When Community Transit rolls out its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in 2008, the futuristic-looking coaches may be covering new ground, but won’t be breaking it.
Community Transit points to several systems across the country that have proved BRT can attract more riders — thus removing cars from the roads — and lessens their commute times.
The RAPID system in Oakland, Calif., has seen bus ridership grow 47 percent over pre-BRT levels, according to the American Public Transportation Association.
Three-door, 40-foot buses travel a 16-mile run with stops spaced 2/3-mile apart. Boston’s Silver Line offers conveniences such as park-and-ride lots with 2,500 spaces and service to Logan Airport as well as the waterfront. It runs on dedicated BRT above-ground and exclusive below-ground tunnels.
Metro Rapid in Los Angeles runs a fleet of low-floor buses that operate on compressed natural gas. They arrive as often as every 3 to 10 minutes during peak hours.
Metro Rapid reports a reduction in travel time of 29 percent on its three initial corridors. Ridership has increased up to 42 percent and new riders account for one-third of that ridership increase, according to CT’s figures.
French-made, hybrid, diesel-electric buses that can carry 120 passengers are used for Las Vegas’ Metropolitan Area Express (MAX).
Corridor ridership reportedly increased more than 30 percent and travel time decreased by 30 percent since MAX hit the road, reported the American Public Transportation Association.
June DeVoll, CT’s manager for strategic planning, formerly worked with the MAX system.
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