A Bus Rapid Transit Line Case Study: Istanbul’s Metrobüs System

Implementation of Metrobüs, the first bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Istanbul, Turkey, started in 2007. Since then, the line has been extended several times. After opening of the fourth phase in 2012, the BRT line will extend for 51.3 km. Currently, Metrobüs carries around 600,000 passengers per day. It is the only intercontinental BRT system in the world. This paper describes Istanbul’s Metrobüs system features and usage and its reported benefits and costs. It also gives the reasons that underlie the positive public reception and the rapid ridership increase