interorganizational; intratransit property; political; public relations and marketing; funding and finance; labor; safety and liability; planning and land use; and the physical environment. Specific issues were identified that, overall, are both the most important and most difficult to resolve—local and business community opposition to the removal of, or restrictions on, parking spaces for use; availability and acquisition of right-of-way or physical space; integration of multiple priorities, objectives, and agendas; concerns over longterm funding commitments to BRT; BRT effects on roadway operations; finding political champions to support BRT; gaining community support for transit-oriented development; and educating the public about BRT and managing perceptions and expectations. Although a small set of opinions was obtained, the investigation and analysis of survey responses was based on the insight and expertise of individuals who have experienced these institutional issues. This study should offer guidance to anticipate future problems and develop strategies to resolve them.