Cross-cultural contrasts of preferences for Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rail Transit

Abstract

Bus rapid transit (BRT) appears to be relatively unpopular in developed economies despite its appeal in delivering high quality services, usually at a fraction of light rail transit (LRT) costs. This is often linked to an emotional bias towards rail-based solutions and an image perception that clouds the potential merits of a bus-based system. This paper builds on published research from Australia, extended by the results of a stated choice experiment conducted in five developed economies − including the US, France, Portugal, the UK, and Australia − with an aim to verify whether modal preferences are culture-specific and if so what are the drivers of community preferences for BRT and LRT in different geographical settings. We identify the nature of the preference differences to show how citizens/voters could be targeted to buy-in to BRT or LRT systems. Potential gains in public support for BRT are shown through scenario analysis on attributes assessed in a series of choice scenarios, together with voter experience with specific modes and socioeconomic profiles. Willingness to pay estimates are obtained for each of the attributes defining the preferences for and against BRT/LRT.