TCRP Report 90, Volume 1, BRT Case StudiesReturn to Case StudiesPrevious PageNext Page===============Curitiba, BrazilContentsSummaryCity ContextBasic Structure of the Curitiba Transport SystemLand Use PoliciesParking PoliciesThe Busway SystemResultsAssessmentApplicability to U.S. CitiesReferences and NotesCURITIBA, BRAZIL BRT CASE STUDYCuritiba, Brazil ii Table of Contents CURITIBA, BRAZIL .............................................................. 1 SUMMARY ...............................................................................................................1 CITY CONTEXT .......................................................................................................1 BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE CURITIBA TRANSPORT SYSTEM.................................2 PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION BACKGROUND .............................................4 LAND USE POLICIES ..............................................................................................4 PARKING POLICIES .................................................................................................4 GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND OPERATIONS.............................................5 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION—CONSULTATION ................................................5 THE BUSWAY SYSTEM ............................................................................................5 BUSWAY TRACK ................................................................................................6 PASSENGER FACILITIES ......................................................................................6 Tube Stops ...................................................................................................7 Integration and Mid-Route Terminals ........................................................7 VEHICLES...........................................................................................................8 SERVICE AND OPERATIONS ................................................................................8 Express Service ...........................................................................................9 Direct Service..............................................................................................9 SYSTEMS AND TRAFFIC CONTROL ELEMENTS ....................................................9 Traffic Controls and Busway Enforcement .................................................9 Safety and Security......................................................................................9 Fare Collection ...........................................................................................9 MARKETING .....................................................................................................10 FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND FARES..............................................................10 RESULTS................................................................................................................12 RIDERSHIP/USAGE............................................................................................12 RIDERSHIP TRENDS ..........................................................................................12 BUS SPEEDS–TRAVEL TIMES............................................................................12 ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS.............................................................................13 ASSESSMENT .........................................................................................................13 IMPORTANT LESSONS RELEVANT TO U.S. CONDITIONS ...................................13 Transit First Policy ...................................................................................14Curitiba, Brazil iii Busways as a Mass Transit System ...........................................................14 Busway Passenger Handling.....................................................................14 Busway Design ..........................................................................................15 Bus Operations..........................................................................................15 Land Use and Transport Coordination.....................................................16 Supply of Bus Services ..............................................................................16 Organization .............................................................................................17 Image.........................................................................................................17 APPLICABILITY TO U.S. CITIES ...........................................................................19 REFERENCES AND NOTES............................................... 20CURITIBA, BRAZIL BRT Case Study SUMMARY Curitiba’s bus system was developed as an integral part of an overall master plan whose basic objectives included radial expansion of the city along five corridors (structural axes), integrating land use and transport, and protecting the traditional city center. The median busways in each corridor are in the center of a “trinary” road system (busway, local street, one-way arterial). Development densities are greatest within this system as compared with other parts of the city. Curitiba’s busways are viewed as a model bus rapid transit (BRT) system. They are widely recognized for their many innovative features. Trunk and feeder bus lines routed through terminals allow convenient fare-free transfer. Bi-articulated five-door buses and tube stations with off-vehicle fare collection and floor-level boarding facilitate passenger access. Finally, direct express service and tube stations are provided along parallel, one-way arterial streets. The overall system is the result of many incremental decisions aimed at improving service quickly, pragmatically, and affordably. The bus system includes about 60 kilometers [37 miles] of median busways and carries about 2 million people per day. The system carries up to 11,100 passengers one way on the busiest busways in the peak direction during the peak hour. Bus speeds average 20 kph [12 mph] along the busway and about 30 kph [19 mph] on the “direct” express routes. Development costs have been estimated at $1.5 million (U.S. dollars) per kilometer [$2.4 million per mile]. About 70% of Curitiba’s commuters use the bus system even though Curitiba’s automobile ownership and per capita incomes are significantly higher than the national average
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