Cost effective alternative to expensive BRT

[313ghazi]

I have been reading about BRT projects and how expensive they are, how they over run on costs. I can't think of a single one Pakistan has done which has not been riddled with project overspend and corruption.

I thought about an alternative. Use existing roads, but where possible add a new lane each side as a bus only lane. Where this is not possible but there are more than 1 lane each side, dedicate the outer most lane as a part time bus only lane - policed by traffic cameras and traffic lights.

So imagine a scenario where each bus transmits it's location via the internet (This can help with live timetabling too). This is then sent to traffic lights on it's route. When the bus is less than 2 minutes away, traffic lights force all traffic into 1 lane (only applicable on roads with more than 1 lane going each way), leaving the other lane clear for the bus. Each lane also has number plate recognition cameras so anyone violating this is issued a Rs5000 fine. As soon as the bus is through, the traffic lights change to signal traffic can now use both lanes again.

This system could be operational at peak times and the rest of the time the buses would contend with traffic, or alternatively have fewer priority points on the routes.

This could provide rapid bus transport, but without the heavy infrastructure.

 

[Yaseen1]

metro buses and brt are used by developed countries with strong economy as a tool to increase economic growth and employment at times of economic slow down as they mobilize industries associated with such projects but when economy is weak like in Pakistan the option you mentioned is more suitable.

 

[RoadRunner401]

I can't think of a single one Pakistan has done which has not been riddled with project overspend and corruption.

Fair point, but I can't think of a single country in the world has done, which has not been riddled with project overspend and corruption.

The Toronto,Canada union station was originally supposed to cost 640 million dollars and done in 2015, it's going to cost 1 billion and is still under construction.

 

[Wikki019]

Man we are so incompitent, in Islamabad there is a straight express Highway with 10 lanes and they are not able to run any Quality Transport on it, I mean how difficult is that?

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

Man we are so incompitent, in Islamabad there is a straight express Highway with 10 lanes and they are not able to run any Quality Transport on it, I mean how difficult is that?

And its always choked.

 

[CrazyZ]

BRT are the most cost effective mass transit option. Pakistan needs more mass transit. It reduces energy imports and improves traffic. Corruption allegations have become a standard political operating procedure in Pakistan. I don't think Pakistan is as bad with cost over runs as many western countries are....but it is not politicized in western countries.

 

[Wikki019]

And its always choked at the GT road patch.

and that pathetic public Transport running around the City is like a hell and not to Mention daily harrasment of female riders.

 

[313ghazi]

In the UK bus lanes are used regularly, although they are not traffic light controlled (they should be). Buses on busy routes are able to utilise them. In my city taxis can also use these lanes.

 

[Cornered Tiger]

I have been reading about BRT projects and how expensive they are, how they over run on costs. I can't think of a single one Pakistan has done which has not been riddled with project overspend and corruption.

I thought about an alternative. Use existing roads, but where possible add a new lane each side as a bus only lane. Where this is not possible but there are more than 1 lane each side, dedicate the outer most lane as a part time bus only lane - policed by traffic cameras and traffic lights.

So imagine a scenario where each bus transmits it's location via the internet (This can help with live timetabling too). This is then sent to traffic lights on it's route. When the bus is less than 2 minutes away, traffic lights force all traffic into 1 lane (only applicable on roads with more than 1 lane going each way), leaving the other lane clear for the bus. Each lane also has number plate recognition cameras so anyone violating this is issued a Rs5000 fine. As soon as the bus is through, the traffic lights change to signal traffic can now use both lanes again.

This system could be operational at peak times and the rest of the time the buses would contend with traffic, or alternatively have fewer priority points on the routes.

This could provide rapid bus transport, but without the heavy infrastructure.

Buses will not be able to make tight turns. Central lanes idea is most appropriate and for that you need to give safe access to passengers and for that you need money.

 

[FalconStar]

BRT and Metro's are good, but should always be made with local resources, not by taking expensive foreign loans. As you can never run these projects in profit and need constant government subsidy, so it becomes double expensive when you have to payback a foreign loan on top of the subsidy.

And BRT should always be the next step, why can't the Government just first introduce a basic public transport system where buses are used instead of the dangerous Hiace(Vans) running wild on roads.

PMLN spent so much money in Lahore on BRT and Orange line, but couldn't spend a penny to improve the local public transport. They started the Speedo bus service but Geniuses made it card payment only no cash.
Why not run those Speedo buses all over Lahore on the existing Local routes and except cash and card.

The same thing is being done by PTI in Peshawar, just to compete, they took an expensive loan to build the BRT which is still in building phase and with no focus on the local transport system.

And finally Karachi well, I don't think I need to even say anything about that city. As PPP say "they are the party of the poor people", so they made Karachi a dirt poor city for the poor people to live in. Karachi now looks like the most backward city of Pakistan.

 

[313ghazi]

Buses will not be able to make tight turns. Central lanes idea is most appropriate and for that you need to give safe access to passengers and for that you need money.

Cmon man, buses operate on the roads right now. What kind of roads are there where buses are unable to turn?

 

[B.K.N]

Pakistan should use these modes of transportation simple life is best @Simurgh
Tangas

And bicycles

It would decrease Pakistan's oil consumption and pollution and would bring back memories of old days

 

[313ghazi]

Pakistan should use these modes of transportation simple life is best @Simurgh
Tangas
View attachment 568389
And bicycles
View attachment 568390

Tanga would only make traffic worse, they should be limited to parks only.

Cycle, ok but that's not the point of this thread. My point is you can have rapid transport buses without making brand new dedicated lanes for them. They'll probably be a little less rapid, but at the end of the day when the country is borrowing to pay bills, government should think of such alternatives.

 

[B.K.N]

Tanga would only make traffic worse, they should be limited to parks only.

There shouldn't be any cars only in limited numbers so no traffic problem only buses tangas and bicycles Pakistan would look millions times better compared to what it is now

 

[Shane]

I have been reading about BRT projects and how expensive they are, how they over run on costs. I can't think of a single one Pakistan has done which has not been riddled with project overspend and corruption.

I thought about an alternative. Use existing roads, but where possible add a new lane each side as a bus only lane. Where this is not possible but there are more than 1 lane each side, dedicate the outer most lane as a part time bus only lane - policed by traffic cameras and traffic lights.

So imagine a scenario where each bus transmits it's location via the internet (This can help with live timetabling too). This is then sent to traffic lights on it's route. When the bus is less than 2 minutes away, traffic lights force all traffic into 1 lane (only applicable on roads with more than 1 lane going each way), leaving the other lane clear for the bus. Each lane also has number plate recognition cameras so anyone violating this is issued a Rs5000 fine. As soon as the bus is through, the traffic lights change to signal traffic can now use both lanes again.

This system could be operational at peak times and the rest of the time the buses would contend with traffic, or alternatively have fewer priority points on the routes.

This could provide rapid bus transport, but without the heavy infrastructure.

Nice basic idea to start at small scale, expand and build on as per experience gained to fulfill perticular area requirements or practical need .