Shanghai started construction on its very first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in June, hoping the new transportation system would relive the city's heavy traffic pressure. BRT is expected to kick off next year.
In terms of the BRT's route, it begins at Nanqiao Station in Fengxian district and ends at the Oriental Sports Center in Pudong New Area. There are more than 20 interim stops along the way, and the entire route is expected to cover over 30 kilometers.
BRT possesses a number of advantages compared with traditional buses, namely that it is much faster owing to its specialized routes, which private cars and other buses are not allowed to use.
The size of a BRT carriage is also larger than traditional buses, with an average length of 12 meters, and some reaching 18 or even 25 meters long.
Most importantly, BRT have lower carbon emissions than ordinary buses, which will help improve Shanghai's air quality.
