<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN"> <HTML> <HEAD> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META NAME="Generator" CONTENT="MS Exchange Server version 6.5.7654.12"> <TITLE>Ahmedabad?s Janmarg: Changing the Game for BRT Systems in India</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY>  Madhav Pai from WRI brought this to my attention: See <A HREF="http://thecityfix.com/ahmedabad%E2%80%99s-janmarg-changing-the-game-for-brt-systems-in-india/">http://thecityfix.com/ahmedabad%E2%80%99s-janmarg-changing-the-game-for-brt-systems-in-india/</A> *** Ahmedabads Janmarg: Changing the Game for BRT Systems in India *** By Dario Hidalgo The international public transport community defines bus rapid transit (BRT) as a flexible, rubber-tired form of rapid transit that combines stations, vehicles, services, running ways and [intelligent transportation systems] elements into an integrated system with strong identity (TCRP Report 90, Bus Rapid Transit Volume 2: Implementation Guidelines, 2003). The new Janmarg BRT system, in the process of being completed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, meets most of the highest standards applied internationally. It is already a best practice of BRT in South Asia, in sharp contrast to the bus corridors in operation in Delhi and Pune, which are off to a good start but still have much room for improvement. Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Mr. I.P. Gautam says that Janmarg focuses on moving people, not traffic, according to a recent news article. We believe all people, men and women, young and old, physically challenged, should be able to move around in comfort. Efficiently, affordability, safety and security are central to the plan. SYSTEM STRENGTHS Indeed, Janmarg incorporates several sophisticated features of a high-level BRT system, including:     * median busways with strong longitudinal segregation and good pavement structure     * changes in road geometry to accommodate new traffic patterns, including split flyovers, as well as new pedestrian and bicycle facilities     * real bus stations, located in the median, with prepayment and level access to the buses     * renewed vehicle fleets with special design, including wide doors on both sides; and;     * frequent service to improve passenger convenience The system also includes electronic fare collection, centralized control and user information systems. All these elements are classified as high-end, making Janmarg the first full BRT system in India. THINGS TO BUILD UPON ... for the full story see <A HREF="http://thecityfix.com/ahmedabad%E2%80%99s-janmarg-changing-the-game-for-brt-systems-in-india/">http://thecityfix.com/ahmedabad%E2%80%99s-janmarg-changing-the-game-for-brt-systems-in-india/</A> </BODY> </HTML>