Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Rapid urbanisation and rising motorisation have intensified challenges related to road congestion, traffic safety, and environmental degradation in medium-sized Indian cities. In this context, Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS) are increasingly promoted as cost-effective and sustainable urban transport solutions. This paper evaluates the impact of the Hubballi–Dharwad Bus Rapid Transit System (HDBRTS), Karnataka’s first BRT initiative, on road congestion, road safety, environmental outcomes, and travel behaviour in the twin cities. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, drawing on primary survey data from 2,064 commuters, twenty-one focus group discussions, stakeholder interviews, and secondary data including traffic accident records for the period 2015–2023. The findings indicate that HDBRTS has contributed significantly to reducing perceived road congestion and private vehicle dependence, with nearly half of the respondents reporting a decline in personal vehicle usage. High levels of user satisfaction, travel time savings, comfort, and cleanliness have encouraged a notable modal shift towards public transport. Environmental assessment reveals that a large majority of commuters perceive HDBRTS as environmentally sustainable, with reported reductions or normalisation of air pollution levels along the corridor. Road safety analysis shows a general decline in total accidents after system implementation, although fatal accidents remain a concern, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and behavioural interventions. Overall, the study demonstrates that HDBRTS performs strongly on key Bus Rapid Transit performance indicators such as congestion reduction, modal shift, environmental sustainability, and user satisfaction, while showing moderate outcomes in safety improvement. The findings suggest that HDBRTS represents a viable and replicable public transport model for medium-sized Indian cities, provided complementary measures related to enforcement, last-mile connectivity, and integrated mobility planning are strengthened.
Institution: Centre for Multi-disciplinary Development Research
Language: English
Subfield: Transportation
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7128430728