Life of Guangzhou - Guangzhou's New BRT Plan Unveiled

The new plan (draft) of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system for Zhongshan Dadao Blvd., Guangzhou, was released on the official websites (in Chinese) of Guangzhou Construction Commission and Guangzhou Traffic Construction and Improvement Office on August 23 (yesterday).

In the plan 22.9-km BRT route is to span from Guangzhou Dadao eastward to Xia Yuan in Huangpu District, covering Tianhe Lu (2.8 km), Zhongshan Dadao (13 km) and Huangpu Dong Lu (7.1 km).

The system is to have 2 special color lanes in each direction, 29 pairs of side stops close to present normal bus stops, 12 overpasses and facilities for the handicapped. Bike stands will be set up near BRT stops.

The facilities and operation inside BRT stops are similar to metro to some extent.

The BRT is expected to increase the average traffic speed from 12 km/h to 34 km/h from Tiyu Xi Lu to Gangding along Zhongshan Dadao.

Ticket prices will be co-regulated by the municipal transportation commission and price control authorities.

23 bus lines will run in BRT, including 18, 33, 50, 139, 178, 210, 214, 224, 235, 240, 242, 248, 269, 289, 296, 515, 549, 560, 561, 568, 570, 571, 883, according to the primary plan.

Public opinions are welcome to be submitted to relevant authorities on the above-mentioned websites within 10 work days from August 23.

(By Ronald Li and Alan Devey)