Mexico City Mayor Commits To More BRT Lines
by Eliza Barclay, Nomad on 09.19.07
Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard today announced the expansion of of the city’s “bus rapid transit” (BRT) system, known here as the Metrobus, by creating an additional nine lines over the next five years.
Ebrard signed a commitment to partner with the Center for Sustainable Transport (CTS), the World Resources Institute (WRI), and EMBARQ – the WRI Center for Sustainable Transport to reduce transport-related air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; improve urban transport; improve accessibility, traffic safety and public security; and boost the quality of public spaces in Mexico City.
CTS, WRI and EMBARQ will jointly design and manage the augmentation project, extending the Metrobus network from 20 to 220 kilometers. Once completed, the Metrobus system will be one of the largest BRT systems in the world. Construction has already begun on an extension to the existing Metrobus line, which runs along Insurgentes, a main thoroughfare. That line already carries more than 260,000 passengers each day and has shortened commute times by up to an hour, as well as reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, according to WRI.
The announcement meshes nicely with Ebrard's "Plan Verde," which we reported on recently.
Great post.
BRT's are the proven, cost-effective, sustainable solution for large cities seeking to clean-up the air, displace older/dirtier fleets, and provide first class transport to their citizens.
The US and other developed countries need to wake up!!
Congrats to Mexico City, EMBARQ, WRI, and the CTS.
Now...this is a solution to polution and traffic jam. Biking promotion is ok but it is not real solution for a 10 million pop. city, who travel more than 25 km each day.
Prepaid Metrobus and subway are actually the best transportation solutions at Mexico!!
Mexico DF definitely needs to get rid of private "microbuses / peseros" and replace them by a unique wholly transportation system to avoid the actual chaos.
Of course peseros owners will deserve compensation and why not being involved in a way with the new system. It's not about taking their job and revenue...
Too bad a light-rail option isn't available. Scales better (just add more cars) and is quieter (continuous welded rail), no potholes, and no diesel exhaust.
-Lego