Two primary approaches dominate contemporary urban transit planning: bus rapid transit (BRT) systems and light rail networks. BRT systems use...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Two primary approaches dominate contemporary urban transit planning: bus rapid transit (BRT) systems and light rail networks. BRT systems use dedicated bus lanes and specialized stations to provide subway-like service at a fraction of the construction cost, making them popular among budget-conscious municipalities. Light rail networks, while requiring substantial upfront investment for track infrastructure, offer higher passenger capacity and longer operational lifespans than bus-based systems. When cities face limited budgets but need immediate transit improvements, BRT systems provide a compelling advantage through their rapid deployment and lower financial barriers.
Based on the text, what makes BRT systems particularly advantageous for budget-conscious municipalities?
They provide subway-like service while requiring significantly lower construction costs.
They offer higher passenger capacity than traditional public transportation methods.
They have longer operational lifespans than other urban transit alternatives.
They eliminate the need for specialized infrastructure or dedicated stations.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Two primary approaches dominate contemporary urban transit planning: bus rapid transit (BRT) systems and light rail networks." |
|
| "BRT systems use dedicated bus lanes and specialized stations to provide subway-like service at a fraction of the construction cost, making them popular among budget-conscious municipalities." |
|
| "Light rail networks, while requiring substantial upfront investment for track infrastructure, offer higher passenger capacity and longer operational lifespans than bus-based systems." |
|
| "When cities face limited budgets but need immediate transit improvements, BRT systems provide a compelling advantage through their rapid deployment and lower financial barriers." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: BRT systems offer budget-conscious cities a cost-effective way to achieve quality transit service quickly, while light rail provides higher capacity but requires substantial upfront investment.
Argument Flow: The passage presents two transit options, explains each system's key characteristics and trade-offs, then concludes by emphasizing when BRT systems are particularly advantageous—specifically for cities with budget constraints needing quick improvements.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The specific advantages that make BRT systems particularly appealing to budget-conscious municipalities
What type of answer do we need? A characteristic or feature that directly addresses budget concerns
Any limiting keywords? budget-conscious municipalities
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Based on our analysis, the passage makes it clear that BRT systems appeal to budget-conscious municipalities because they deliver subway-like service quality but cost much less to build than traditional subway systems
- The passage specifically mentions they provide this service "at a fraction of the construction cost" and notes "lower financial barriers"
- The right answer should capture this cost-benefit relationship
They provide subway-like service while requiring significantly lower construction costs.
- Directly matches the passage's key point about BRT providing "subway-like service at a fraction of the construction cost"
- Perfectly addresses why budget-conscious municipalities find BRT appealing
They offer higher passenger capacity than traditional public transportation methods.
- Claims BRT offers higher passenger capacity than traditional methods
- This contradicts the passage, which states that light rail systems offer "higher passenger capacity" than bus-based systems like BRT
They have longer operational lifespans than other urban transit alternatives.
- States BRT has longer operational lifespans than alternatives
- The passage actually attributes "longer operational lifespans" to light rail networks, not BRT systems
They eliminate the need for specialized infrastructure or dedicated stations.
- Claims BRT eliminates the need for specialized infrastructure or stations
- This directly contradicts the passage, which explicitly states BRT systems "use dedicated bus lanes and specialized stations"