Rio de Janeiro’s new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, key to the city’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, took a step forward when Rio de Janeiro’s municipal transport secretariat published bidding documents Wednesday, said a press release.
According to Rio 2016 the two-line BRT system will provide fast, high capacity public transport, linking Barra da Tijuca to Ipanema, and Barra to Magalhaes Bastos. Express corridors will be used exclusively by long “articulated” or “accordion” buses, fully accessible to people with disabilities. The bus stations will be tubular, similar to the metro stations.
The press release says the BRT lines, together with the new “T5 Transport Corridor, will significantly improve transport in Rio de Janeiro. Rio 2016 said the journey times will be shorter and the fares will be lower.
Carlos Roberto Osorio, secretary general of Rio 2016 said, “the BRT project has been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The residents of Rio de Janeiro and visitors to the 2016 Games will enjoy fast, high capacity transport. The launch of the bidding process is an important step in fulfilling the commitments of the city’s Olympic bid and represents a legacy for Rio”.
