Compared to light rail systems, bus rapid transit is a very promising transportation system with a low cost, short project duration and capable of handling large traffic volumes. It can also maintain a satisfactory speed.

The Guiyang BRT system [Photo/gzgov.gov.cn]

The capital city of Guizhou province – Guiyang, aims to have its first BRT system, with a total length of 29 kilometers, completed and put into use in 2017. By then, passengers can take the rapid bus to travel around Guiyang city, when it will only take one hour for a round tour.

BRT is a transportation choice half way between normal buses and a light rail system. Compared with buses, its 18-meter carriage can handle more traffic volume. And it costs less compared to the construction cost of a light rail system–only one tenth of the light rail spend, and one twentieth that of a subway.

"The speed of BRT is 20-35 km/h, which is twice that of the normal bus speed. As an example, it currently takes two hours from Jinyang International Exhibition Center to Huaxi Park by bus, but it will only take one hour by BRT," said Xu Yongmei, director of Guiyang planning bureau.

"Considering Guiyang is a mountainous city, its BRT tracks are customized to adapt to the ups and downs of the landscape. The BRT line will have 11 stations and all of them will apply the elevated model during construction," said Xu.

The BRT line will cover most places in Guiyang's old city center, including the high speed railway station, Qianling Park and Huaguo Park. By then, more than 1.3 million people will enjoy the rapid system, which can help relieve the traffic pressure of the old town.