Public jury still out on Bus Rapid Transit

[Steve]

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has been an idea that has been around Jacksonville and JTA for at least four years. The concept behind BRT is to reduce travel time and improve connectivity for passengers. It’s also considered by the Federal Transit Administration to be an enhancement for mass transit and therefore qualifies for federal funding.

The basic concept is that buses travel on existing streets but on lanes designated exclusively for mass transit vehicles. Traffic signals are modified to allow the buses to maintain momentum by always having the green light. Improved bus stops with real-time schedule information and streetscape improvements are also part of the package.

During that time the routes that might be used for the project have been the subject of controversy.

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