Impacts of sustainable transport interventions: changes in perception over time and spatially towards a new bus rapid transit (BRT) infrastructure in Montréal, Canada

Bus rapid transit systems (BRT) research has focused on suitability for implementation and operational factors while disregarding publics' perceptions and acceptability. This research addresses this gap by investigating changes in perception towards the Pie-IX BRT, a new line in Montréal, Quebec, Canada, over time and across space. We examine attitudinal statements and open-ended survey questions from before and after its opening. At both times, respondents were divided into two groups, those living within one km of the BRT and those who did not. We analyze four attitudinal statements finding statistically significant changes in perception over time, especially among those residing close to the BRT. For the open-ended questions, we apply thematic analyses. Themes concerning the everyday impacts on the neighborhood and the BRT operations were more prevalent among those living close to the project indicating impacts on livability. Those living farther from the BRT focused on city-wide impacts, such as the financial aspects. Our analyses show that to increase acceptance of BRT, different policy directions are needed for the citywide population compared to those residing nearby. The findings can be of interest to practitioners and policymakers as they shed light on public needs and concerns towards new BRT infrastructure.