The Competition Relationship Analysis on BRT and Rail Transit in Urban Integrated Transportation System

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is playing an important part in the urban transportation system. This study aims at specifying the applicability of BRT and rail transit, especially the light rail transit (LRT), as well as the competition relationship between them, to give suggestions on choice making between BRT and rail transit in big cities in China. Based on an all-round review of domestic and international research and practice of BRT and rail transit, the economic and technical characteristics as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each mode are acquired. Then through two passenger surveys, the competition relationship between BRT and LRT is discussed. Attention is paid to the station and stop influence characteristics in Beijing. It is concluded that despite the many similarities between the two modes, rail transit has a larger influence scope and is better for the future development of the surrounding regions, and BRT is more suitable for transport corridors with fully grown passenger flow.