The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) has announced the start of major construction for installation of the East Bay’s unprecedented Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The innovative BRT offers all the benefits of a light rail train system at a fraction of the cost of constructing a rail line. Bus Rapid Transit has gained favor and acclaim around the globe; so popular the system has been dubbed “light rail on wheels.” The BRT system will span 9.5 miles – primarily utilizing historic International Boulevard and East 14th Street – starting at Oakland’s Uptown district (20th Street and Broadway) and culminating at the San Leandro BART station. Building the BRT represents a revolution in East Bay public transit.
This $108 million major construction phase is the final component of a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Small Starts Grant funded project totaling $174 million. “This vitally needed FTA funding would have languished without the committed support of our Congressional representatives, leaders of the cities of Oakland and San Leandro, Caltrans, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the State of California, Alameda County Transportation Commission, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District” says Elsa Ortiz, AC Transit Board of Directors Vice President & Chair of BRT Policy Steering Committee. “BRT is a monumental leap-forward in efforts to eliminate the congestion along densely populated International Boulevard and East 14th Street.”
The backbone of this inventive transit system are 12 curbside stations and another 21 center median stations that mirror the design of train platforms for faster boarding. In place of a dedicated rail line, BRT will primarily operate inside a bus only lane to achieve train-like frequency. With the extension of green lights, via transit signal priority technology, BRT buses can operate at least every 7 minutes during peak hours.
“The BRT represents a paradigm shift in modern public transit planning and construction,” says H. E. Christian Peeples, AC Transit board of directors president. “Its frequency and reliability will help resolve ‘First-Mile Last-Mile’ issues of moving our riders from work hubs to their homes. Also, BRT construction represents an investment in the infrastructure of Oakland and San Leandro with: utility improvements, new landscaping, repaved streets, new sidewalks and miles of fiber-optic connectivity.”
Construction of the dedicated BRT bus only lane will also provide a better road to homes and businesses. In fact, nearly ten miles of street pavement will be replaced curb-to-curb. Crews will isolate three block long sections – excavating the surface – then relaying new asphalt in as few as three days. The new pavement has a life expectancy of 20 years. Motorist will continue to have street access to businesses and homes during the repaving process.
BRT service will operate with brand new hybrid electric buses. The 60-foot articulated buses are not only environmentally friendly, designed for low-CO² emissions, but each bus features:
- Bus floors level with the station platform for greater accessibly;
- Seating capacity for 35 passengers;
- Bike racks installed onboard for the safety and convenience of cyclist;
- Extra doors (five in total) quicken the boarding process.
“BRT offers East Bay riders features unmatched by local light rail service,” says AC Transit General Manager, Michael Hursh. “Unencumbered by the restrictions of a fixed track, we were able to design and build stops spaced on an average interval of one-third a mile apart. This is essential because it allows riders more direct access to homes, businesses, places of education and medical facilities that were previously in-between our stops.”
The East Bay Bus Rapid Transit system has also garnered the support of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Building & Construction Trades Council of Alameda County and a host of community based organizations.
BRT’s construction also represents a reinvestment in the local economy and East Bay job creator, with the following imbedded goals:
- 50 percent of all project hours worked shall be performed by Oakland and San Leandro residents
- 27 percent of major construction contracts have been awarded to Small Business Enterprises
- 25 percent of all apprentice hours must be committed to Disadvantaged Workers
- 20 percent of all project hours worked must be dedicated for Apprentice Utilization (workers learning a trade)
- 19 percent utilization goal for Disadvantage Business Enterprises