Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a high-quality, high-speed form of transit that
can equal or exceed the performance of most rail systems at a fraction of the
cost. BRT include exclusive bus lanes, high-capacity hybrid vehicles, more
frequent service, traffic signal priority, rail-like stations, WIFI, real-time
passenger information, level boarding and off-vehicle fare collection. Once
implemented BRT has the potential to increase ridership, reduce travel times,
ease congestion and attract people out of their cars.
VTA is planning BRT for three high-ridership routes: Santa Clara Alum Rock,
now nearing construction with an expected first day of service in late 2014; El
Camino Real, now in an exploration phase; and Stevens Creek, currently in the
earliest stage of planning.
El Camino Real BRT Video
Posted on November 18, 2011 by VTA
Bikes inside buses?
Posted on August 10, 2011 by VTA
In coming months, VTA will purchase a new fleet of vehicles for the BRT
service that will begin in 2014. Among the issues currently being discussed
by VTA staff is how to best accommodate bicycle storage. VTA’s current bus
fleet features external bicycle racks on the front of the bus that can hold two
bicycles, the maximum allowed for front racks by state law. New BRT vehicles
would also be equipped with these racks, but is that enough bicycle storage to
meet demand?
VTA recently gave presentations on the El Camino Real Rapid Transit Project
to the City Councils of Los Altos, Palo Alto and Mountain View. The
presentations covered transit ridership and travel times, traffic, parking and
possible physical changes to El Camino Real. In the coming months, VTA will be
asking each City Council for their preferred street configuration which VTA will
study through an environmental review process.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will update the
community on the Santa Clara-Alum Rock Rapid Transit Project
and seek input on how to personalize certain station elements to reflect the
character of the surrounding neighborhoods. This is a second round of
meetings from those held in April 2011 to update the community on the project.
The meetings will be held on the following dates and locations:
