2017年-世界发展银行全球_Time_for_a_Tailored_Approach_to_South_African_BRTs___2页_319kb

Summary of the Document: Time for a Tailored Approach to South African BRTs

Core Content

The document discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in South African cities, particularly focusing on Johannesburg's Rea Vaya BRT. It highlights the need for a tailored approach to BRT design and operation, given the structural differences between South African and Latin American urban environments.

Main Points

• Urban Form and Travel Demand Differences:

  • South African cities are polycentric, with a central business district, high-density low-income townships, and low-density suburbs.
  • In contrast, Latin American cities are more compact and dense.
  • Travel patterns in South Africa are characterized by longer and more unidirectional trips, with a high peak-to-base ratio (about 9:1 in Johannesburg vs. typically under 3:1 in Latin American cities).
  • The average daily commute distance in Johannesburg is 27 km, significantly higher than in Latin American cities like Mexico City (18 km), Bogotá (12 km), and Lima (8 km).

• Operational Performance of BRTs:

  • The Rea Vaya BRT, South Africa's first BRT system, has 43.5 km of trunk corridors operational by 2016.
  • However, its ridership and fare recovery are well below initial estimates, with a current fare recovery ratio of 32%.
  • Even if the original forecast of 162,000 daily passengers was met, the fare income would still fall short of operational costs.

• Impact on Operational Indicators:

  • The unique urban structure of South Africa affects BRT performance indicators such as ridership per km, passengers per bus-km, and average weekday riders per bus.
  • The high peak-to-base ratio results in low fleet and labor productivity during off-peak hours.

Key Considerations for BRT Reforms

• Operating Subsidies:

  • Due to the low fare recovery and high operational costs, operating subsidies may be necessary for South African BRTs, similar to other long-distance public transport modes.

• Flexibility of BRT Services:

  • There is a need to prioritize flexibility over mass transit capacity in BRT design.
  • Services should be tailored to high peak demand, while low-density areas may benefit from demand-responsive minibus taxi services.

• Reassessment of BRT Infrastructure:

  • The initial BRT infrastructure in Johannesburg, which includes segregated right of way, pre-paid fares, large stations, and minimal vehicle-to-platform gaps, may not be necessary or efficient for all South African BRTs.

Conclusion

• BRTs will remain a key component of South Africa's future public transport networks.
• However, cities must adapt BRT models to suit their specific urban form and travel demand.
• A multimodal, fiscally sustainable approach is essential for the long-term success of BRTs in South Africa.
• The document advocates for a more tailored BRT solution that is safe, clean, and affordable for South African cities.