Bus Rapid Transit systems adapt to the local environment in urban centers and countries where they operate. BRT combines the efficiency of light rail with the economics of bus transit with low investment and operating costs. As a result they are highly competitive. Veolia Transport has so far adopted this promising formula in Bogotá (Columbia), Rouen (France) and York (Canada), where it operates under the TransMilenio, Teor and Viva names.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
BRT buses are very similar to standard vehicles but this type of bus runs in its own reserved corridor, as if it were alone in the city. No obstacles or other vehicles get in its way and slow down its movement. As a result, it is rapid. BRT buses can carry a large number of passengers over long distances in urban locations.
Network creation
Our expert teams, which are present right around the world, can help transit authorities design a customize BRT system to fit the requirements, desires and needs of the local population. These teams can advise on the creation and development of the system. Their task is not merely technical, since their role is also to optimize investment.
Our experience in system development in a wide variety of countries enables us to adapt to demand and the priorities set by the transit authorities. We advise them and help them to make the right decisions.
Operational management
Our goal is to get the BRT system operating as effectively as possible from a technical standpoint. We make our operational expertise available to the local authorities in conjunction with the various project participants.
Network development
BRT is a modular system.
Cities and urban environments are constantly changing. As a result, it is important to be able to adapt and to react to these demographic changes, which also have a major impact on regional development.
The addition of the various strengths of BRT provides a reliable and efficient system that can include:
- lanes reserved exclusively for buses
- priority at intersections considerably shortening journey times
- specific traffic management infrastructure
- enhanced ticketing systems
- clearly identifiable and high-quality stops and stations
- modern and accessible vehicles
- GPS vehicle tracking system
- environmentally friendly bus fleet
- constantly updated information for passengers
The right balance between different transit modes
BRT addresses a number of contemporary urban planning issues. It offers high fluidity, which makes it as efficient as a metro system in terms of the number of people carried. In addition, the infrastructure construction and management costs are far lower than for heavier modes of transportation, and its gradual roll-out can help to stagger financial expenditure over time, making it more flexible from an economic standpoint. Lastly, it represents a genuine solution to easing congestion in urban centers gridlocked by private cars. Environmentally friendly BRT thus represents an authentic application by Veolia Transport of sustainable development principles to the needs of your city.
Electric minibuses for city centers
The residents of Bordeaux are delighted with their quiet, convivial and non-polluting electric minibuses. Six 22-seat Oreos went into operation in 2001 on a 5.5 kilometer-route in the city's historic district during construction of the light rail system. The temporary service was so successful that it was continued: 600 to 700 people use it every day. Amiens, Cannes and La Rochelle are also using these popular vehicles. Their only drawback is that they need to be recharged every 55 kilometers, but new batteries are being trialed.
