Rapid buses, rapid opinions : a frame analysis of the media coverage surrounding bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in Bogotá, Colombia and Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Bus rapid transit (BRT) systems are a popular form of urban transportation that can reduce congestion, are cost-efficient, can mitigate climate change via its high capacity busloads, and increase road efficiency (King, 2013; C40 Cities, 2016). However, the literature does little to evaluate those claims from a dialogue-based perspective, with subject-matter expert claims and policymaker testimonies acting as proxies. In response to this gap, this paper conducts a frame analysis of 150 news media articles from 2013-2015 covering two of the most popular BRT systems in operation: Bogotá’s TransMilenio and Jakarta’s TransJakarta. Using Entman’s (1993) four-pronged approach, this paper unveils the existence of unintended negative risks to BRT systems, significant framing differences between domestic and international coverage, and the emergence of a broader sociological context within which BRT operates. The findings carry key consequences for policymakers, especially those based in urban spaces situated within developing country contexts. In the interest of finding a middle-ground between cost and transport efficiency, this paper highlights incentives for policymakers to understand and address emerging news media frames in the pursuit of successful BRT systems.