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Istanbul Metrobüs: first intercontinental bus rapid transit

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  • Alpkokin, Pelin
  • Ergun, Murat

Abstract

Whilst debate comparing the technologies of bus-based transit ways with rail systems continues, the comparative cost advantages and capability of responding to rapidly changing mobility needs offered by Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems are well acknowledged. Istanbul has recently developed its 42km BRT network with further extensions currently being constructed. The Istanbul BRT system (Metrobüs) consists of three main sections. The first section (2007) was initially built on the European side of the city through a high demand arterial and its extension as the section was completed in 2008. It received criticism for having been preferred over rail alternatives. The third section (2009) runs over one of the two Istanbul Strait (Bosporus Strait) Bridges connecting Asia and Europe, by which Metrobüs has uniquely acquired the distinction of crossing a major water barrier and connecting two continents. Istanbul Strait is a major transportation bottleneck and source of congestion and Metrobüs is the only transit system for crossings. Shortly after the opening of the bridge section, the whole system has recorded a directional capacity of 24,000passengers/h and patronage of 620,000 daily ridership. The number of passengers attracted from car users and intermediate forms of public transportation is also notable. This paper first contributes to the BRT literature by introducing this special and recent BRT system with all its planning and operational aspects. Furthermore, for policy guidance, Metrobüs is evaluated as to whether it has made effective inputs for sustainable development and mobility aims in Istanbul.

Suggested Citation

  • Alpkokin, Pelin & Ergun, Murat, 2012. "Istanbul Metrobüs: first intercontinental bus rapid transit," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 58-66.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:24:y:2012:i:c:p:58-66
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2012.05.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Ferbrache, Fiona, 2018. "Developing bus rapid transit," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 203-205.
    4. Chinnawat Hoonsiri & Vasin Kiattikomol & Siriluk Chiarakorn, 2020. "Energy Saving and CO 2 Reduction Potential from Partial Bus Routes Reduction Model in Bangkok Urban Fringe," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-18, November.
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    6. Sitti Asmah Hassan & Intan Nurfauzirah Shafiqah Hamzani & Abd. Ramzi Sabli & Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor, 2021. "Bus Rapid Transit System Introduction in Johor Bahru: A Simulation-Based Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-13, April.
    7. İsmail ÖNDEN & Nurbanu DOĞAN & Fahrettin EELDEMİR, 2018. "Hızlı Otobüs Taşımacılığı İçin İstasyon Lokasyonlarının Belirlenmesine Yönelik Yaklaşımlar," Istanbul Management Journal, Istanbul University Business School, vol. 29(85), pages 41-58, December.
    8. Zolnik, Edmund J. & Malik, Ammar & Irvin-Erickson, Yasemin, 2018. "Who benefits from bus rapid transit? Evidence from the Metro Bus System (MBS) in Lahore," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 139-149.
    9. Irem Batool & Muhammad Irshad & Muhammad Abid, 2020. "A Policy Move towards Sustainable Urban Transport in Pakistan: Measuring the Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts of Lahore BRT System," Lahore Journal of Economics, Department of Economics, The Lahore School of Economics, vol. 25(1), pages 27-57, Jan-June.
    10. Ela Babalik-Sutcliffe & Elif Can Cengiz, 2015. "Bus Rapid Transit System in Istanbul: A Success Story or Flawed Planning Decision?," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(6), pages 792-813, November.
    11. Chinnawat Hoonsiri & Siriluk Chiarakorn & Vasin Kiattikomol, 2021. "Using Combined Bus Rapid Transit and Buses in a Dedicated Bus Lane to Enhance Urban Transportation Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-18, March.
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    13. Canitez, Fatih, 2020. "Transferring sustainable urban mobility policies: An institutional perspective," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 1-12.

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