3A Public Hearing 2010 0517 - Laserfiche WebLink

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LPA for AC Transit BRT 2 May 17, 2010 BACKGROUND Bus Rapid Transit (BRT BRT and its dedicated bus lanes have been debated in the San Leandro-Oakland-Berkeley corridor for nearly a decade. In 2002, AC Transit completed the AC Transit Berkeley-Oakland- San Leandro Corridor Major Investment Study (MIS) that identified BRT as a preferred solution for improving bus transit services. The study recommended ahigh-capacity transit service along East 14~' Street in San Leandro and identified BRT over the more expensive light rail and less effective "enhanced" bus service. A BRT system is primarily identified by the following features: • Dedicated (bus only) lanes • Raised platforms at stations to allow level boarding of buses • Pre-paid boarding • Entering and exiting buses at all doors • Station amenities such as covered shelters, seating, maps and ticket machines These features allow for a faster, more reliable bus system because: 1) dedicated lanes mean that buses will not be caught in traffic, either as they are traveling or pulling back into traffic after stopping to load and unload passengers, and; 2) dwell times (the time spent at a bus stop) are significantly reduced when passengers can load and unload quickly. These features have been found to improve the transit experience for riders and encourage greater ridership. Major Investment Study (MIS) The MIS was conducted from 1999 to 2002 and had three main purposes: • To understand the transit needs and market opportunities for improved service in the corridor • To identify and evaluate a range of potential transit improvements in the corridor to address these needs and opportunities • To build broad public, community and agency support for a recommended alternative, with the eventual goal of implementing a major upgrade to transit service in the corridor The MIS was conducted with input and guidance from key stakeholder agencies, elected officials, community leaders, and the general public. Public participation and agency consultation for this project have been accomplished through a variety of formal and informal means, including: project development team meetings; formal meetings with elected officials in the form of a Policy Steering Committee, community leaders, members of the general public, focus groups, and resource agency staff; circulation of draft documents and flyers; and informal consultations with stakeholders from the neighborhoods and communities within the proposed project corridor.