BRT Lanes: Side or Median?

BRT lanes on one side BRT lanes on either side

The location of the bus lanes is the first step towards finalising the design. Conventional wisdom would suggest locating them on the side, since that is where buses traditionally operate. The stations can be accommodated on the footpath. In Ahmedabad, the planners considered both options. A median bus lane was a major departure from the norm. There were apprehensions about user acceptance.

The advantages and disadvantages of both designs were debated.

Median BRT lanes with kerb-side bus stops

Comparison between side and median BRT lanes:

Side lane

Junction management is an issue. Buses interfere with left turning traffic. Junction management is easier. Bus flows can be integrated with other flows.

Bus stations are perceived to provide easier access from the pedestrian way.

Median lane

It appears that commuters would have to cross the road to access bus stations.

Abutting property access will be affected in case of side lanes. There is no issue with access to abutting properties.

Overall system speed is lower owing to frequent slowdown for left-turning or parked vehicles and pedestrians accessing properties. Overall system speed is higher, since the bus lanes are not subject to interruptions from other traffic.

Experience from around the world showed that median lanes were widely used and appeared to be successful. Other than the perceived issue of tradition and accessing stations in the centre, the overall traffic movement appeared to be much better organised with median bus lanes. The station access too could be resolved with appropriate design. Janmarg chose to go with the median bus lane option, with a focussed campaign to build consensus on this among stakeholders. Basic Layout