Mumbai is currently in the process of introducing BRT system on the two express highways as a pilot project. But transport experts have accused the authorities of not prioritising the cost-efficient transport system. According to Lerner, underground metros commissioned in countries like London, Paris etc was done when the cost of construction was low. Now BRT is the cheap alternative. “We can’t sacrifice generations in wait of metro rails. Planners need to pay attention to the needs of the large majority. The BRT is 50 times less expensive than the metro rail and its implementation is also quick and efficient” the former three-time Mayor of Curitiba and Governor of Parra state in Brazil said.

Curitiba, like Mumbai suffered from traffic congestion before it adopted the BRTS. In 1974, the innovative and cost conscious urban planners of Curitiba integrated public transportation into all the other elements of the urban planning system. “The initiated system focused on meeting the transportation needs of all people rather than those using private automobiles and avoided expensive projects in favour of hundreds of modest initiatives,” he said.

He added, “The dedicated bus lanes can double the carrying capacity while articulated buses can push the capacity to nearly three-times.”