Bus Rapid Transit System Introduction in Johor Bahru: A Simulation-Based Assessment

Sitti Asmah Hassan,Intan Nurfauzirah Shafiqah Hamzani,Abd Ramzi Sabli,Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor

doi:10.3390/su13084437

Sitti Asmah Hassan, Intan Nurfauzirah Shafiqah Hamzani + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084437

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Abstract

Bus rapid transit (BRT) is one of the strategies to promote improvements in urban mobility. In this study, BRT scenarios, which integrate exclusive bus lanes and bus priority signal control in mixed traffic scenarios, were modelled using a VISSIM microsimulation. Three scenarios of BRT were modelled to represent 16:84, 38:62 and 54:46 modal splits between public transport and private vehicles. It was found that Scenario 4 (the 54:46 scenario) offers better benefits in terms of delay time saving and economic benefits. In general, it was found that the BRT system enhances the functioning of the transport system and provides people with faster and better mobility facilities, resulting in attractive social and economic benefits, especially on a higher modal split of public transport. It is regarded as one strategy to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce dependency on private vehicles. The finding of this study provides an insight on the effective concept of the BRT system, which may promote the dissemination of an urban mobility solution in the city. The results can help policymakers and local authorities in the management of a transport network in order to ensure reliable and sustainable transport.

Highlights

Based on a microsimulation-based evaluation, in general, the bus rapid transit (BRT) system improved the operation of the transport system and providing faster and better services to people in terms of mobility, resulting in an attractive value for society and the economy
In whatever situation, it is expected that there is a trade-off between private vehicle delay and public transport delay at the signalised junctions, especially when we look into an individual approach of the junction
As the number of people opting for public transport is higher, the social and economic benefits are prevalent

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Due to the increasing development of the city, providing efficient urban public bus transportation has become a challenge [43] It was reported by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research [44] that the number of registered vehicles in Malaysia had increased from 8 million in 1997 to more than 27 million in 2016, representing an increase of more than 300% in 19 years, whereas the population has only had an increase of 146% in the last 19 years. It considers the role of signal priority and an exclusive lane at a junction in influencing the operational efficiency and cost associated with BRT.

Site Description

Proposed

Data Collection

Peak traffic volume at the

Economic Evaluation

Conclusions