Management Strategies of the Traffic Problem in Rio De Janerio Flashcards
Explain Bus Rapid Transport (BRT)
In 2014 the city opened the second of four bus rapid transit systems (BRT), called the TransCarioca.
Aim of the BRT
The aim of the BRT was to remove busses from the streets of Rio and thus help traffic to move more freely.
Route of the BRT
The new 39km exclusive bus lanes encompass 45 stations and 5 terminal stations, linking the international airport in the north with residential and commercial areas of the city.
Advantages of the BRT
BRT has helped remove 500 busses from the streets of Rio.
Each bus is air conditioned making it a more pleasant experience for customers.
Customers report that journey times have been reduced by up to 65%.
Disadvantages of the BRT
Despite a single bus being able to hold 180 people they are still overcrowded and many customers have to stand for long journeys.
The system is relatively safe during the day but less so at night.
Explain bike lanes
‘Bike Rio’ began operations in October 2011. This bicycle sharing system is sponsored by the government in partnership with Banco Itaú.
The system has 600 bicycles available at 60 rental stations located in 14 neighbourhoods throughout the city.
The system therefore aims to reduce congestion by encouraging people to cycle as opposed to using their cars.
Advantages of bike lanes
Cheap and environmentally friendly alternative to driving- helping to contribute to Rio’s goal of reducing greenhouse emissions.
Disadvantages of bike lanes
People are still put off by the dangerous driving of some, making cycling a dangerous method of transport
Explain renovation and improvement of the metro system
Future plans include a third line to Barra da Tijuca and Zona Oeste, as well as the expansion of Line One. An additional line, Line 4 (blue line), is planned to be completed by 2016.
A more extensive, reliable subway system will encourage the people of Rio to use it instead of taking cars.
Where has development of the metro system taken place?
Development has taken place which extends lines to tourist areas of Copacabana and Ipanema (2004).
When did Rio’s subway open?
Rio’s subway opened in 1979 and only had two lines.
Advantages of renovation and improvement of the metro system
New lines are predicted to increase the subways capacity by 230 000- meaning overcrowding issues will be reduced.
Disadvantages of renovation and improvement of the metro system
Expensive project and not all the funding is in place (£2.1 billion).
Currently only 5% of journeys are taken by metro so impact may be minimal.
Explain cable car systems
The favelas of Rio are a labyrinth of steep stairs and alleyways that can be just a few feet wide. There is no room for public transit in such a narrow maze.
However in Complex do Alemao the government have built a 3.5km long cable car system.
155 eight seat cable cars travel between six stations built across the slum.
Advantages of cable car systems
Has transformed what used to be a 90 minute walk to the nearest train station into a 16 minute sky ride.
The system also connects to Rio’s railway network, enabling the people of Complexo Do Alemao to get quickly into the city centre, opening up the opportunity of better paid work than is locally available.
