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Attractive services, high passenger volumes: Premium bus lines are on the rise in Europe
Guest article by Manuel Bosch,head of publishing, DVV Media Group
More and more European cities are introducing premium bus lines, for which Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has become the common term. Denmark’s first BRT line is a recent addition. Since the end of last September, electric bi-articulated buses (called Plusbus) have been operating on a 12-kilometre stretch with 22 stops in Aalborg, from Veddeløbbanen across the city centre to the university grounds.
BRT lines feature long routes and dedicated bus lanes.
Bus route sections with dedicated infrastructure
One notable characteristic of BRT lines is the high standard of the infrastructure. Thus, Aalborg features long sections with a dedicated lane for the Plusbus. This includes well-equipped bus stops and priority traffic lights. At the same time car traffic is restricted and areas are closed off to through traffic. It means the BRT line is six minutes quicker than its predecessor, the Number 2 bus.
However, the buses do not need to use dedicated infrastructure over the entire route – a decisive advantage over trams. Besides being able to operate in narrow urban streets they can use regular roads and lanes outside the city centre with other traffic. Overall, building a BRT section is cheaper than a tram line. Thus in Aalborg, cost considerations led to deciding on a bus line rather than trams.
BRT buses can use the regular road network in narrow urban streets.
High passenger volume: electric bi-articulated buses
In order to achieve passenger volumes similar to a tram, BRT lines often operate bi-articulated buses up to 25 metres long. Nowadays, these are mostly electric and emission-free – this drive system is better suited to pulling a bi-articulated bus than a conventional diesel engine. Depending on the type of vehicle and its operating environment, the batteries must however be recharged at the terminus.
Another standout feature besides the drive systems is how BRT vehicles are equipped. A 25-metre long bus features additional doors and areas with ample room for wheelchairs and prams. In combination with barrier-free bus stops, this reduces exit/entry times. Real-time passenger information both onboard and at the stops is a ‘must’ for rounding off the premium bus line experience.
BRT buses feature additional doors which reduce passenger entry/exit times.
From France across Europe
As well as being recognised as a pioneer of modern tram networks, France with its ’Bus à Haut Niveau de Service’ (BHNS) has also contributed decisively to bringing BRT lines into the European urban environment. The idea has since established itself in the Netherlands and Scandinavia for example. In France, the concept has even made it to the capital. Under the brand name T Zen, premium buses using a dedicated infrastructure have now been added to the tram network which was rebuilt over the past two decades.