Bus Rapid Transit Moving Forward
At our recent meeting, an update was given on the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority’s (LAVTA) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. BRT is designed with the latest technologies to actually change traffic signals to green as the buses approach in order to create a more “rapid” system. There will be fewer stops with more direct routes to busier locations such as the BART stations. LAVTA sought and has received $11 million in federal funs in order to build the capital infrastructure for the BRT, which is seen by transportation experts as a major step towards improving public transit options in the Tri-Valley.Although some buses have already been purchased, over the next 18 months LAVTA will be acquiring, installing, and testing the transit signal priority and queue jumping equipment while also manufacturing and installing bus shelters, benches, garage/recycling receptacles, lighting, informational signange, and flag stops. The BRT buses and bus stops will have a completely different look from LAVTA’s traditional Wheels buses, and the BRT shelters will have electronic signs with up-to-date traffic information.If construction goes as planned, the BRT project will be completely by fall/winter 2010, and the launching of service will take place in early 2011.
