By Dario Hidalgo, EMBARQ Senior Transport Engineer, EMBARQ - The WRI Center for Sustainable Transport (Washington, D.C.) Presentation to CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India, July 2009

1. Keys to Success in Bus Systems
Dario Hidalgo, PhD
Senior Transport Engineer
EMBARQ
The WRI Center for Sustainable Transport
Ahmadabad, India, July 31, 2009

2. Agenda
The challenge
The importance of Bus Systems
Recent Examples
Delhi, India
Guadalajara, Mexico
Ahmadabad, India
Conclusions

3. Urban population in India is
expected to double in a 30 year
period
900 820
800 Projected 700
700
Population (Millions)
583
600
473
500
372
400 285
300 217
159
200 78.9
109
62.4
100
0
1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021 2031 2041 2051
Source: O.P. Agarwal and S. Zimmerman “Towards Sustainable
Mobility in Urban India”, Presented in the Annual TRB Meeting,
Washington D.C. January 2008

4. The number of motor vehicles is
growing twice as fast as the population
in India – mainly two wheelers (71%)
80
Thousands
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2004
Total M2W Cars Buses Goods
Source: O.P. Agarwal and S. Zimmerman “Towards Sustainable
Mobility in Urban India”, Presented in the Annual TRB Meeting,
Washington D.C. January 2008

5. Financial, institutional, physical
resources are constrained
Congestion
Accidents
Pollution
Energy Consumption
Reduced Competitiveness
and Quality of Life

6. Sustainable Urban Transport
Pedestrian and
Bicycles
Public
Transportation
Transit Oriented
Development
Disincentives to
Car Use
Bycicle Tracks and Pedestrian
Facilities – Delhi BRT Corridor

7. Total Energy Use By Mode
7
Rail 27% Less Energy
6 as compared with
Buses
EJ Total Delivered Energy
2030 BAU
5 3 Wheelers
4 2 Wheelers
Cars
3
2
1
0
1980 2000 2030: BAU 2030 Fuel 2030: 2030: SUT 2030 Extra
Eff. TWW Effort
Schipper L. Banerjee I. and Ng W.S. “CO2 Emissions from Land
Transport in India Scenarios of the Uncertain”, TRB Annual
Meeting, Washington, DC, January 2009

8. Bus systems are fundamental in
sustainable transport
Reduce travel time and cost, improve convenience
to transit commuters
Reduce the quantity and severity of accidents
(fatalities, injuries, property losses)
Reduce energy consumption and harmful
emissions

9. Any city needs a good bus system
Indore is well advanced in having a
good bus system – improvements are
underway (more buses, better control)
High demand corridors need Bus
Rapid Transit – BRT
Greatly improve performance and
quality of service

10. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Centralized Control
Large Buses
Multiple Doors
Distinctive Image
Stations with
Prepayment and Level Segregated
Boarding Busways

11. Agenda
The challenge
The importance of Bus Systems
Recent Examples
Delhi, India
Guadalajara, Mexico
Ahmadabad, India
Conclusions

12. Delhi Bus Corridor

13. Delhi Bus Corridor
Initial Operation: April 2008
Length: 5.6 Km
Stations: 9
Ridership: Total N/A;
Peak 6,500 passenger/hr/direction
Frequency: 120 buses/hr
Commercial Speed In corridor: 16-19 Km/hr
Off corridor: 7-11 Km/hr
Infrastructure Cost: Rs 14 crores/km (3 million/km)
Average User Fare: Rs 1/km Rs 3.87 per passenger
(USD 0.08)
Source: Interviews DIMTS, IIT-Delhi, February 2008

14. Delhi Bus Corridor

15. The bus corridor also includes the
construction of segregated facilities for
pedestrians and bicycles
High Usage 1,129
bicycles/hour peak period
High level of satisfaction
with the new facilities

