From BRT to Multimodality: A Cost-Efficiency Comparison of Public Transport Systems in Curitiba and Lisbon

This article conducts a thorough comparative analysis of public transport systems in Curitiba and Lisbon, focusing on cost-efficiency and structural performance from the user's viewpoint. Curitiba is noted for pioneering the BRT model in the 1970’s, while Lisbon is evolving towards a multimodal system with substantial investments in integration and user-centric policies. Employing a case study methodology and mixed analytical approaches, the analysis examines governance structures, network architecture, financing mechanisms, and service quality indicators. The findings indicate that although Curitiba imposes a similar or higher fare burden relative to user incomes, it offers significantly lower service value across various dimensions, including modal diversity and infrastructure quality. In contrast, Lisbon's integrated governance model for bus and tram networks proves effective in enhancing accessibility and sustainability, despite some coordination issues with centrally governed transport networks. This study contributes to the international discourse on the limitations of single-modal transport systems and highlights the necessity of institutional integration, long-term investment, and adaptive governance frameworks for urban mobility transformation in the 21st century.