Hangzhou Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) began operation in 2006 with 27.2 km of service (7 km of busway). The system was expanded with two additional line extensions in 2008, 2009, and 2010, and today provides passengers with 55.4 km (18.8 km of busways) of BRT service. The system boasts enclosed stations with automatic fare collection, prepayment at a flat rate, and level boarding.

Like systems in many other cities, Hangzhou BRT has been the center of controversy since its inception due to the high cost of construction, the high cost of each coach (JNP6180G low floor City Liner articulated coaches manufactured by Jinhua Young MAN Neoplan). Some passengers are dissatisfied with the elimination of duplicate bus routes after the BRT’s introduction, and the increased cost of travel after the alternatives were eliminated. Additionally, the BRT lane essentially reduces one lane in each direction and thus increase the level of congestion for other motorists.