Project Cost Models for Mode Choice Between Light Rail and Bus Rapid Transit Systems

In this study, project cost models along with an applicable costing methodology are developed for LRT and BRT systemsi¦ cost analysis to better aid the transportation planners and decision makers in the selection process. In evaluating transit systems, project cost has always been a major consideration. Without an applicable project cost model or methodology, the choice between LRT and BRT systems would be controversial among the transit advocates in the early stages of corridor planning or system analysis. The developed models in this paper can be applied to compare the LRT and BRT systems that operate on various right-of-way categories, guideway or running way alignment configurations, and different given transit demand volumes.