16. Delhi Bus Corridor
Chirag Delhi Junction

17. The Bus Corridor has reduced the
average travel time
People Delay - Morning Peak Hour - In Hours
6000
Buses
MV's
-19%
4000
-35%
3,186
2,078
2000 +14%
1,440 1,648
0
Without Project With Project

19. Component Advances Elements to Improve
Running • Strong Longitudinal Segregation
• Extend to Delhi Gate (expected)
Ways • Median Busways
• Short cycles, eliminate manual
Traffic • Adequate Changes in Roadway operation
Engineering Geometry • Improve the traffic signal
technology (expected)
• Protected Bus Shelters • Enhance the stations
Stations • Level Boarding for a fraction of the • Introduce pre-payment at the
fleet stations
• Easy Boarding/Alighting Low Floor • Replace buses (expected)
Vehicles Buses (13% of the fleet) • Introduce emissions post-
• Low Emissions CNG Buses treatment
• Introduce special service plans
• Relocation of some “Blue Line” (short cycle routes, express)
Services
bus routes • Better match between demand
and supply
• Automatic Vehicle Location (GPS • Introduce real time control and
in a fraction of the fleet) centralized dispatch
ITS
• Real time user information • Introduce automatic fare
systems collection systems

20. Component Advances Elements to Improve
Running •Strong Longitudinal Segregation
•Extend to Delhi Gate (expected)
Ways •Median Busways
•Short cycles, eliminate manual
Traffic •Adequate Changes in Roadway operation
Engineering Geometry •Improve the traffic signal
technology (expected)
•Protected Bus Shelters •Enhance the stations
Stations •Level Boarding for a fraction of the •Introduce pre-payment at the
fleet stations
•Easy Boarding/Alighting Low Floor
•Replace buses (expected)
Vehicles Buses (13% of the fleet)
•Introduce emissions post-treatment
•Low Emissions CNG Buses
•Introduce special service plans
•Relocation of some “Blue Line” bus (short cycle routes, express)
Services
routes •Better match between demand and
supply
•Introduce real time control and
•Automatic Vehicle Location (GPS in a
centralized dispatch
ITS fraction of the fleet)
•Introduce automatic fare collection
•Real time user information systems
systems

22. Component Advances Elements to Improve
User • High Bus User Acceptance • Continuous monitoring of user
Acceptance (88% CSE, Jun 08) perception
• Good accessibility - at-
grade pedestrian crossings • Reduce pedestrian wait time
at signalized intersections; at pedestrian crossings,
• Acceptable waiting time for • Introduce non-grade
Travel Time bus services: 5 minute intersections where warranted
interval during peak hour (expected)
• Good Commercial speed: • Further increase the
16-19 Km/h (7-15 Km/h commercial speed for buses
without the bus corridor)
• Reduce the high variability in
bus intervals and speeds
• Automatic vehicle location
(dispatch, control, signal
(GPS) for a fraction of the
management)
Reliability bus fleet may provide
• Reduce the observed bunching
information to monitor this
• Reduce and manage high level
variable
of breakdowns, incidents and
encroachment

23. Component Advances Elements to Improve
User • High Bus User Acceptance • Continuous monitoring of user
Acceptance (88% CSE, Jun 08) perception
• Good accessibility - at-
grade pedestrian crossings • Reduce pedestrian wait time at
at signalized intersections; pedestrian crossings,
• Acceptable waiting time for • Introduce non-grade
Travel Time bus services: 5 minute intersections where warranted
interval during peak hour (expected)
• Good Commercial speed: • Further increase the
16-19 Km/h (7-15 Km/h commercial speed for buses
without the bus corridor)
• Reduce the high variability in
bus intervals and speeds
• Automatic vehicle location
(dispatch, control, signal
(GPS) for a fraction of the
management)
Reliability bus fleet may provide
• Reduce the observed bunching
information to monitor this
• Reduce and manage high level
variable
of breakdowns, incidents and
encroachment

