[sustran] Example of why BRT can be delayed by interest groups

[Brendan Finn]

Dear all, 

I agree on the need to provide realistic guidance, and to be upfront about
real-world challenges.

That said, I think we should make a very clear distinction between:

- cases of normal process, including full stakeholder consultation and
even redesign where required
- cases where institutional, organisational, operator issues need to also
be resolved and add to the timeline (e.g. operator restructuring/formation
in Joburg/Cape Town)
- cases where interest groups significantly drag out the process

It would also be worth examining if there is any material difference in
timeline between the first and subsequent BRT projects in a country - i.e.
does the first BRT in a country have to invest time in a 'pipe-cleaning'
of attitudes, frameworks and processes, which then benefits all subsequent
projects?

It is not clear from the article about LA sent by Eric Bruun how long the
process took, and how much delay has been suffered by wrangling and
stalling tactics. Nonetheless, two things are clear to me:

1) However long the wrangling takes, once the green light is given the
bus-based option will be in operation quicker than the rail alternative;
and
2) If the Council will not approve the needed priority on a particular
section, there will not be any rail-based system there at all, whereas the
bus can still run in mixed traffic on that section

With best wishes, 


Brendan.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________
Brendan Finn          e-mail : etts at indigo.ie          tel :
+353.87.2530286





On 23/06/2011 08:29, "eric britton" <eric.britton at ecoplan.org> wrote:

>Excellent discussion and the idea of a comparative study and analysis
>would
>be very timely. Including of course with the specific problems encountered
>into each time, work-arounds, etc.
>
>I think this is very important since there is a lot of sunny talk about
>the
>speed with which BRT can be up and going, and we must be able to provide
>realistic guidance based on achievement on the street.
>
>Thanks to all on this,
>
>Eric Britton
> 
>
>
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