Idk a tram is still superior in all aspects apart from purchase price. Especially maintainability being easier /cheaper on asphalt vs steel rail i absolutely do not buy. But at least these things get largely dedicated right of ways so the upgrade to a real tram is much simpler. Bus ride quality is also absolutely dogshit compared to trams. BRT and this kind of tech augmented BRT is fine if your city is just learning to do transit. It’s good even. But if they have learned a bit rails will always be king for mass transit.
I like trams, too, but based on the local political discussions that I’ve seen so far, one of the main challenges in building a tram network is the high costs for rails, overhead wires, etc., so guided busses are a good option for many (especially smaller) cities. I’m no expert, though, so I may be wrong, and I don’t know how these options would scale.
Idk a tram is still superior in all aspects apart from purchase price. Especially maintainability being easier /cheaper on asphalt vs steel rail i absolutely do not buy. But at least these things get largely dedicated right of ways so the upgrade to a real tram is much simpler. Bus ride quality is also absolutely dogshit compared to trams. BRT and this kind of tech augmented BRT is fine if your city is just learning to do transit. It’s good even. But if they have learned a bit rails will always be king for mass transit.
I like trams, too, but based on the local political discussions that I’ve seen so far, one of the main challenges in building a tram network is the high costs for rails, overhead wires, etc., so guided busses are a good option for many (especially smaller) cities. I’m no expert, though, so I may be wrong, and I don’t know how these options would scale.