Integrating BRT Systems with Rickshaws in Developing Cities to Promote Energy Efficient Travel

Rickshaws are ‘green vehicles’ and might be able to act as feeder services to public transport if planned properly. Many cities have implemented BRT systems, while others are planning to do so. Several modern BRT systems (i.e. Bogota, Guangzhou) have modal integration with bicycles; however, there is no BRT system in the world yet which demonstrates integration with rickshaws. With the case study of Dhaka City, the research explores: if rickshaws can act as a feeder service to BRT systems; what type of BRT station design would best support such an arrangement; whether fare integration between rickshaws and BRT systems is possible. A total of 11 focus group discussions (FGDs) of different stakeholders and 25 interviews of the key informants were conducted. The outcome of research could be helpful for other cities having rickshaws that have (or are planning for) BRT systems.