The Lane Transit District (LTD) has spent $25 million on a bus rapid transit system called EmX with plans to spend about $100 million more in the next several years.

But many question whether bus rapid transit (BRT) is on track. To reinvigorate downtown and promote sustainable transportation, they desire a streetcar system like the ones Portland and a growing number of other cities enjoy.

LTD officials have long argued that streetcars are too expensive and Eugene is too small for them. "LTD is not enamored with rail," the bus agency's board Chairman Gerry Gaydos told the Eugene City Council at a recent meeting.

But light rail supporters hotly dispute that BRT is cheaper than light rail. They also argue that Eugene isn't too small for streetcars and that light rail has many benefits beyond BRT, like spurring urban redevelopment and ridership with more fun.

Cheaper

LTD board member Greg Evans argued that light rail costs $30 million to $50 million per mile compared to the $6 million per mile LTD has spent on BRT. "I think BRT makes the most sense," he told councilors.

But such BRT vs. light rail cost comparisons are widely disputed. The Texas-based Light Rail Now advocacy group argues that when BRT's higher operating costs and lower capacity are compared, "light rail actually gives amazing bang for the buck."