Metro Magazine

APR 2013

Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904

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2013 BRT SURVEY year — and articulated vehicles. Exactly one-half of operators plan to use hybrid-electric propulsion for their buses, about the same as last year. Nearly one-third selected CNG, up slightly from last year's 28%, with clean diesel down by about one-third from last year, at 21%. Only 3% of operators plan to use trolleys. Federal funding, including FTA's Very Small Starts, Small Starts, and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality, comprised 81% of the funding for projects. More than two-thirds of projects received local support, and state funds were awarded to nearly half of all projects. However, this year's project roundup showed less local funding — 69% compared with last year's 80% — but that could be because more projects were submitted this year. Top challenges cited were construction as well as coordination with other jurisdictions, streetcar lines, Departments of Transportation, other transit agencies and city staff. The CHICAGO GETS A JUMP ON BRT WITH NEW ROUTE Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) opened the city's first BRT years. BRT is the way to redesign the streets to make sure we line and the first of four planned routes, the Jeffery Jump, in can fulfill those desires for our customers better." November of last year. What it has taken to get it to this point: The planning Following the Jump are the Central Loop, or East-West phase ranged from 2010 to 2012. The total project cost was Corridor, expected to launch in 2014, and the Ashland and $11 million, Iacobucci says. Western Corridors project, which are each currently in the The agency received funding from a Bus and Bus Facility development phase. Livability Initiative grant in 2009, allowing it to implement the Meanwhile, CTA and Chicago Department of route. Transportation (CDOT) are conducting a study to see where Public feedback: "We've gotten so many anecdotal BRT improvements would be most valuable on the 20-mile responses from people who used the service and enjoy it," Chicago Lakefront Corridor. Lukidis says. "We've gotten a lot of The projects are equal partnerships feedback on the look and feel of the between CTA and CDOT, with CDOT service and people really like the brand managing the street, and CTA running the 'Jeffery Jump': You're jumping the service. ahead of traffic, getting a jump-start The project received strong agency on your day, getting downtown. and political support. Chicago Mayor That was part of what got people to Rahm Emmanuel put BRT in his understand the service and the brand transition plan, which mapped out has resonated with them." different goals for his first 100 days in Adds Iacobucci:"We received official office. In addition, there was approval comments from customers who don't Chicago's Jefrey Jump, which is its first BRT from all the city's districts. even ride the corridor but have seen route, opened in November. BRT was part of The route features 25 hybridthe route and know about the project, Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's transition plan for electric, articulated low-floor vehicles. his first 100 days in ofce. asking when their 'jump bus' is going One station, the highest boarding to come on their corridor, which is location for the route, serves as a really satisfying." retail hub and transit center with a commuter rail station, and The project also received significant civic support. features a shelter with real-time information, benches and Local partners include Active Transportation Alliance, an landscaping. alternative transportation advocacy group, the Metropolitan Joe Iacobucci, manager, strategic planning and policy, CTA, Planning Council, a non-profit organization that advocates for and Lambrini Lukidis, media representative, CTA, spoke with transportation, housing and economic development initiatives, us to share more details about the project. and the Chicago Architecture Foundation which focuses Why BRT?: "CTA had record ridership numbers two years on the design impact of BRT on the streets. In addition, CTA in a row. People are flocking toward public transportation for a engaged the Chicago Department of Housing and Economic number of reasons," Lukidis says. "This is one of the best ways Development as a project partner. we can accommodate [them]. It's a benefit for our customers Challenge to overcome: BRT, Iacobucci points out, is new and a way to integrate everyone who shares the roadway." to Chicago. "Now that we have our first line up and running, "CTA currently has 1.7 million bus boardings a day," every additional line will be a little easier. But going out and Iacobucci adds. "We also know that customers are voting explaining BRT was a hurdle to get over, since we didn't with their feet and flocking to faster, more reliable service. have it in the region," he says. "We did our best to point [to] Congestion has gotten worse in Chicago over the last 30 examples in Cleveland and New York, and internationally." 16 < mETRO mAGAZINE APRIL 2013 metro-magazine.com

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