25. Component Advances Elements to Improve
• Bus shelters provide better • Reduce the high occupancy
protection than former bus stops of buses and platforms
• Presence of guards increase the (match supply and demand)
Comfort perception of safety and security • Increase and maintain in
• A fraction of the fleet has adequate condition the user
advanced characteristics information systems (scarce
• Variable message signs or vandalized maps & signs)
• Low Costs: capital investment • Collect data on capital and
Cost
(Infrastructure 14 Crores/km) operational productivity
• Monitor and report fatality
rates (currently high
• Reduced emissions (particulate
0.8/month)
Externalities matter, CNG engines; 13% New
• Expand corridor and improve
Fleet
bus service – attract motor
vehicle users

26. Component Advances Elements to Improve
• Bus shelters provide better • Reduce the high occupancy
protection than former bus stops of buses and platforms
• Presence of guards increase the (match supply and demand)
Comfort perception of safety and security • Increase and maintain in
• A fraction of the fleet has adequate condition the user
advanced characteristics information systems (scarce
• Variable message signs or vandalized maps & signs)
• Low Costs: capital investment • Collect data on capital and
Cost
(Infrastructure 14 Crores/km) operational productivity
• Monitor and report fatality
rates (currently high
• Reduced emissions (particulate
0.8/month)
Externalities matter, CNG engines; 13% New
• Expand corridor and improve
Fleet
bus service – attract motor
vehicle users

28. Lessons from Delhi
The bus corridor has improved people mobility along
the initial stretch, but requires significant performance,
safety and service quality enhancements
The observed problems in its initial operations are
partially the result of incomplete implementation of the
project plans and lack of understanding of the
systematic nature of public transport improvements
The project only comprised major changes in
infrastructure but lacked of integrated implementation
of service plans, technologies and operations.

29. Key Recommendations for Delhi
Establish a Performance Monitoring System with
the participation of external stakeholders in
measurement and oversight
Focus on improving Reliability and Comfort
Reevaluate the bus service plans to provide a
better match between demand and supply

30. Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Area:
- City 151 km2
- Metro 2,734 km2
Population (2008)
- City 1,579,174
- Density 10,458/km2
- Metro 4,300,000
- Metro Density 1,572/km2

31. Macrobus Guadalajra, Mexico

32. 16 Km, 27 Stations, 41 Articulated Buses + 103 Feeder Buses

33. Macrobus, Guadalara, Mexico
Initial Operation: March 10, 2009
Corridor: 16 kms, 27 stations
Buses: 41 articulated buses Euro IV ULSD
+103 conventional feeder buses
Privately Operated under PPP
Total Ridership: 110,000 passengers/day
Peak Load: 4,000 passengers/hour/direction
Commercial Speed 19.6 km/hour
Infrastructure Investment: USD 46.2 million
USD 2.9 million/km
Equipment Investment: ~USD 15 million
USD 0.9 million/km
User Fare: USD 0.38 (+ 0.08 feeder + 0.19 LRT)

34. Macrobus, Guadalajara, Mexico

35. Component Advances Elements to Improve
• Strong longitudinal segregation • Geometry in selected points (narrow
Running
• Median Busways returns)
Ways
• Good pavement structure • Quality of the reflective material
• Signs to channel left detoursComplete
• Left turning movements eliminated pedestrian crossing in far side of
Traffic
• Adequate Changes in Roadway stations
Engineering
Geometry • Complete traffic signal implementation
(expected)
• Wide enclosed facilities, glass
• Complete interior signage
doors
Stations • Open far side doors and pedestrian
• Level Boarding and Prepayment
crossings (expected)
• Passing lanes for express services
• Articulated vehicles (18 m), with
Vehicles Euro IV ULSD • Improve internal ventilation
• Easy Boarding/Alighting - 4 doors
• Combination of local and express • Adjust service plan to travel needs
Services services sharing the infrastructure • Introduce dual services (feeder + trunk,
• Feeder services in selected points to reduce transfers)
• Central control and dispatch
ITS • Yet to complete implementation
• Variable message signs at stations

