BHLS in imagination and practice - a public transport system as a framework for urban development

One of the most important areas of a sustainable community is the spatial structure of it. Transport and public transport systems play an essential role in shaping and forming it. However, different transport systems have different characteristics and therefore have different influence on the urban structure and the surrounding public space. With Bus Rapid Transit and Buses with a High Level of Service it is aimed to achieve rail-like quality transit with rubber tire vehicles. However, there are large variations in BRT systems and each requires case-by-case analysis.

The aim of this study was to examine BHLS systems and their impacts in five different urban areas in Europe, and to explore the potential of a BHLS system to function as a frame for sustainable urban structure and urban development. This study also examines what sort of images people have regarding BHLS-like systems. The material was collected using a questionnaire addressed to the representatives of selected European cities and a survey for the residents in the Turku region. Data received from these surveys was supported by the information gained from the Turku Tram Workshop on 18 April 2017 and by field observation.

Based on the results of this study, images regarding a BHLS-like system are set between ordinary buses and trams across all parameters. On the other hand, based on the answers from the European cities in this study, Buses with a High Level of Service, if comprehensively implemented, can achieve modern tramway level of quality and as such promote sustainable urban structure and cityscape in comparable ways.