International Journal of Management, Technology And Engineering ISSN NO : 2249-7455

Performance Evaluation of BRTS in various Indian Cities

Dharmkumar Shihora1
1
Post Graduate Student, Town and Country Planning,Sarvajanik College of Engineering and
Technology (Surat, Gujarat)
ABSTRACT
India is developing country and has developed rapidly during recent years. Development can be related to
increased urbanization.Many of Indian cities are lacking intercity transportation requirements in terms of
physical expansion, growing population. Mass Transportation is an important factor for development of nation.
To check the performance of any system, performance analysis is a tool. Performance Evaluation can be defined
as “To determine how effectively policies, program, project is executed with regard to its goal and objectives”.
User satisfaction is an important parameter of performance evaluation, satisfaction can be defined as
expectations and perceived performance prior to satisfaction. Thus, there is a great need to provide clean,
efficient, affordable, effective and safe public transportation system and to achieve this Bus Rapid Transit
System could be one of the solution. This paper presents an review of BRT systems implemented in various cities
of India.
Keywords— BRT, BRTS benefits, BRTS Problems, Performance evaluation, Public Transport

1. Introduction
In India traffic is heterogenous in nature where in variety of vehicles travel over a single road with variable
speeds. Lack of mass transportation facilities tend to increase more usage of private vehicles and intermediate
para-transit vehicles. All these combine makes the roads of city very congested and leads to increase in travel
time, also increasing pollution very rapidly.Urban population in India has increased significantly from 62
million in 1951 to 285 million in 2001 and is estimated to be around 540 million by the year 2021. Another
interesting phenomenon is constantly increasing number of metropolitan cities and their population. The number
of metropolitan cities that is those with million plus population was only 5 in 1951 and by 1971, their number
has jumped to 9; by 1981, the number of million plus cities increased to 12; by 1991, their number increased to
23; as increase of almost 100 percent from 1981 to 1991; and 2001 census, number of million plus cities has
increased to 35. This number is expected to increase to 51 by the year 2021. The number of people living in
Indian metropolitan as much as 107.88 million or 37.80 percent of the total urban population and this numbers
are likely to grow in the coming years [1].
Public Mass Transportation System is a key component for development and growth of country. This system
faces problem in almost all the developing countries [2]. Due to lack of financial and other important resources,
it restricts the investments and funding for construction, maintenance and upgradation of existing as well as new
transport systems. Inefficient public transport systems in India tends to various problems like accidents, traffic
congestion, pollution, heat island effect, environmental degradation and overcrowding. Public Transport systems
need to be safe, reliable, efficient, affordable and effective. BUS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM (BRTS) may be
one of such solution to overcome the problem.
There is no perfect definition of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).Wright (2005) defines it as a “bus-based mass
transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective urban mobility [1]”. Levinson et al. (2003)

Volume 8, Issue X, OCTOBER/2018 Page No:1439

International Journal of Management, Technology And Engineering ISSN NO : 2249-7455

defined BRT as “Implementation of flexible, high performance rapid transit mode that makes a physical,
operating and system elements into permanently integrated system with a quality image and unique [2]”. The
‘Rapid Transit’, which describes a high-capacity transport system with its own right-of-way, implemented using
buses through infrastructural and scheduling improvements, to provide a high level of service [1].
Characteristics of BRTS:
 Segregated right of way
 Constructed on at grade level, easy to built up
 Inexpensive as compared to metro rail
 Automatic tracking of buses available
 Crossing is only available at zebra crossings, resulting in low fatality rates

2. Literature Review
2.1. BRTS
“Rapid transit is not a transport mode as such, but, it is means of mass transportation offering a faster service
than the alternatives which are available, typically with average operating speeds of 50 kmph or more; this
generally requires exclusive rights of way” [2].
“Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is an innovative, high capacity, lower cost public transport solution that
can significantly improve urban mobility [3]”
“Bus Rapid Transit gives communities the best bang for their buck when it comes to investing in transit.
This new system will better connect workers to jobs, shoppers to stores and Oregon to the rapidly growing
economy [4]”
2.2. BRTS Benefits
H.S. Kumara [1] overviews Bus Rapid Transit Systems in Indian metropolitan cities and says that BRT system
is an effective public transportation alternative to automobiles which has capacity to meet increased mobility
needs and also support to improve the quality of life of Urban Metropolitan cities. High quality bus operations
can create new improved land use options which can provide compact, environment friendly, pedestrian friendly
development patterns which tends to preserve neighbourhood concept and green spaces. According to a recent
analysis published in the Journal of Public Transportation, BRT system is the nest way to reduce transportation
related CO2 emissions and it can be implanted rapidly as compared to rail systems as a result it helps to attract
passengers out of their car. Electric transit vehicles are powered by coals and other fossil fuels which has greater
CO2 emissions over long term as compared to BRT. New ITS technology can be implemented in BRT for smart
card-based fare collection, automatic vehicle tracking system, passenger information systems, etc.
Agarwal P.K et al [3], 2010 overviews bus rapid transit system and descries BRT as high capacity, low cost
public transport system which can improve urban mobility rapidly. As compared to rail transit, BRT is less
costly to build and can provide quality performance with sufficient transport capacity. BRT system can utilize
variety of vehicles from standard buses to specialized buses. ITS technology can be implemented in BRT to
increase the performance in terms of reduce travel time, convenience, operational efficiency, safety and security
of passengers. BRT travel on exclusive ways which saves travel time of passenger else time is lost by passenger
in automobile and exclusive ways also result in increased capacity.

