Building Metrobus: Actors and institutions in the transfer of bus rapid transit (BRT) policy to Mexico City

This thesis presents a case of South-South policy transfer, analyzing adoption of bus rapid transit technology and organizational principles in Mexico City during the period 2000--05, to address transit and air pollution issues. This study addresses the questions of how and why policy was transferred, focusing on the role of individuals and institutions in overcoming barriers. It determines political, economic and legal factors fundamental to institutional adoption and identifies characteristics of individual actors needed to ensure implementation. With Dolowitz and Marsh's (1996; 2000) policy transfer framework providing an analytical framework, this thesis contributes to related scholarship by applying policy transfer concepts to a developing country. Interviews with policymakers in Mexico City provided insights unavailable from planning documents. The BRT concept originated outside traditional decision-making channels and was led to implementation by dedicated individuals working to overcome institutional barriers. Metrobus has improved transit speed and reduced vehicle emissions in Mexico City.