Determinants of Bus Rapid Transit Ridership: System-Level Analysis

Abstract

As one type of transit mode, bus rapid transit (BRT) systems have gained popularity worldwide for providing fast and easy access for citizens to fulfill their transportation needs. Current literature in the field does well in covering the identification and discussion of different elements of BRT systems and their effects, but the literature falls short of exploring factors that affect BRT ridership. Based on available databases, this study presents system-level macroscopic analyses that identify factors affecting the daily ridership of 111 BRT systems worldwide. Obtained from statistical models, including two-stage least-squares models, the results indicate that BRT system elements that are capable of improving travel-time reliability, such as passing lanes and median bus lanes, together with system supply size, may positively impact ridership. In addition, the analyses show that the existence of multimetro lines can increase BRT ridership by 41% and that the operation of both integrated fare collection and real-time information systems can boost ridership by 47%. Finally, it is shown that BRT speed may be associated with ridership.