Volume 8, Issue X, OCTOBER/2018 Page No:1440

International Journal of Management, Technology And Engineering ISSN NO : 2249-7455

2.3. Problems related to BRTS

According to Agarwal P.K et al. [3], problems related to public transportation systems are as follows:
1) Design issues: BRT System occupies space on equitable basis for almost all type of vehicles, but
introduction of this system tends to increase traffic problems like congestion, lining up of vehicles at
junctions in motor lane. During peak hours, sometimes there are major delays and congestions especially
as junctions.
2) Traffic Signals: Traffic flow is not constant during whole day, as a result traffic signals are unable to
discharge flow and creates long queue of cars and other vehicles in motorized lane as well as bus lane. For
now, only static traffic signal is installed in BRT corridor and many times it is shifted to manual control.
Manual control can operate only single phase at a time which is not sufficient.
3) Environmental conditions: When BRT System was introduced, people residing around BRT corridor were
promised that this system will reduce air pollution, but due to use of high polluting diesel buses pollution is
increased and are not environment friendly. Trees were cut down to introduce the BRT corridor, but later
no trees were again planted in median and around BRT corridor.
4) Land acquisition: At many places existing carriageway was too narrow to construct new BRT corridor.
Due to consequent widening and construction of stations and depots, additional land acquisition was
unavoidable and as a result some structures need to be cleared.
2.4. Performance Evaluation of BRTS
Kumavat C. et al [5], 2016 studied Delhi & Pune BRT Systems and identified some common problems in both
the operating systems. Some recommendations were suggested to improve the Pune BRT System so that it can
have a better result and avoiding shutdown as in case of Delhi BRT System. In Delhi, total 6 corridors were
proposed with a total length of 310 km to be completed by year 2020. To avoid shutdown of Pune BRT System
some recommendations were suggested like integration of existing system with new system to cut down use of
private vehicles, to decrease cost of tickets to attract lower- and middle-income group people, pedestrian access
improvement, etc. Some of the improvements needed for Pune BRT System were to conduct surprise visit and
inspections to establish good control and discipline in people who manage the BRT System and passengers who
use them. Traffic signals at every junction create traffic jams and resulting in increase travel time. Cleanliness of
buses to be deployed should be checked every morning. Frequency and timings, especially of long routes should
be increased and should be kept open till 12 AM in night. In fact, links connecting to train stations and airports
should be accessible 24 hours.
Jaiswal A. et al [6] , 2012 studied impact of BRT System on Ahmedabad’s transport sector. Ahmedabad
BRT System has improved access for local riders and reducing environmental impacts of transportation. Various
characteristics of BRT has been discussed like dedicated lanes, frequency, etc. As compared to rail transit, BRT
is flexible in terms of route adjustment and re-routing over time. Both the phases of BRT are so designed that
they do not overlap each other in which Ahmedabad Municipal Transit System (AMTS) is provided and it also
has proper feeder system to feed the passengers. Traffic flow study is carried out to understand level of
efficiency and also to correlate with proposed capacity. User survey analysis shows that, passengers who use the
BRT System are very much satisfied and private vehicles are shifting towards public transport mode. After
implementation of BRT System there is slight decrease in composition of pollutants around the corridors.

