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What is BRT - Bus Rapid Transit?

BRT, Bus Rapid Transit, is a high-quality, high-speed form of transit that provides the same service and amenities as light rail but at a much lower implementation cost. BRT uses specialized vehicles that operate on city streets and in dedicated lanes rather than on a fixed guideway, like rail. Overall, BRT is designed to improve the speed, reliability and identity of bus transit.

What makes BRT different from bus service?

BRT will offer a better transit experience by offering faster travel speeds, more frequent service and better transit amenities. Here’s how:

• Dedicated Lanes – Where implemented, these lanes are used only by BRT and emergency vehicles and allow BRT to bypass automobile traffic.
• Signal Priority – When the BRT vehicle approaches an intersection, the traffic signal will turn green or stay green to allow the vehicle to move through without stopping at a red light.
• Off-Board Fare Collection – As with light rail, passengers buy tickets at the station and board without showing proof of payment avoiding lines at the front of the bus while passengers pay for fares. On-board transit officers check tickets.
• Faster Boarding  – Passengers will board through the front and rear doors.
• "Bulb-out" Stations – For easy access in areas without dedicated lanes, the station platform will extend out into the parking lane adjacent to the travel lane. The BRT vehicle will stop in the travel lane while passengers board thereby speeding up travel time and access.
• Frequency – Ten-minute headways or faster.
• Enhanced Stations – Stations will be more substantial than regular bus stations with better weather protection, more seating and better lighting.

Where will BRT be implemented?

Three corridors are currently targeted for BRT service:

• Santa Clara-Alum Rock Corridor – Connects HP Pavilion Arena Station to Eastridge Transit Center via Santa Clara Street, Alum Rock Avenue and Capitol Expressway. This is an upgrade to the 522 Rapid Bus line. This service will continue along the El Camino Corridor, ending at the Palo Alto Transit Center.
• El Camino Corridor – Connects the Palo Alto Transit Center to HP Pavilion.  This is an upgrade to the 522 Rapid Bus line. This is a continuation of the Santa Clara-Alum Rock Corridor.
• Stevens Creek Corridor – Connects De Anza College to HP Pavilion. Service along this corridor will continue to Eastridge Transit Center.

Once implemented in all three corridors, BRT vehicles in the Santa Clara-Alum Rock Corridor will operate on five-minute headways while vehicles in the El Camino and Stevens Creek Corridors operate on ten-minute headways.

When will BRT arrive?

Santa Clara-Alum Rock service will begin by the end of 2014. West of HP Pavilion, the BRT service will make all 522 stops until the El Camino stations are opened. El Camino service has a target date of 2015. Stevens Creek service is expected by 2017.