A BRT system contributes to both safer and more environmentally friendly traffic. The designation of separate bus lanes reduces the degree of risk that exists when buses and other vehicles, as well as pedestrians, are forced to coexist in dense city traffic.
The BRT solution also benefits air quality in cities. Emissions are reduced through the use of larger but fewer and more modern buses. Thanks to the separate bus lanes, the buses do not need to stop and accelerate so often, which also makes a positive contribution to lower fuel consumption and, consequently, lower emissions.
Moreover, experience gained in Curitiba, Brazil, among other cities, shows that the speed and convenience of BRT traffic persuade more of the inhabitants to leave their cars or two-wheel transport at home and take the bus instead, which further reduces emissions.
Volvo Buses is currently the manufacturer that has delivered the most buses to BRT systems, largely due to the breadth of its product range. In Latin America, the company has a market share of 80 percent. Volvo Buses can offer everything from standard 12-meter buses to articulated buses and bi-articulated buses, the longest of which are 26.8 meters in length. The products are available with a normal floor, low floor or as low-entry buses, and with either diesel engines or gas-driven engines in certain models.