Providing a Decision-Making Method for Evaluation of Exclusive BRT lanes Implementation Using Benefit-Cost Analysis - Case Study: Tehran BRT line 4

Abstract

Recently, the rapid growth of urbanization, in conjunction with a lack of proper transportation infrastructures, has raised traffic congestion in a great number of developing cities. The growing concern about traffic congestion persuades governments to promote public transit services which mostly need a substantial amount of money to implement. Budget limitations entice decision-makers to choose Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems as a less expensive solution. The implementation of BRT lines always comes with advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore decision-makers need a tool to evaluate the effects of converting a mixed-flow lane to a BRT lane. The main aim of this paper is to provide a decision- making criterion for the problem of lane conversion for BRT. To do so, Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) is applied, and finally, we assess Tehran BRT line 4, as a case study, in order to evaluate the impact of dedication of one lane to BRT on Chamran highway.