Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
is an advanced public transport system, often presented as a cost effective
alternati2ve to light rail. Like light rail evolved from tram, BRT evolved
from bus. Because Bus Rapid Transit requires relatively low investments
it is suited to serve cities or connections with a modest mobility demand.
Yes, Bus Rapid Transit vehicles do come with rubber tyres. But some lines
of the Paris metro do as well. That doesn't make them busses, right? The
French city of Douai calls its BRT even
'Tram'. The city seems quite convinced that the quality
of their BRT matches
up to the classic rail product.
In 2004 a Bus Rapid Transit system was introduced in the Dutch city of Eindhoven: Phileas. When Phileas was put into service it was still considered a prototype. It was to mature into a robust transport system during a full year of testing. The Phileas BRT consist of three main components:
Futuristic Phileas vehicle
To ensure optimum performance and benefits, Phileas runs on a dedicated route throughout virtually its entire length, unhindered by other traffic. Integrated in this route is an electronic guidance, through which the vehicle can operate automatically. Dutch law though requires a driver to be present. As a result Phileas is operated similar to a rail vehicle. It follows a fixed track while the driver controls the speed of the vehicle.
Phileas on dedicated traffic lane
The futuristic design of the vehicle supports the image of an innovative advanced transport system. Phileas sports a hybrid drive. A LPG engine powers a generator that provides the electicity for its electric motor. The electric motor is what actually gets the vehicle moving. During driving the generator produces more energy than necessary. That energy is stored in batteries. The batteries have enough capacity to drive the vehicle up to three kilometres without producing any emissions. This makes the Phileas perfectly suited for city centres or even for city-tunnels were such emissions are not wanted. Phileas is a barrier free public transport system. Phileas uses low floor vehicles while the platforms of the stops are higher then the regular bus stops. The gap between the side of the vehicle and the edge of the platform is just 5 cm, presenting no insurmountable barrier for wheelchair access, prams and pushchairs.
Barrier free access to the Phileas vehicle
All the stops, which have a modern design, are fitted with a bus shelter and wooden bench, a line map and departure times, and a pillar with a dynamic passenger information display indicating the waiting times for the various services. The electronic passenger information system enables information to be obtained on timetables, departure times and any delays via the internet at home, in shops and theatres. In Phileas itself, information is given on the route, the following stop and the arrival time at the terminus.
Phileas stop with dynamic passenger information
The Phileas concept was developed not only with the Eindhoven market in mind. Phileas had to become an export product as well. Late 2006 a Phileas was introducted in the French city of Douai. The city calls it 'Le Tram'.
Phileas video: part one
Phileas video: part two
Phileas video: part three
Phileas official web site
Advanced Public Transport Systems
Transports du Douaisis
Institute for Transportation & Development Policy
The Bus Rapid Transit Policy Center
Mobilien Paris
Mobilien fact sheet
Bus
Rapid Transit, article Nova Terra 2005/2 pdf, 0.47 Mb
Phileas
brochure pdf, 0.64 Mb
The Mobilien bus network, article Nova Terra 2006/1 pdf, 1.2 Mb
