Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
BRT Overview
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an innovative and cost-effective form of public transportation. The Federal Transit Administration defines BRT as a rapid mode of transportation that can provide the quality of rail transit and the flexibility of buses. BRT is a combination of facility, system, and vehicle investments that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the service to the end user. Appropriate and effective BRT implementation improves system performance, increases transit ridership, and improves air quality.
BRT can be incrementally implemented using any of the following features which include, but are not limited to:
- Exclusive right-of-way
- Improved stations
- Level boarding
- Limited stops
- Short headways
- Prepaid fares
- Real-time passenger information
- Signal priority
- Unique vehicles
- Coordination with land use planning
Caltrans BRT Policies
- Director’s Policy 27-R1 - Bus Rapid Transit Implementation Support(PDF)
- Deputy Directive 98-R1 - Integrating Bus Rapid Transit into State Facilities(PDF)
BRT Handbook
The BRT Handbook provides guidance and direction to support BRT implementation that will benefit Caltrans, local governments, transit agencies, private sector businesses, and the traveling public in improving mobility in the state.
Statewide BRT Projects
- Statewide BRT Project Inventory(coming soon)
- BRT Coordinator List(coming soon)
BRT Toolbox
For the past several years, Caltrans has funded a series of BRT research studies as part of the concept for a BRT Toolbox. These studies assess the feasibility of operating proposed BRT projects on the State Highway System within existing mixed flow traffic or in dedicated lanes. Some of the studies have resulted in tools that can be used by Caltrans and transit agencies to asses BRT projects.
- BRT Toolbox Fact Sheet(coming soon)
More information regarding the BRT Toolbox research.