A few words about BRT

This article provides some context as to how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) interacts with rail transit projects, as it is considered an ever-increasing alternative to streetcar and light-rail projects across North America. For communities whose lower-density levels do not justify rail transit service, BRT finds its greatest value. It cultivates a more livable, transit-friendly environment, as well helping to connect with other high-capacity transit nodes. Yet, it has drawbacks, as well; rail transit can offer greater capacity per vehicle, and even dedicated BRT infrastructure can become oversaturated with bus traffic on high ridership routes in a way that rail transit is not. Overall, BRT is less costly and time-consuming to implement than rail transit and carries less public resistance (although that resistance is increasing as previous rail project critics are now targeting BRT efforts in some communities). The bottom line is that, with the proper zoning and economic conditions, both rail transit and BRT can strongly influence development patterns.