Rome implements Bus Rapid Transit to enhance public transport

Rome is advancing plans to implement Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems to strengthen its public transport network, specifically targeting connections between peripheral areas and major metro or rail hubs. Key proposed routes include Casalotti-Battistini, Anagnina-Ciampino, and EUR-Ostia.

For the Casalotti-Battistini line, 400,000 euros have been allocated for preliminary design. The project envisions a 5.3-kilometer route with ten stops, potentially offering travel times of approximately 17 minutes and peak-hour frequencies of every four minutes. The Anagnina-Ciampino project, referred to as BALS (Busvia ad Alto Livello di Servizio), is designed as an 11.9-kilometer corridor utilizing 22 articulated electric buses.

However, the Centro Studi sulla Mobilità e i Trasporti (CeSMoT) has raised concerns regarding the branding of these projects. The study suggests that the term “BRT” is often used to present standard improvements—such as protected bus lanes and traffic light priority—as revolutionary innovations. CeSMoT notes that while these systems offer modern electric or diesel vehicles, they may differ in lifecycle costs and efficiency compared to traditional trolleybus or tram infrastructures, as seen in cities like Bari and Rimini.