Volume 8, Issue X, OCTOBER/2018 Page No:1441

International Journal of Management, Technology And Engineering ISSN NO : 2249-7455

Shah S.D. et al (2015) [7] analysed performance of Surat BRT corridor from Udhna Darwaja to Sachin
GIDC after conducting various surveys like questionnaire survey, on board BRTS survey and para – transit
survey. 2 wheelers and auto-rickshaw were mostly used for trip and over 60% of trips belonged to job or work
purpose while study or social based trips were to be second on the route. According to survey, labours preferred
use of shared auto-rickshaw and 2 wheelers were mostly used for job or work purpose to travel for short
distances. 60 % of passengers were not willing to use BRTS during morning and evening peak hours and were
shifted to either auto-rickshaw or private vehicles. Around 65 % passengers rated accessibility and connectivity
of BRTS as poor and around 25 % rated as average. Over the selected corridor BRT bus completed the cycle
earlier as that of auto-rickshaw. Maximum passengers board at Udhna Darwaja and exit at Sachin – GIDC stop,
at intermediate stops very few passengers stop to other terminal. Selected BRT corridor is not being used by
people as it lacks accessibility for passengers who want to board from intermediate stops. Passenger who want
to travel from Udhna to Sachin were the only ones to travel in BRTS.
Bhanu K.C. et al (2014) [8] studied on BRTS and corridor selection & assessment for the Hyderabad.
Number of surveys were carried out to select the corridor for easy implementation of BRT System. After
conducting survey corridor from Prashanth Nagar to Secunderabad was selected as it has high traffic volume, it
also connects educational centre, industrial hub, business centre and most crowded area which is one of the
important railway station in country. There were 5 junctions in the corridor: Balanagar, Bowenpally, Tarbund,
Paradise and Patny. Various surveys like reconnaissance survey, passenger car unit survey, annual daily traffic
survey and level of service survey were carried out on the corridor. Corridor was divided into 4 sections:
Prashanth Nagar to Balanagar (1st section - 2.3 km), Balanagar to Bowenpally (2nd section – 4.02 km),
Bowenpally to Paradise (3rd section – 3.72 km) and Paradise to Secunderabad (4th section – 2.2 km).
Reconnaissance survey describes about total length of corridor as 12.24 km. Passenger Car Unit survey shows
that maximum 2 wheelers were traveling in the selected corridor. Traffic volume count survey shows that
maximum traffic was from Paradise to Bowenpally i.e. about 28266 vehicles per day. Level of service survey
shows that all the four sections falls under category ‘E’. After conducting various surveys, it can be concluded
that current mode of transportation can not handle traffic if traffic volume increases. Therefore, to improve
current transportation system BRTS can be the best choice to implement as it is cheaper as compared to other
systems.

3. Conclusion
Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is an innovative, high capacity, low cost public transport solution which can
improve urban mobility rapidly. In India currently, there are many operational BRT Systems and many more
under construction & some are being planned. Performance evaluation of BRT System in existing cities is very
much necessary to know how well it is providing the transport service and the area being served by the system.
By evaluating performance of operational BRT System of Indian cities some improvement, operating decisions
and recommendations can be made before implementing in other Indian cities. BRTS in India can be helpful to
improve environment in Indian cities by shifting from private vehicles to more efficient, more reliable, more
safe public transport system i.e. BRTS.

Volume 8, Issue X, OCTOBER/2018 Page No:1442

International Journal of Management, Technology And Engineering ISSN NO : 2249-7455

REFERENCES
[1]. Kumara S., Planning for Bus Rapid Transit System in Indian Metropolitan Cities: Challenges and options,
Institute of Town Planners, India Journal 6 - 4, 09 - 21, October - December 2009
[2]. Panchore V., Khushwaha N., Performance evaluation of BRTS, International Journal of Science
Technology & Engineering, Volume 2, Issue 11, May 2016
[3]. Agarwal P.K, Sharma Anupama, Singh A. P, An overview on Bus Rapid Transit System, Journal of
Engineering Research and studies
[4]. Norman Y. Mineta, “Public transport passengers’ perception and demand satisfaction: A case study at
Petalingjaya municipal district, Malaysia.” Proceedings of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation
Studies, Volume .9.
[5]. Kumavat C., Sonawane H, Patel T, Sakhalkar X, Effective Learning from Delhi BRTS – A Case Study of
Pune BRTS, International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology, Volume 5, Issue 4, April
2016
[6]. Jaiswal. A, Sharma A and Krishnan Y “Potential of Bus Rapid Transit System For Million Plus Indian
Cities: A Case Study of Janmarg BRTS, Ahmadabad, India”, International Journal of Advanced
Engineering Research and Studies, Volume 1, Issue 3, June 2012
[7]. Shah S, Patel R, Jain S., “Appraisal Study of BRTS Surat – A Sustainable Urban Transport”, Journal of
Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2015, PP 29 – 37
[8]. Bhanu K., Maddali S., Introduction to corridor selection and assessment for Bus Rapid Transit System
(BRTS) in Hyderabad, American Journal of Engineering Research, Volume 3, Issue 6, 2014, PP 242 - 246

Volume 8, Issue X, OCTOBER/2018 Page No:1443