Uruguay
A MTOP report backed BRT to launch the metropolitan transport reform
A comparative study released by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works identified the bus rapid transit system as the most suitable alternative for the first stage of the overhaul of the metropolitan network. The assessment also included tram or light rail and underground light metro options.
The Ministry of Transport and Public Works published a comparative study on the alternatives for future metropolitan corridors, and the assessment concluded that the bus rapid transit system appears to be the most suitable option for the first phase of the transport transformation, according to Caras y Caretas Uruguay.
According to that outlet, the study was prepared by Redes México, Redes Brasil and AIC Economía & Finanzas, and examined three possibilities: electric BRT, tram or light rail, and underground light metro. The analysis focused on the 8 de Octubre-Camino Maldonado and avenida Italia-avenida Luis Giannattasio corridors, with convergence at Tres Cruces and continuity toward downtown Montevideo via 18 de Julio.
According to the report, the study took into account international experiences and local conditions to measure capacity, regularity, required infrastructure, costs and urban and environmental impacts. The result was that the three variants could meet projected demand, although with significant differences in investment, operational flexibility and expansion potential.
Based on that study, the Metropolitan Transport System Agency determined that BRT offers performance similar to that of a light rail system, but with lower investment and operating costs, as well as lower energy consumption, Caras y Caretas Uruguay reported.
The first planned stage covers the 8 de Octubre-Camino Maldonado and avenida Italia-avenida Luis Giannattasio corridors, with a hub at Tres Cruces and an extension toward downtown Montevideo via avenida 18 de Julio.
The report, still according to that outlet, also stressed that this alternative offers greater flexibility to maintain service continuity in the face of contingencies and better conditions to expand the network progressively toward other areas of the metropolitan area. Among the stated objectives are improving the travel experience with more frequent service, shorter travel times and greater predictability, as well as expanding access to mobility with efficient use of public resources and lower emissions.
The document added that those results depend on ensuring traffic priority, adequate stations and efficient integration between the corridors and the feeder lines.
Sources
About this note. Written by El Notero with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on what was published by the cited outlet. El Notero did not do its own reporting on this fact.
