Belo Horizonte opens first corridor of new BRT system

Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has opened the first of three planned corridors for MOVE, Belo Horizonte’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) system. The new corridor runs along Avenida Cristiano Mahcado and follows best practices in BRT design, including centre-aligned stations, off-board fare collection, and integrated intermodal connections.

At the MOVE inauguration, city officials and citizens alike rode the BRT for the first time, representing a major step forward for Brazil’s third largest city. When the system reaches full operation, scheduled for 17 May, it will have the capacity to carry 700,000 people per day.

“The creation of the BRT has the potential to reinvigorate the most degraded areas, attracting investment and encouraging compact land use,” said Clarisse Linke, Director of the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP) in Brazil. “It’s a pleasure to see the MOVE system come true. For years, ITDP has worked to identify the characteristics that make BRT systems succeed worldwide. Our intention is to help the city improve the project and make adjustments as needed.”

The Avenida Cristiano Mahcado corridor is 6 kilometres long, running between the São Gabriel Station in the northeast and the city centre. Along this corridor, there are three different routes running. One line provides direct service running from start to finish, cutting riders’ commute times significantly, while a second route makes local stops at eight additional stations. The final route runs along the corridor, then branches out to connect with Savassi Station, linking several hospitals and commercial districts to the corridor. These routes show how the corridor can serve diverse needs for the city.

Off board fare collection, level boarding, and safe, comfortable stations are important aspects of good BRT station design and are featured in Belo Horizonte’s new system.

According to ITDP, MOVE will bring important benefits to BRT riders and to all Belo Horizonte residents. For riders, it will shorten travel times between the two main terminals by 50 percent and provide a safe comfortable trip across town. In addition, all Belo Horizonte citizens will enjoy reduced congestion and emissions. The corridor is also expected to help revitalise the city’s downtown.