Unfortunately, the amount of riders new to buses will not increase that much. To many (if not most), this is simply a bus that makes fewer stops. There is no exclusivity or higher-crust sentiment associated with BRT beyond the fact that they're overcharing taxpayers for something easily accomplished with a few bus lanes and a small fleet of New Flyer 60' artics.
I think the orange line in LA proves this pretty well. Phoenix has revised ridership projections that indicate higher interest in their new LRT system and an increased share in their pre-existing BRT's ridership that more than likely exceed BRT ridership numbers by a margin that is not commensurate with service and capacity changes. That is to say, the starter line in Phoenix will capture the BRT ridership for that alignment and will still add to the rider base.
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"The United States is in no way founded upon the Christian religion." -- George Washington & John Adams in a diplomatic message to Malta
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