Buses with High Level Of Service (BHLS) – Operational, Regulatory And Contractual Dimensions

Buses with High Level of Service (BHLS) is an emerging term in Europe for higher quality bus services in urban areas, based on a combination of better operating environment, high quality vehicles, upgraded infrastructure, improved customer services, marketing, image and a systemic approach. BHLS is not the same product as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), although there are many features in common. The primary objective of BHLS is to uplift the quality of the bus mode rather than to provide the mass transit function. Many European cities have extreme limitations in available road width, BHLS aims to get the maximum capacity and quality within the available space. This paper reports the findings of an EU COST Action on BHLS, which includes practitioners and researchers from 14 EU countries. It presents BHLS practice, a set of 5 Case Studies (France, Netherlands, Ireland, Spain and Sweden, and operational characteristics of BHLS systems in Europe. A review of procurement and contractual aspects indicates that BHLS has been implemented within existing regulations, procedures, contract structures and performance parameters. Information on the COST TU603 action on BHLS can be obtained at www.bhls.euInstitute of Transport and Logistics Studies. Faculty of Economics and Business. The University of Sydne

Africa\u27s First Bus Rapid Transit System

Africa\u27s first bus rapid transit (BRT) scheme became operational in March 2008 in Lagos, Nigeria. Termed BRT-Lite, this new form of BRT focuses on the delivery of improved quality of life within a modest budget. The implementation program, from conception to operation, was collapsed into a 15-month time frame; that together with its delivery cost of $1.7m/km made its development unique and its experience relevant to cities throughout the world seeking to develop BRT. BRT-Lite\u27s success cannot be explained by its infrastructure; it is also the result of a holistic approach. That approach involved reorganization of the bus industry, the financing of new buses, the creation of a new institutional structure and regulatory framework of support, and the training of personnel to drive, maintain, enforce, and manage the BRT. While these challenges were being met, the public was engaged and informed about a transportation system of which it had no previous knowledge. Public reception of the concept was immediate and positive. An assessment of BRT-Lite, which followed its inception, found the scheme to be an unprecedented success. The critical success factors were defined as significant and consistent political commitment, the presence and capabilities of a strategic public transport authority, a scheme definition that concentrated on essential user needs and deliverability within a budget and program, engagement of key stakeholders, assurances that the benefits would be widespread, and a community engagement program to ensure that BRT-Lite was seen as a community project created, owned, and used by Lagosians. The future challenge is to meet high demand through rollout of the BRT network