India faces difficult challenges in providing efficient public transportation that is environment-friendly and equitable in serving the larger population. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is one such service which policymakers worldwide are viewing as a viable mode of transport as opposed to the traditional bus service or the heavy and light rail systems. Living in the urban nightmare that is the Kolkata, Fatima Chowdhury explores the option

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The unfolding chaos at Kolkata’s busy Chowringhee Road is normal with the cars honking impatiently as the red light of the traffic signal takes forever to change its colour. The engines of buses roar noisily leaving a trail of grey smoke behind, as passengers sweat it out. Then, there are the restless pedestrians waiting to cross the road with some even taking a chance. There is a tussle for space with vehicles, buses and people all trying to get ahead to make it to their destination in time.

In India, the problems of urbanisation is magnified as our cities crumble under existing realities of dug up pavements, grid-locked traffic, overflowing sewers and much more. Over the years, the challenges of Urban India have only increased with the government response lacking the vision to make a difference. The introduction of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in December 2005 by the Indian government is an effort to change all that by creating ‘economically productive, efficient, equitable and responsive cities.’ It is not a magical solution to the problem but a rather more organised approach for urban renewal in our cities as they cope to meet the needs of an ever growing population.

It is no secret that India faces difficult challenges in providing efficient and environment-friendly public transportation to cater to the growing population. The basic question now is what kind of service should municipalities, local self and non-governmental organisations consider to help not only improve mobility, but also create a positive impact on local communities and the global environment.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is one such service which policymakers worldwide are viewing as a viable mode of transport as opposed to the traditional bus service or the heavy and light rail systems. Organisations like US based think-tank, Breakthrough Technologies Institute (BTI), dedicated to the development and deployment of clean and efficient energy and transportation technologies defines BRT as: “a high quality, high capacity mass rapid transit system that, in many ways, improves upon traditional rail transit systems.” Though, heavy and light rail is a popular mode of transport it remains an expensive alternative, while the traditional bus service is affordable and flexible but burdened by a negative image of being slow and unattractive. BRT, on the other hand, as BTI points out: “combines the best features of rail with the flexibility and cost advantages of roadway transit.” The system has already been successfully implemented in a number of countries like Australia, South America and Europe. It is also now gaining popularity in US and Canada, where it has been embraced enthusiastically with new BRT lines having opened in several cities while new systems are being either planned or built in the near future.

The main feature of a BRT system is having dedicated bus lanes which operate separate from from all other traffic modes. This allows buses to operate at a very high level of reliability since only professional motorists are allowed on the busway. A side benefit of this are lower construction costs since busways can be engineered to tighter standards and still remain safe compared to a roadway open to non-professional drivers.

In India, BRT is still an unexplored concept that remains largely in the theoretical realm. But that is set to change as leading Canadian Transportation Consultants McCormick Rankin International (MRI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of McCormick Rankin Corporation (MRC) Group of Companies makes its presence felt in the corridors of power and policymakers.

MRI has already approached the West Bengal government and a feasibility study will be conducted soon, said state chief secretary Amit Kiran Deb recently. He said the firm will demarcate the required bus-bays.

States MRI: “Today governments recognise the importance of a balanced and efficient transportation system to economic health and environmental sustainability.” But points out that “there is an increasing need to deliver infrastructure as efficiently, safely and cost-effectively as possible.” Therefore, MRI feels it is important to embrace these challenges through a multi-disciplinary approach to projects having innovative solutions that exceed expectations. BRT is seen as part of that innovative solution in the sense that it aims to interconnect the efficiency of rail transit while keeping in mind the cost savings benefits of bus transit to provide a higher quality of transportation system. And although BRT Systems worldwide are fairly similar, modifications are made to fit specific requirements of a place.

The main features of BRT begin with Exclusivity and Bus Lanes known as ‘BRT Corridors’ which help the vehicles to avoid traffic and thus increase speed while reducing travel time. BRI articulately outlines the benefits of these corridors stating that: “it makes BRT more competitive with car travel and unlike rail, transit vehicles can leave the exclusive lane to take passengers directly to their destination. It can also provide emergency vehicles with congestion-free routes.” The second are the stations which come in different designs and allow passengers to pay their fare and embark on their journey in organised comfort. As for service, BRT offers convenience with the choice of express or local services. The bus schedules are kept simple and frequent, all day service with limited transfers between stations makes travelling a more pleasant experience.

Finally, the most important feature is the vehicle itself. BTI states that: “The best BRT vehicles have multiple doors for entry and exit and are designed to ‘dock’ with the station, similar to a rail system.” The vehicles come in different shapes and sizes based on which passenger capacity tends to vary. The largest vehicles are made by Volvo and have a maximum capacity of 300 passengers. But as BTI point out: “Some vehicles even have optical or magnetic guidance, enabling them to manoeuvre without a driver, as well as on-board electronic information displays.” Intelligent Transport System (ITS) features are incorporated once again to facilitate operational speed to passengers’ need.
The advantages outweigh the criticisms as BRT offers better quality and service and are value for investment. Moreover, it is environmentally sustainable with a recent analysis published in the Journal of Public Transportation citing that BRT is the best transit strategy to reduce transportation-related CO2 emissions.

BRI best sums it up by referring to BRT as “Better Rapid Transit. It is the best option available to restore high quality transit service, attract people out of their cars, and fight global warming.” So, as MRI get on to conduct preliminary study of a 47 km stretch for introduction of BRT Systems between Barasat and Baruipur trough E.M. Bypass in Kolkata, West Bengal, one is filled with a sense of hope that there is still a chance that the anguish for the common traveller has not gone unnoticed. Time will tell whether our hopes will become reality of a better tomorrow or the broken pieces of a dream once envisioned. It is for us to take the chance either way.