types of mass transit

Types of Mass Transit

Overview

Mass transit systems can be categorized into three primary groups, each designed to accommodate different passenger needs and urban settings:

• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): A high-capacity transportation solution, usually rail-based, designed for large volumes of passengers.

• Medium Capacity Transit: Comprising systems like Light Rail Transit (LRT), monorails, Automated Guide Transit (AGT), and trams, suitable for moderate passenger volumes.

• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): A bus-based system that is optimized for high-speed and efficient long-distance travel.

1. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

• Description: MRT systems are typically elevated or underground rail systems designed for rapid transport of large numbers of passengers across urban areas.

• Passenger Demand: MRT is implemented in settings where passenger demand exceeds 35,000 passengers per hour in one direction, making it essential for large cities facing substantial commuter needs.

2. Medium Capacity Transit

• Components:

  • Light Rail Transit (LRT): Electric trains that usually run on exclusive tracks, offering flexibility in urban areas.

  • Monorail: A single rail track for trains, often elevated; proven to be effective in limited-space urban areas.

  • Automated Guide Transit (AGT): Automated systems that transport passengers without requiring a driver, mainly in constrained urban settings.

  • Trams: Streetcars that provide service within city streets, generally slower but effective in congested areas.

3. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

• Description: BRT strives for efficiency and speed in bus transport by utilizing dedicated lanes, allowing buses to bypass regular traffic delays.

• Characteristics:

  • High Speed: BRT systems often operate at speeds comparable to light rail systems, with grades of service allowing fast transit times.

  • Large Capacity: Capable of transporting thousands of passengers daily through a structured hub and spoke model.

  • Series of Stations: Strategically placed stations enhance accessibility and allow quick transfers for passengers traveling short distances.

Comparison of Mass Transit Systems

• Width:

  • MRT: 2.78 m

  • Medium Capacity Transit: 3.02 m; Monorail: 2.49 m; AGT: 2.40 m; Tram: 2.50 m

• Height:

  • MRT: 4.02 m; Medium Capacity Transit: 2.92 m; Monorail: 3.34 m; AGT: 3.40 m; Tram: 3.50 m

• Length:

  • MRT: 19.5 m; Medium Capacity Transit: 16.5 m; Monorail: 9.0 m; AGT: 18.4 m; Tram: 12.2 - 20 m

• Scheduled Speed: All categories generally range from 20-40 km/hour based on the specific systems employed.

• Passenger Capacity:

  • MRT: 250

  • Medium Capacity Transit: 150

  • Monorail: 70

  • AGT: 105

  • Tram: 100

Construction and Operational Costs

• Elevated Systems: While they have higher initial construction costs, elevated systems often have lower ongoing operational costs compared to their underground counterparts.

• Operational Cost Ratio: Costs can vary significantly based on system design and capacity, impacting long-term budget allocations.

Characteristics of Systems

• MRT: The only viable solution for environments with heavy demand (over 35,000 Passenger Hours Per Transit Day).

• Medium Capacity: Notably quieter, making it an effective option in densely populated urban areas without overwhelming noise levels.

• BRT: Utilizes existing road lanes and infrastructure while significantly boosting urban mobility and reducing congestion.

System Selection Criteria

Key Criteria for Selection

• Demand: Conduct assessments of passenger demand, specifically during peak travel times, to gauge necessary capacity.

• Cost: Analyze the balance between capacity requirements and economic feasibility, considering construction, operation, and maintenance costs.

• Environment: Favor energy-efficient systems that minimize emissions and environmental footprints.

• Space: Evaluate the available urban space for implementing the chosen transit system, focusing on feasibility and community impact.

• Sustainability: Ensure that procurement and operational strategies align with sustainable practices.

• Single System: Aim for standardization of track gauge, vehicle size, and power supply to enhance overall system efficiency.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Description

A sophisticated bus-based transit system characterized by fast, reliable service. BRT systems offer dedicated lanes, priority signals, and advanced fare collection methods, making them an appealing option for urban development.

Generations of BRT

1. First Generation BRT (Basic BRT)

   • Time Period: 1970s-1980s

   • Features: Dedicated lanes primarily during peak hours, with limited infrastructure available.

   • Example: Curitiba, Brazil, often recognized as the birthplace of modern BRT.

2. Second Generation BRT (Enhanced BRT)

   • Time Period: 1990s–early 2000s

   • Features: Fully separated lanes from general traffic, improved station designs, and the introduction of real-time information systems for passengers.

   • Example: Bogotá’s TransMilenio, which set a benchmark for service standards.

3. Third Generation BRT (Integrated BRT)

   • Time Period: 2000s-Present

   • Features: Complete integration with urban planning to enhance multimodal transport networks; it often employs advanced technologies for efficient high-capacity service, comparable to rail systems.

   • Example: Guangzhou BRT, China.

Capacity Planning of BRT

Effective capacity can vary significantly based on lane design, the presence of features like dedicated bus lanes, and overall traffic management strategies. The ideal operating capacity for planning is estimated at 10,000–15,000 passengers per direction per hour, depending on demand nuances.

Selection of BRT Requirements

Considerations

• Road Condition: Ensure road infrastructure has a minimum of six lanes to maintain traffic flow effectively without disruptions.

• Vehicle Body Design: Specialized vehicles designed for the BRT environment are essential for enabling efficient operations, and these need to accommodate urban traffic dynamics well.

• Structure Development: Utilize existing road rights-of-way whenever possible and prioritize sustainable design and maintenance practices in development.

• Ticketing System: Implement integrated ticketing systems that support easy fare collection and transferability between different transport modes.

• Traffic Management: Employ strategic traffic management methods to improve overall flow and reduce congestion through thoughtful design and operation strategies.

Measures for Traffic Management

Strategies can be categorized into the following areas:

• Modal Shift: Promoting the use of public transportation over private vehicle use.

• Traffic Control: Enhancing traffic signal timings and intersection designs for better flow.

• Increase Road Capacity: Investing in more parking capacity and transport facilities to promote smooth traffic circulation.

• Peak Control: Implementing priority lanes for public transport vehicles during high-demand periods.

• Trip Generation Control: Regulating developments in areas that produce significant trip generation to mitigate congestion effects on existing transport networks.