Bus Rapid Transit

Today, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is one of the fastest growing public transport systems. More than 200 cities throughout the world now offer BRT as part of their public network. This is not so surprising since BRT achieves results that are, in many cases, just as effective as rail solutions, but faster to implement and less costly. BRT flexibility combines stations, bus services, busways and information technologies into a dedicated and integrated system.

WSP has contributed to BRT projects on all continents, some highly advanced with systems that combine the latest technology with efficient, low-impact vehicle operations, state-of-the-art busways, stations, and signalling designs.

We have great experience in BRT implementation and funding strategies. We cover all the major components, including bus lanes and busways, stations and maintenance facilities. Here are some specific services:

• Feasibility study and strategic consulting
• Planning studies and environmental assessments
• Ridership modelling/forecasting
• Concept engineering and final design
• BRT station architectural services
• Traffic engineering and modelling
• Intelligent transportation systems design
• Construction-phase services
• Safety and security assessments and planning
• Vehicle and systems procurement and engineering
• Station-area planning and urban design of streetscapes
• BRT rolling stock specifications and procurement

WSP has helped large and small transit systems examine their bus route operations and maintenance to assist in adoption of new technologies and ridership growth. 

WSP is a one-stop shop for transit agencies and local jurisdictions in undertaking a BRT project or programme from vehicle procurement, to route development and maintenance of assets.

• Bus operations – Standard Operating Procedures
• Route optimisation
• First and Last Mile analysis
• Fare strategy
• Ridership and financial modelling
• Bus asset lifecycle optimisation
• Bus Asset Management Plan
• Maintenance review & training
• Bus procurement specifications
• Bus build quality control
• Alternative fuel propulsion studies (CNG, Hybrid, Hydrogen)
• Electric Vehicle Feasibility study
• Contractor specifications & contract
• Bus operations key performance indicators
• Bus Maintenance Facility Design

WSP is a global leader in low and zero emission vehicles having worked across Europe, Canada, US and South America on electric bus feasibility studies.

Our proprietary route simulation model helps agencies and government understand current electric buses capabilities in meeting route and passenger needs. Moreover, our lifecycle database helps to examine the overall cost of ownership.

In the UK, we participated in the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway project, the world’s longest of its kind. In the US, we worked on systems such as the Franklin Corridor EmX system in Oregon and the popular Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) in Las Vegas. 

In South Africa, WSP undertook the project management, design and construct the civil, structural, electrical and mechanical components of the BRT system in Johannesburg.

In Canada, our projects include Ontario’s York Region Viva and Mississauga BRT, and the Pie-IX BRT in Montreal. This $305 million project was the first of its kind in Quebec, and involved multiple multimodal hubs, including two subway connections and one commuter rail transfer point. Following a pre-feasibility study, a second mandate was awarded to us to proceed with a detailed feasibility study and preliminary engineering of the BRT.

In Australia, we worked on the South East Busway Extension in Brisbane, which will help meet the transportation needs of growing local communities.