BRT 101
What is BRT?
Bus Rapid Transit – or BRT – is a high capacity bus service that provides a fast, reliable, and convenient transit experience...and this new transit option is coming to Phoenix.
Elements of BRT
BRT is unique because there are no universal standards. This means it can be planned and designed to best meet our community's needs. However, there are six recurring elements found in successful BRT systems.
Advanced Fare Collection
Advanced fare collection or mobile fare payment allows rider to pay before boarding the bus through mobile apps, reloadable smart cards or ticket kiosks.
Transit Spot Improvements
Transit spot improvements include queue jump lanes, creating additional bus-only lanes at intersections, essentially giving buses a head start at the intersection. It also includes transit signal priority, which modifies the normal signal operation process to better accommodate buses by holding the green time longer or shortening the red time.
Enhanced Stations
Enhanced stations include center- or side- running stations with level boarding, canopies, seating, real-time information and ticket vending machines.
Custom Buses
Custom buses include low floors for level boarding; higher passenger capacity, multiple doors and amenities like USB chargers and space for bikes on board.
Dedicated Lanes
BRT may include dedicated lanes that will separate buses from traffic to increase speed and reliability.
Unique Branding
Unique branding will differentiate BRT from other transit modes through both nomenclature (name) and unique visual components such as logo and color scheme.
Where We've Been
- In 2019, the project team reevaluated the BRT corridors identified in the Transportation 2050 (T2050) plan.
- In 2020, the team completed a transit analysis and 11 months of community engagement.
- In October 2021, Phoenix City Council unanimously approved the initial Bus Rapid Transit corridor of 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street.
BRT Program Schedule
Transit Analysis
Spring 2020 – Spring 2021
- Initial transit analysis
- Community and stakeholder engagement
Detailed Corridor Planning
Fall 2022 – Fall 2024
- Alternatives analysis
- 15% design
- Station planning
- Corridor alignment
- Preliminary right-of-way (ROW)
- Traffic analysis
- Community and stakeholder engagement
Final Design
Fall 2024 – Winter 2026
- Final design plans
- Corridor refinement
- ROW refinement
- Bus procurement/design
- Community and stakeholder engagement
Construction
Fall 2026 – Winter 2028
- Station developments
- Traffic signal improvements
- Roadway enhancements
- Vehicle testing
- Community and stakeholder engagement
Community Engagement Phase I - Fall 2022
Here's what we heard from you...
- Transit frequency is key to improving transit service and use
- Safety and security is essential
- Pedestrian access to stations is critical
- Prioritize public transit
- Implement dedicated lanes
- Expand connections
- Overall support for bus rapid transit
BRT Corridor Priorities
We heard you...
Through your feedback, agency and key stakeholder input and early transit analysis, we identified five critical priorities that are the foundation for how we will develop the 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street corridor.
- Develop a "showcase" BRT corridor
- Provide safe and accessible multimodal connections
- Improve travel times and reliability
- Collaborate with concurrent projects
- Support meaningful and equitable community engagement
Process to a Recommended BRT Cross-Section
Fall 2022
1 Priorities
Develop priorities for the project are developed based on input.
2 Develop BRT options and screening criteria (we are here)
Based on input, identify potential BRT options and develop criteria to evaluate options.
Winter 2022-2023
3 Community input
Hold online and in-person meetings to obtain input and share information with the community.
Summer 2023
4 Evaluate the BRT options
Evaluate the benefits and impacts of the refined BRT options.
5 Community input
Hold public meetings to seek input to help identify a recommended BRT option.
Fall 2023
6 Recommendation
Based on input, present recommended BRT option for review/action.
What Could the Roadway Look Like?
We have developed four initial cross-sections as a starting point: two for a center-running BRT and two for a side-running BRT.
For both center-running and side-running, we considered what could fit within the existing roadway (Minimum Right-of-Way [ROW] BRT) and what it could look like if there were no constraints on roadway width (Maximum ROW BRT).
These explore both ends of the spectrum, but we realize that our ideal BRT cross-section is somewhere in-between.
That’s where we need YOU!
We need your help to evaluate the BRT cross-sections and tell us what you think!
We will use your input as we refine the cross-sections to best meet the needs of the community.
Existing Roadway
Center-Running BRT Cross-Sections
Keep scrolling down the page to view the different center-running BRT cross-sections.
Minimum ROW BRT: Center-Running
Maximum ROW BRT: Center-Running
All of these amenities will not fit within the existing ROW, so to minimize impact to private property, we need your input on what elements are the most important to you.
Side-Running BRT Cross-Sections
Keep scrolling down the page to view the different side-running BRT cross-sections
Minimum ROW BRT: Side-Running
Maximum ROW BRT: Side-Running
All of these amenities will not fit within the existing ROW, so to minimize impact to private property, we need your input on what elements are the most important to you.
Next Steps
Thank You!
Thank you for attending our online public meeting!
Stay Connected
Missed the virtual public meeting? Watch the recording today to learn more or listen to our Spanish audio channel recording below
Escuche ahora: Audio en español de la reunión pública virtual
