Developing a BRT planning tool for small and medium-sized cities

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has predominantly been implemented in major urban areas worldwide, but interest is growing in its application within small and medium-sized cities. In these contexts, enhanced bus-based public transport is often essential for promoting more sustainable transport systems. However, limited research has explored how BRT can be adapted to smaller cities, particularly in Europe, where challenges such as limited space, lower passenger demand, and fragmented governance require collaboration among multiple stakeholders during the planning process. A key problem is that there is no common understanding of how to plan and implement BRT in such contexts. This paper addresses that gap by developing a BRT planning tool using a Delphi-inspired approach to identify shortcomings in existing tools. The resulting "Planning Tool for Swedish BRT" aims to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders early in the planning process. The proposed tool offers a more balanced approach to achieving BRT status, moving away from the traditional infrastructure-heavy focus on capacity and commercial speed prevalent in large urban areas. It integrates infrastructure, urban design, vehicle systems, and operational strategies while promoting thoughtful design decisions that ensure high-quality services. This approach recognizes the evolution of BRT projects in smaller cities, transitioning from purely transport-focused solutions to broader urban development initiatives.