Impact of Bus Rapid Transit Systems on Road Safety

TransMilenio, a high-capacity bus rapid transit (BRT) system, was gradually implemented in important corridors of Bogotá, Colombia, during the past decade. The main objective was to achieve major improvements in the provision of public transport, especially in capacity and speed. However, there have been significant effects on road safety. Data from two corridors, Caracas Avenue and Norte-Quito-Sur Avenue, were analyzed with geographic information system techniques. Before and after situations were compared to assess the impacts on road safety of the implementation of these BRT corridors. Although the results suggest that TransMilenio brought about important overall reductions in traffic accidents, specific areas have seen an increase. This increase occurred mainly around the busiest stations, but it was also observed on the roads, where speed went up significantly as a result of the elimination of traffic lights, the widening of space for private cars, and the general improvement of the road surface. Analysis of the Bogotá experience reveals this lesson: special consideration must be given to improving pedestrian facilities along high-speed corridors and around busy stations in the design of future BRT corridors.