On the road to a concept for Bus Rapid Transit

This publication aims to serve as a baseline describing the state-of-the-art of (E)Bus Rapid Transit systems around the world, creating a benchmark for the eBRT2030 project. The report examines the European context for the implementation of BRT systems and the impact of electrification on BRTs, with an overview of governance and planning for the implementation of these systems.

The report can be used by operators, authorities and other experts across the world as a starting point on how to define and characterise (E)BRT, while also looking at what has already been implemented in the rest of the world. This makes the deliverable an important baseline against which innovations will be developed, tested and evaluated, so to produce the new concept for innovative European electric BRT systems.

Key learnings

Integrating eBRTs with other transport modes is critical for their success and can transform a mobility landscape. They can enable multimodality of public transport systems, improve existing bus networks and/or connect inter-urban areas together.

Successful implementation/scale-up of eBRTs should utilise pilots and develop gradually.

Interviews conducted as part of the project revealed several barriers and areas of concern raised by end-users and other stakeholders.

Public participation and stakeholder engagement can ensure project ownership and acceptance and is a viable strategy for overcoming many of the potential barriers identified in the interview results.