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SUMMARY

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems are the preferred choice of transport planners in developing countries as it is affordable public

transport and has a widely spread network in urban areas. It was conceptualized in New Delhi in 2002.

Essential components of BRT system are:

1. Bus

2. Bus-Q-Shelter (BQS)

3. Pedestrian infrastructure

4. Accessibility standards

5. Disabled friendly

With Rapid pace of urbanization, the majority of Indias million - plus population cities are facing serious traffic congestion and

pollution problems. The solution lies in improving the public transportation system . It is not only cost effective, but also has

significant social, economic and environmental benefits.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as a primary mode of transport is comparatively flexible, easy to adopt, upgradable and affordable. In2002, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) approved BRT on 7 dedicated corridors totalling 115.5 km, as

the answer to Delhis traffic woes. BRT systems not only provide a dedicated corridor for quicker bus & priority vehicle

movement, but also provide a segregated and safe corridor for pedestrians and non -motorized transport (NMT) like cycles and

cycle rickshaws. In the system, people using public transport or pedestrians and NMVs, are given importance and private vehicles

are discouraged, due to shrinkage of ROW for cars and bikes. The system facilitates a ccess to public transport and also

encourages pedestrian trips for short distance travelers.

Delhi BRT is a prime example of the multiplicity of advisory, regulating and implementing authorities responsible for the overall

development.

Important elements of the BRT system such as buses, bus shelters, street and pedestrian infrastructure were targeted to haveUniversal Design features, thereby ensuring a seamless journey from the point of

origin to destination.

InfrastructurePersons with reduced mobility and PwDs are the group with the largest, hidden,

unsatisfied demand for user friendly public transport systems. Any BRT system

cannot be called completely accessible, if the street and pedestrian infrastructure

along the corridors providing access to and from the BQS is not inclusive. And

hence such perspectives were also kept in mind while designing.

For this few features were included as Universal Design Features of BRT:

y Proper synchronization of the platform height with LFB floor height toachieve virtually level access

y BQS is an important component of the BRT. The greatest challenge is toprovide platform- bus interface so as to facilitate level boarding.

y Hinged manual ramp in the LFB can be deployed to bridge the horizontalgap and the wheelchair and pram users can easily board/de-board. This

would help everyone including: persons with reduced mobility like senior

citizens, families with young children, pregnant women, people with

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temporary ailments, people with heavy l uggage and persons with diverse

disabilities.

y BQS has been designed taking safety aspects into consideration. Waitingpassengers are not exposed to vehicular traffic.

y ramps with 1:20 gradient,y handrails at two heights (for children and adults),y engineering configuration of tactile paving for persons with vision impairmenty route signs & information in Braille and digital display system.BRT Delhi has set an example of inclusive design and transit oriented development

through meticulous planning of pedestrians access needs. Following measures were

planned and undertaken during the re-development of entire Right of Way:

y Reconstruction of pedestrian path, service road and mediansy Widening of corridor cross section for eliminating congestion point sy Leveled and continuous footpaths having resting spaces and spaces for hawkers

at every 200m

y Continuous tactile pavers along entire 5.8km length for persons with vision impairmentsy Raised Table Top for traffic calming and at grade crossing for pedestrian s and mobility aid usersy Bicyclist/ tricyclist tracks and designated parking for auto rickshawsy Way finding and route information signage in contrast colour and large fontsy Special white lighting at average 40 lux for footpaths allow the colour contrast of the tactile pavers to be visible during the

day and night

y Crossings and intersections- auditory signals and accessible median refugesVarious surveys that proved BRT successful start:

y Survey by EMBARQ for Centre for Science and Environment revealed that 80% of the bus commuters, pedestrian and cyclistswere happy with the BRT and dedicated bus lane system.

y Since November 2008, no fatal accidents have been reported on the corridor whic h speaks highly of the efficiency of thesystem.

y The bus corridor has reduced the average travel time of bus commuters by 35%. [Hidalgo and Pai, 2009]Replicability

y National Urban Transport Policy 2006 states BRT as a desirable cost effective solution for allocating equitable road space andRight of Way. [NUTP, 2006]

y Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, in its study on Traffic and Transportation strategies and policies ofurban areas in India in 2008, has focused on transport supply in th e mass transport domain. The Ministry is currently

funding BRT system projects in many Indian cities under the JNNURM.

y Low floor bus prototypes were experimented. Several changes were made time to time in BRT buses as well as on corridor,like ramps, seat belts, headrest and user -friendly clamping system for wheelchairs and lower stop request button.

Reconstruction of pedestrian infrastructure, based on the developed accessibility standards, led to the provision of wider

footpaths with tactile paving, adequate illumination, Table Top crossings, median refuges and designated hawker & resting

spaces were introduced.