Interface between Vehicles and Stations for Bus Rapid Transit Systems

One method for solving the urban traffic issue is to develop high-capacity rapid transit and promote public transit priority. Characterized by low cost, a short construction cycle, and flexible development, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corresponds to the urban development characteristics of China. BRT is composed of five basic components, including stations, vehicles, services, running ways, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Vehicles and stations are crucial elements of a BRT system, and the vehicle-to-station interface is important to the efficiency and functionality of the BRT system; a logical interface will facilitate boarding and alighting for riders to reduce dwell time, ease movement for passengers with disabilities, and enhance customer convenience and safety. The papers discusses the interface between vehicles and stations from three aspects, including vertical gap, horizontal gap, and transverse gap, and then it reviews international and Chinese practices to provide information on some technologies and methods used to eliminate the gap between vehicles and stations.