Actors and Associations Circulating BRT

Abstract

This chapter builds an analytic for studying the policy actors and policy networks moving bus rapid transit (BRT) policy across South African cities. It focuses on the variety of policy actors involved in the circulation of BRT in South Africa. The chapter explores how some actors are instrumental in planting ideas that might lie dormant, while others engage in their prospective evaluation and application. In making the case for studying the typologies of policy mobilizers, it considers the actors and associations moving BRT through South African cities, in particular contemplating the role of policy mobilizers, intermediaries and local pioneers in creating, communicating, circulating and embracing BRT. Local pioneers are the actors who localize and apply the innovation. Policy actors work through a variety of professional and nonprofessional, local and international, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, sometimes referred to in the literature as policy networks.