Performance Contributors of Bus Rapid Transit Systems within the ITDP BRT Standard: An Ordered Choice Approach

Abstract

Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a mode of public transportation with relatively fast, flexible, comfortable, affordable and environment-friendly services. In this paper, the potential contributors to BRT performance are investigated within an ordered choice modelling framework, in which the dependent variable is the BRT standard (Gold, Silver, Bronze or Basic), developed by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP). The evaluation of an ordered logit model and an ordered probit model shows that the performance of the former is slightly better, which is chosen for the empirical application. The identified significant predictors are peak-hour speed, peak frequency, the average distance between stations, the length of dedicated busway, passing lanes at BRT station, covered station access, enhanced station environment, pre-board and automated fare collection and fare verification, and network integration. Based on a business-as-usual prediction and what-if analysis, this paper offers information for decision makers to plan a high-standard BRT system in line with the ITDP BRT standard.