City Hall launches system to estimate BRT arrival time via cell phone

Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Department of Transportation and Mobi-Rio, launched a system on Monday (03/04) to inform BRT passengers about the lines that pass through each station and the estimated arrival time of the buses at the platform. The user simply needs to point the camera on their cell phone at the QR Code signs installed at the stations and terminals, select the desired direction and line to access the map with all the buses of the chosen service, the route and the estimated time in which the closest vehicle will arrive.

The new feature is available at all stations served by the new BRT buses on the Transolímpica, Transcarioca and Lote Zero corridors (the section of the Transoeste between the Jardim Oceânico Terminal and the Alvorada Terminal). It is important to note that these stations have free Wi-Fi.

In addition to the QR Code, BRT users can access the same information through the website mobility.rio. Simply type the station name to access the services.

The user will also be allowed to evaluate whether the information was useful and write comments.

As the service has just been launched, this first phase will be a guided, testing phase. It is essential that passengers use the system and report any problems so that the technical team can make the necessary adjustments.

One-month review of the Transcarioca corridor

The Rio City Hall, through the Department of Transportation and Mobi-Rio, released the results of one month of operation of the Transcarioca corridor. With the 110 new buses operating on the corridor, Rio residents are already feeling the significant improvements in the BRT system. With the increase in the number of vehicles, the intervals between lines have decreased by approximately 54%.

For example, on line 35 (Madureira x Jardim Oceânico), the waiting time was reduced from 10 to 6 minutes. Line 40 (Madureira x Alvorada) went from 15 to 6 minutes and line 46 (Penha x Alvorada – Expresso) from 12 to 6 minutes.

With more articulated buses running and less waiting time at stations, MOBI-Rio has also seen an increase in the number of trips and passengers transported. Before the arrival of the new fleet, the monthly passenger demand was 1.789.801. Now the company is registering 1.917.144, an increase of 7%. The number of trips has increased by around 10%.

In March, BRT Seguro agents from the Public Order Department made 59 arrests for robbery, theft and vandalism in the Transcarioca corridor. 375 fines were also issued for fare evasion throughout March.

Also during the month of March, the Public Order Department intensified inspection operations to prevent unauthorized vehicles from traveling on the BRT's exclusive lane. These actions resulted in 143 seizures (towing vehicles) and 1.305 citations.

Improvements in other corridors

The Transolímpica corridor, the first to receive 80 new buses in December 2022, also presents improvements in the services offered to passengers, with a 40% reduction in the interval time of the lines operating in this corridor. The number of passengers increased by 14% (from 33.617 transported daily in January of this year to 38 recorded by the end of March 447).

Old blue articulated buses that operated on the Transcarioca, Transolímpica and Lote Zero corridors were transferred to the Transoeste corridor, which is undergoing road requalification works. Due to the increase in vehicles (currently 120), intervals have been reduced by an average of 56%.

Requalification of the BRT System

Last year, Rio de Janeiro City Hall purchased 561 new buses to upgrade the BRT system. By the end of this month, 291 vehicles will have been delivered. The Transolímpica, Transcarioca and Lote Zero corridors (the stretch between the Jardim Oceânico and Alvorada terminals) are already operating 100% with new buses.

From November of this year until March 2024, the city will receive the other 270 articulated buses purchased by the municipality for the Transbrasil and Transoeste corridors – currently under construction. The BRT System is expected to operate fully with its four corridors and with 100% of the new buses at the beginning of next year.

85% of the BRT system stations have already been renovated

Of the 125 stations in the BRT system, 107 have already been renovated. Improvements include replacing glass panels and doors with perforated steel plates; embedded wiring and armored door mechanisms; light and sound alarms on doors to indicate opening and closing; and automatic door locks. Other services performed include internal and external painting, new electrical installations and visual programming, improved lighting, and installation of guardrails.

Category:

• News
• Transportation

April 3th 2023

Appointments: GRT MOBI-Rio City Hall of Rio Rio de Janeiro City Hall SMTR transbrasil Transcarioca Transwest Transolympic Transportation