A milestone in sustainable mobility: Insights from UITP’s 50 Years of BRT Seminar in Curitiba, Brazil
A journey through the evolution of sustainable urban mobility
As an architect, I was honoured to attend an event celebrating 50 years of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Curitiba, Brazil in November 2024. Curitiba is the city that pioneered BRT, and so it offered the perfect backdrop for the occasion (and not to mention the capybaras!). The event, organised by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and hosted by CWBus, brought together public transport experts from all over the world to reflect on the success of BRT systems and discuss their future in Latin America and beyond.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable public transport system that uses, for one, dedicated bus lanes to provide faster, more reliable, and cost-effective services. BRT systems are designed to replicate the efficiency of metro systems, but at a fraction of the cost. They include features such as frequent buses, traffic light priority, and seamless ticketing (before boarding the bus). Especially in the Global South, BRT has a flexible solution for cities looking to improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and provide equitable public transport options.
When Curitiba launched its BRT in 1974, it was a bold and visionary move, aiming to address the growing urban sprawl and mobility challenges of the time. What started as an innovative solution to transport inefficiencies has aged remarkably well - and today we can see it as a global model for sustainable urban mobility. The event provided an opportunity to look back at the transformative impact of BRT and its role in shaping more liveable, equitable cities.
The Vision of Jaime Lerner - Architect and Pioneer of BRT
At the heart of Curitiba's BRT success is the visionary architect and urban planner Jaime Lerner. A key figure in the development of the city's iconic transport system, Lerner's contributions go beyond just the technicalities of BRT; he understood the deep relationship between urban design and the daily lives of citizens.
Lerner was the mayor of Curitiba in the 1970s, and during this time, he laid the groundwork for what would become the world-renowned BRT system. His background as an architect allowed him to approach mobility not merely as an engineering challenge, but as a holistic opportunity to reshape the urban environment. Lerner's insight was that the city should be designed around people, not cars, and that an efficient, affordable, and environmentally sustainable transport system could not only solve mobility problems but also enhance the overall urban experience.
“Creativity happens when you have one less zero in your budget.” - Jaime Lerner, Mayor of Curitiba 1970-??
Curitiba's Legacy of Innovation
Curitiba's BRT system stands as a testament to what can be achieved when design, policy, and innovation align to create solutions that improve quality of life. As an architect, I've always been fascinated by the way urban design intersects with transport. Curitiba's BRT system is a prime example of how the built environment can be optimised to serve the collective needs of citizens.
“A city is not a collection of buildings and streets - a city is a collection of people.” Lerner?
Jaime Lerner's vision for Curitiba's public transport was grounded in the idea that an integrated and well-designed transit system could become the backbone of urban development. The system's design provides an impressive case study for urban planners. Lerner's ability to see public transit as a tool for social equity and environmental sustainability was revolutionary. His BRT system was intentionally designed to be affordable, accessible, and capable of moving large numbers of people quickly and safely—key attributes that other cities later sought to emulate.
When discussing sustainability today, we often focus solely on environmental aspects like green initiatives and electric buses. However, we must remember that true sustainability rests on three pillars: environmental, social, and economic.
The Challenges of Global Urban Mobility
Whilst the event focused on Curitiba's successes, it also encouraged dialogue about the challenges faced by cities in Latin America and the world when it comes to urban mobility. The rapid pace of urbanisation, rising environmental concerns, and the demand for greater inclusivity in transport are all pressing issues that require innovative design solutions.
Architects should be interested in how BRT systems can evolve to meet these challenges. One of the most compelling discussions at the event revolved around how BRT can be integrated with other forms of sustainable transport, such as cycling infrastructure, pedestrian zones, and even shared mobility options like electric scooters and carpooling. The conversation emphasised the importance of creating multimodal transport networks that prioritise not just speed, but also environmental sustainability and social equity.
Focusing on the first and last mile of the journey is crucial to encourage system usage. If buses aren't conveniently close to people's starting points or final destinations, they'll be reluctant to use the system.
“The main challenge is making policymakers realise that it is about the number of people that travel and not about the number of vehicles.” - Mohamed Mezghani, UITP Secretary General
Designing for the Future of BRT
Looking to the future, the event highlighted how BRT continues to evolve in response to changing urban dynamics. Jaime had always envisioned this adaptability, designing the system to evolve and develop over time. One of the key themes that emerged was the potential for BRT systems to be more than just bus networks; they can become platforms for broader urban development. As cities grapple with issues like climate change, air pollution, and over-congestion, BRT systems can serve as a catalyst for reimagining how cities are structured and how people move within them.
Architects, in particular, have a unique opportunity to influence the future of BRT systems. Our expertise in creating spaces that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability will be essential in designing stations, corridors, and surrounding urban environments that foster community engagement and promote active and sustainable transport.
Jaime Lerner's Enduring Influence
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jaime Lerner's legacy is how his work transcended Curitiba and influenced global urban mobility. Beyond the creation of the BRT system, Lerner implemented a range of forward-thinking projects that reshaped Curitiba into a model of sustainable urbanism. His design of the "Green Exchange" programme, where residents could exchange recyclable waste for fresh produce, and the city's innovative parks and public spaces, became central to his broader vision for integrating environmental sustainability with urban growth.
Lerner's work also had a ripple effect on urban mobility in almost 200 cities worldwide. Cities such as Bogotá, Colombia; and Istanbul, Türkiye, adapted Curitiba's BRT system, tailoring them to local contexts and needs. 50 years on, his approach to urban planning continues to inspire architects and city planners globally, as we look for ways to create more inclusive, sustainable, and efficient cities in the face of rapid urbanisation.
“The one who doesn’t dare, doesn't create.” - Jaime Lerner
Key Takeaways for the Architecture and Design Community
Attending UITP’s BRT seminar in Curitiba reinforced several key principles for architects working in the field of sustainable urban mobility:
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Urban mobility cannot be tackled in isolation. Successful mobility and BRT systems require close collaboration between transport engineers, urban planners, architects, and policymakers.
Human-Centred Design: Transport systems should be designed with the needs of people at the forefront. This includes considering the accessibility, safety, and comfort of passengers, as well as integrating green spaces and public art to enhance the urban experience.
Scalability and Flexibility: As cities grow and change, public transport systems must be adaptable to meet new demands. Designing with scalability and future-proofing in mind is key to ensuring the long-term success of these systems. BRT’s flexibility in particular excels at this.
Sustainability: BRT is inherently a more sustainable mode of transport, and acts as a catalyst for electrification, but there is always room for further innovation, particularly with the use of clean energy buses, smart technology, and the integration of BRT with sustainable urban development.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for BRT
The 50th anniversary of BRT in Curitiba is a celebration not only of the system's past achievements but also of its potential to shape the cities of tomorrow. As an architect, the event inspired me to think more holistically about the built environment and the role of public transport in creating sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban spaces.
Jaime Lerner and Curitiba remain beacons of innovation. As we continue to refine and expand BRT systems across the globe, we must remember the lessons learned from this city: that urban mobility is about more than just infrastructure; it's about designing cities that are liveable, equitable, and sustainable for all. And as architects, we have a critical role in shaping that future.