Bus* Definitions

Bus, express bus, BRT-lite and BRT can all be considered steps in a progression of incremental investment a transit line, gradually increasing the capacity, performance, and reliability. The fundamental goal over these improvements is to reduce the amount of time spent not moving, and increase the average speed while moving. The different steps are distinct based on the following factors:

• Right of Way

• Station Spacing

• Vehicle Characteristics

• Service Characteristics/Headway

• Intelligent Transportation Systems elements

Bu Rapid Transit

BRT is characterized by what Vuchic calls 'semi-rapid' guideway: barrier separated except at intersections, with limited sections of mixed traffic operations. BRT stations are substantial structures with passenger amenities, typically seating, off-board fare vending, trash-cans, and informational posters, capable of supporting level boarding for non-low floor vehicles. BRT vehicles may be regular or articulated vehicles with distinct appearance, either low-floor of platform-height boarding, and multiple door boarding. Service consists of regular headway throughout the day, and reliability maintained through the use of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) features. The term BRT is often misapplied to a variety of inferior systems lacking many of these characteristics. Neither buses in dedicated lanes (busways) nor buses in HOV lanes represent BRT.

Express Bus

Express buses consist typically consist of long-distances routes with widely spaced stops, characterized by high speeds and comfortable travel.  Express buses typically operate in mixed traffic conditions, with minimal semi-rapid guideway. Examples include on-highway buses which operating in bus-only lanes for part of the route, but as a regular bus in mixed traffic within the central city. Many express buses provide only commuter service, operating for a limited number of hours each day. For the purposes of comparability, a non-commuter express bus is presumed [1]. 

FTA BRT & BRT-lite

For the purposes of funding, the Federal Transit Agency has defined systems with more than 51% dedicated (semi-rapid) guideway as BRT, and bus routes sufficiently meeting the other BRT standards as ‘BRT-lite’. BRT-lite is a bus with BRT-sauce: running in mixed traffic, but with limited stops and ITS features such as queue-jumps. No guideway requirements, which means BRT-lite can have anything from 0-50%. Outcomes are hence variable. 

ITDP does a better job of scoring BRTs.