36. Component Advances Elements to Improve
• Strong longitudinal segregation • Geometry in selected points (narrow
Running
• Median Busways returns)
Ways
• Good pavement structure • Quality of the reflective material
• Signs to channel left detours
• Left turning movements eliminated • Complete pedestrian crossing in far
Traffic
• Adequate Changes in Roadway side of stations
Engineering
Geometry • Complete traffic signal implementation
(expected)
• Wide enclosed facilities, glass
• Complete interior signage
doors
Stations • Open far side doors and pedestrian
• Level Boarding and Prepayment
crossings (expected)
• Passing lanes for express services
• Articulated vehicles (18 m), with
Vehicles Euro IV ULSD • Improve internal ventilation
• Easy Boarding/Alighting - 4 doors
• Combination of local and express
• Adjust service plan to travel needs
Services services sharing the infrastructure
• Introduce dual services
• Feeder services in selected points
• Central control and dispatch
ITS • Yet to complete implementation
• Variable message signs at stations

38. Component Advances Elements to Improve
• Monitor user perception through
periodic surveys
• High users approval (72%) and rate
User Acceptance • Enhance user education,
(8.2 out of 10)
especially on the use of card
vending/recharging machines
• Good accessibility through at-
grade pedestrian crossings at
• Complete the implementation of
signalized intersections
traffic signals for pedestrians
• Acceptable frequency: 5 minute
Travel Time • Further increase the commercial
intervals
speed for buses through
• High Commercial speed: 18.5 km/h
improved driver’s training
local service, 21 km/h express
service
• Complete the implementation of
automatic vehicle location (GPS)
for the bus fleet
• Regular dispatch at terminal points
Reliability • Complete the integration of the
using radio controlled operations
traffic signals to implement
coordinated signal plans
• Monitor and manage reliability

39. Component Advances Elements to Improve
• Monitor user perception through
periodic surveys
• High users approval (72%) and rate
User Acceptance • Enhance user education,
(8.2 out of 10)
especially on the use of card
vending/recharging machines
• Good accessibility through at-
grade pedestrian crossings at
• Complete the implementation of
signalized intersections
traffic signals for pedestrians
• Acceptable frequency: 5 minute
Travel Time • Further increase the commercial
intervals
speed for buses through
• High Commercial speed: 18.5 km/h
improved driver’s training
local service, 21 km/h express
service
• Complete the implementation of
automatic vehicle location (GPS)
for the bus fleet
• Regular dispatch at terminal points
Reliability • Complete the integration of the
using radio controlled operations
traffic signals to implement
coordinated signal plans
• Monitor and manage reliability

41. Component Advances Elements to Improve
• Bus stations provide very good • Improve the ventilation inside the
protection - wide, tall and well buses (introduce air conditioned
ventilated buses in system expansions)
• Bus occupancy, especially in non • Activate variable message signs
Comfort peak hours is low in stations to provide real time
• Very good and comprehensive information on bus arrivals
maps, signs • Introduce dual services (feeders
• Good connectivity with other that continue on the trunk road to
modes: feeder buses and light rail reduce transfers)
• Low capital investment cost
(Infrastructure USD 2.9 million /km,
• Collect data on capital and
Cost Equipment ~USD 0.9 million/km)
operational productivity
• Low operational costs (USD 1.9/
bus-km trunk services)
• Monitor and report externalities
• Expected reductions in emissions,
Externalities (accidents, emissions, land use
accidents, urban development
development)

42. Component Advances Elements to Improve
• Bus stations provide very good • Improve the ventilation inside the
protection - wide, tall and well buses (introduce air conditioned
ventilated buses in system expansions)
• Bus occupancy, especially in non • Activate variable message signs
Comfort peak hours is low in stations to provide real time
• Very good and comprehensive information on bus arrivals
maps, signs • Introduce dual services (feeders
• Good connectivity with other that continue on the trunk road to
modes: feeder buses and light rail reduce transfers)
• Low capital investment cost
(Infrastructure USD 2.9 million /km,
• Collect data on capital and
Cost Equipment ~USD 0.9 million/km)
operational productivity
• Low operational costs (USD 1.9/
bus-km trunk services)
• Monitor and report externalities
• Expected reductions in emissions,
Externalities (accidents, emissions, land use
accidents, urban development
development)

