Can Combined Priority Bus Lanes, as a Preparatory Step of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Implementation, Improve Public Transport Service Performance? Assessing two Bus Route and Layout Options for the City of Chisinau/Moldova

Abstract

This study assesses the performance impacts of a projected exclusive Combined Priority Lane (CPL) network for the use of all scheduled public transport systems (trolleybuses, conventional diesel buses and minibuses) in the City of Chisinau. For the assessment, two in terms of network extent different route layout options were compared to the current public transport situation. The CPL design enables a subsequent Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRT) upgrade. In a multi-layered approach a utility analysis was conducted, evaluating 15 performance indicators describing transport and economical efficiency, as well as societal and environmental impacts. Furthermore cost-utility estimations were made for the investment costs of the two layout options. The results were benchmarked with best practice development alternatives. For the procedure a set of empirical methodologies mainly from transport, social, and economic sciences as well as urbanism were used. The results point out that especially transport users and the local economy benefit from extensive travel time savings. In regard to the enhanced travel time competitiveness the measure entails a notable shift of trips from motorized to public transport, which proves to have a positive impact on local environment and energy consumption schemes. Accordingly, the overall rating of the CPL impact on Chisinau public transport performance was positive. However, comparing the CPL model with other development alternatives, it must be clear that it could only be the first step on the pathway to an efficient, equitable, attractive, and sustainable public transport.