Bus rapid service (BRS) is a public transit model designed to improve bus speeds and reliability without the massive capital investment of a dedicated busway. It typically relies on a mix of queue jumps, transit signal priority, and limited stops along mixed-traffic arterial roads. Transit agencies use this designation to distinguish upgraded, faster routes from both local service and full-scale rapid transit corridors.
We're upgrading the northern corridor to BRS next year by adding transit signal priority at the major intersections.
Do not mix it up with
- BRT: BRT implies dedicated lanes and station infrastructure, while BRS usually operates in mixed traffic with signal priority.
Related terms
BRT
This initialism stands for bus rapid transit, a high-capacity public transport system using buses on dedicated lanes.
Bus rapid transit
A high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective services at metro-level capacities.
Priority
The legal right of a vehicle or pedestrian to proceed ahead of conflicting traffic.