44. Lessons from Guadalajara
The BRTS has been a successful project: rapid
implementation, relative low cost, high quality, good
performance and high user acceptance
The BRT improved the current practices in Latin
America: median busways with good pavements,
strong segregation, wide/well ventilated stations,
passing lanes, good operational planning
The system still requires some improvements,
especially the implementation of a performance
monitoring system to enhance reliability and comfort

45. Delhi Bus Corridor:
Requires significant
performance, safety and
service quality
enhancements
Guadalajara BRTS:
Requires minor
implementation adjustments
and a continuous quality
improvement program

46. Janmarg Ahmadabad, India

50. Component Advances Elements to Improve
• Strong longitudinal segregation • Completing details
Running
• Median Busways • Careful maintenance
Ways
• Good pavement structure • Promote bike track use
• Complete pedestrian crossing in far
Traffic • Adequate Changes in Roadway side of stations
Engineering Geometry • Complete traffic signal implementation
(expected)
• Narrow entry/exit
• Median station, good design
• Complete interior details and signage
• Enclosed facilities, glass doors
Stations • Install turnstiles and ticketing
• Level Boarding and Prepayment
• Careful maintenance
• Accessible
• Manage interior flow of passengers
• Renewed fleet (can be better at a
cost) • Continue drivers’ training
Vehicles
• Easy Boarding/Alighting - 1 wide • Careful maintenance
door
Services • Frequent services • Adjust service plan to travel needs
• Fare collection
ITS • Yet to complete implementation • Central control and dispatch
• Variable message signs at stations

52. Component “High End” BRT
Quality of Service • High User Acceptance
• Easily Accessible
Travel Time • Low waiting time
• High commercial speed
• Low variability (intervals, speeds)
Reliability
• Low breakdowns, incidents
• Low Occupancy Levels (buses, platforms)
• Good user information
Comfort
• Seamless integration with other transport modes
• Perception of safety and security
• Relative low capital and operational costs
Cost
• High capital and operational productivity
• Low level of accidents (fatalities, injuries)
• Low emissions
Externalities • Congestion relief (attraction of personalized vehicle
users)
• Increased land values

53. Delhi Bus
Guadalajara BRTS Ahmadabad BRTS
Corridor
Strong leadership of the Strong leadership of Mr.
Difficult coordination
Governor and the Project I.P. Gotham, Municipal
among stakeholders
Leader Mr. D. Monraz Commissioner AMC
Technical advisory team Permanent support from
Weak institutional set-up with international practical CEPT with inputs from
experience ITDP
Fast implementation,
Slow implementation, very Careful gradual
adequate level of funding
low planning and implementation with
for planning and
implementation budget visible results
implementation
Strong focus on Systematic approach: infrastructure + vehicles +
infrastructure operations + technology

54. A good BRTS is the result of:
Strong leadership
Adequate coordination among stakeholders
Good technical planning, careful
implementation
A systems approach:
infrastructure + vehicles + operations +
technologies + education
Quality assurance trough performance
monitoring
Janmarg is already a “best practice” BRTS
Very careful completion is required, then continuous
monitoring and improvement

55. EMBARQ, The WRI Center for
Sustainable Transport, catalyzes
and helps implement sustainable
transport solutions than enhance
quality of life in cities and the global
environment

56. Andes

57. Thank you!
Global Strategic Partners
CATERPILLAR FOUNDATION
India Program Partners
Sustainable Urban Mobility for Asia SUMA
Godrej Industries
The World Bank – Global Environmental Facility
The UK High Commission SPF
www.embarq.org