Core Morse/Grand Rapids Press via AP
Drivers prepare get on a new Silver Line rapid transit bus during a training exercise in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Bus Rapid Transit is a feature often left out of big-picture transportation discussions. It consists of replicating the service of a rapid light rail, but at a fraction of the cost, through dedicated bus lanes on major roads. BRT is designed to serve as a fast and consistent alternative to driving in dense urban cores and has found great success in places like Richmond, Nashville, and Eugene.
The bus-exclusive lanes allow for higher average speeds in addition to a standard of reliability unaffected by snarling congestion. They also tend to make for speedier boarding than the average city bus and can improve commute times by making fewer stops.
Opponents complain that these lanes—dedicated solely for rapid buses—increase traffic, reduce lanes for bicycles, and in some cases drive down business because of the impact on cars, but the numbers don't back up these claims. When implemented correctly, BRT is massively popular, and in places like L.A., ridership has greatly surpassed initial projections.
BRT can bridge the gap for cities struggling with transportation funding by providing a low-cost alternative to flashy rail and tube projects. It's yet another part of a healthy transportation ecosystem that unifies pre-existing infrastructure to create better access to housing and alternatives to America's ever-worsening dependence on cars.
