Decision-Making Frameworks for Urban Infrastructure Projects: Focus on Bus Rapid Transit Systems in Developing Countries
Syed Qasim Abbas
Traffic Engineer and Transport Planner @ Exponent Engineers | Traffic Engineering Solutions
Urban infrastructure plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development of cities. Among various transport systems, the need for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in developing countries is driven by their technical efficiency in addressing urban transportation challenges. BRT systems provide dedicated lanes and priority signaling, ensuring faster and more reliable transit compared to mixed traffic buses. They are capable of moving 15,000–45,000 passengers per hour per direction, making them ideal for cities with rapidly increasing travel demand but constrained budgets. Unlike metro systems, BRT infrastructure, such as stations, corridor designs, and advanced ticketing systems, is faster and cheaper to implement, often at 4–20 times lower cost as compared to LRT or MRT. Additionally, BRT systems incorporate features like low-floor or articulated buses for high capacity, intelligent transport systems (ITS) for operational efficiency, and emissions-reducing technologies making them a technically robust and scalable solution for urban mobility in developing countries.
This article explores key decision-making frameworks for efficient implementation of urban infrastructure projects, with a focus on BRT systems in developing countries.
Challenges in Urban Infrastructure Decision-Making
Urban infrastructure projects, particularly in developing countries, are often delayed by:
BRT projects face additional challenges, such as the need for dedicated road space, integration with existing transit systems, and ensuring affordability for low-income populations. Addressing these challenges requires robust frameworks that balance economic, social, and environmental considerations.
Key Decision-Making Frameworks
CBA is widely used to evaluate the economic feasibility of a project by comparing its detailed costs , including infrastructure development, maintenance, utilities relocations, as well as cost of bus fleet and its operational costs. The Benefits includes social and economic benefits (VOC, Time Savings, etc.)
If a Project yields a positive Cost to Benefit Ratio, it is feasible, and the project can be moved forward to the higher authorities and cabinet for approvals.
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Business Model for Public Transport (PT) Operations aims to identify the various business services and entities involved in PT operations. This section discusses a deal structure that ensures Value for Money, keeping in mind the economic and institutional context of the city and the most effective allocation of risks.
For the procurement of fleet and operations and maintenance of buses broadly 2 options can be explored i.e.,
1.????? Unbundled Supply and O & M
2.????? Bundled Supply and O & M.
However, in option 2 there can further be 2 sub-options i.e., Supply to be financed by Government or through private financing.
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The Most suitable Business Model for Supply, Operations and Maintenance of Public Transport is “Unbundled Traditional procurement modes for Fleet & O & M Service Provider”, In this procurement mode the buses will be procured by the government and will provide the buses for operations. The operator will operate and maintain the buses for the term of contract and will construct the depots as per the best international practices wherever required.
Pros: simple structures, high market acceptability, high chance of efficient bid price
Cons: upfront funding by the procuring authority (except in case of Finance structure), integration risk between several contracts, performance backstopped by the procuring authority.
These frameworks focus on the environmental and social sustainability of infrastructure projects. Evaluates long-term environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and urban heat islands. Assesses the project's contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as reduced inequalities and sustainable cities. These goals provide better vision to the Decision makers to decide the priority of projects and these goals are helpful to attract international donor agencies as well.
The increasing population density and determination of public transport demand plays a vital role, the demand of the BRT System create a significant impact on decision making for e.g. A BRT System that will serve 300,000 passenger per days seems to be providing a greater impact on overall city mobility but if a BRT System has a demand of only 50,000 passengers per day, it can be served through Conventional Public Transport Buses in mixed traffic lanes and the BRT can be implemented after 5 or 10 Years when it can serve a more population and these buses would be integrated with the BRT Network as Feeder or Direct Services
Case Studies from Developing Countries
TransMilenio, Bogotá’s BRT system, stands out for its innovative features that enable it to handle some of the highest passenger volumes globally for a bus system. Operating on dedicated lanes, it achieves capacities of up to 45,000 passengers per hour per direction (pphpd) with articulated and bi-articulated buses. Its trunk-and-feeder network connects high-capacity corridors to peripheral areas, ensuring citywide accessibility. TransMilenio incorporates prepaid fare systems at enclosed stations, reducing boarding times and ensuring efficient operations. The system is managed through a public-private operational model, with private operators running buses under strict government contracts and the performance is monitored through KPI’s. Additionally, its centralized control center and intelligent transport systems (ITS) optimize real-time operations, ensuring high-frequency, reliable service at speeds of up to 28 km/h, making it one of the most efficient and scalable BRT systems in the world.
The Green Line BRT in Karachi features modern infrastructure tailored to the city’s needs, with ?22 kilometers of dedicated lanes to ensure uninterrupted transit through congested corridor. It includes elevated and enclosed stations equipped with escalators, elevators, and facilities for persons with disabilities, enhancing accessibility and passenger comfort. The system employs an intelligent transport system (ITS) for automated fare collection, real-time bus tracking, and operational monitoring, ensuring reliability and efficiency. Additionally, its fleet of environment-friendly, Euro-compliant Diesel Hybrid buses support sustainable urban mobility while addressing Karachi's growing transit demand.
Conclusion
BRT systems have immense potential to transform urban mobility in developing countries. However, their success depends on a structured and context-sensitive decision-making approach. By adopting robust frameworks, policymakers can address challenges, optimize resource use, and ensure that BRT systems deliver maximum socio-economic and environmental benefits. Developing countries must prioritize capacity building, stakeholder collaboration, and data-driven planning to create sustainable and inclusive urban transport solutions. It is evident that these BRT systems have a wide impact on the mobility of peoples and have a lot of economic benefits if the subsequent actions were taken such as Bus Industry Restructuring Program and the Key Performance Indicators were timely monitored so an efficient public transport system will keep serving masses.
References
Project Management | Contracts Management | MEM - Construction Project Management
3 个月Very informative
Attended NED University of Engineering & Technology (NEDUET)
3 个月Very informative
Civil/Transportation Engineer | NEDUET | Specialised in Urban and Infrastructure Engineering
3 个月Very informative