November 10, 2020 Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit Virtual Meeting 

November 17, 2020 Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit Virtual ​Meeting 

Answer: BRT, or bus rapid transit, is a modern, high-capacity bus network that improves travel speed and reliability, passenger capacity, and the customer experience through various available transit enhancements. BRT uses specialized buses with multiple doors for fast entry and exit, an off-board fare payment system, and level platform boarding, making it easier for people of all abilities to efficiently access the system. It can also include priority treatment at signalized intersections to increase speed and reliability, and may include bus-only lanes in some areas to facilitate faster trips. ​

Answer: There is no universal standard for BRT, as it is planned and designed to best meet the needs of the community. Phoenix BRT program elements may include:

• ​Custom buses and enhanced bus stations with level boarding

• Off-board fare payment; for example, purchase fares on your phone or at a kiosk, instead of paying as you board the bus

• Unique branding

• Transit spot improvements such as traffic signal priority for buses at intersections

• Dedicated bus lanes for BRT vehicles
  

Answer: A queue jump is used to provide preference to buses at intersections. It consists of an additional lane at an intersection, accompanied by its own traffic signal, allowing buses to merge smoothly back into the regular thru lanes; giving buses a head start ahead of traffic. For more information about queue jumps, visit the Transit Street Design guide.

Answer: Transit Signal Priority (TSP) is a technology that allows BRT vehicles to communicate with traffic signals within the designated BRT corridor. TSP can help vehicles move more quickly through the corridor and increase transit reliability via two methods:

• ​Extended Green: When a BRT vehicle is approaching a green signal that is about to turn yellow, it may request that the signal's green phase be extended by a few seconds to allow the vehicle to travel the intersection. 

• Early Green: Likewise, a BRT vehicle approaching a red signal that is about to turn green may request that the signal turn green slightly early so that the vehicle can get through the intersection.​
  

Answer: RAPID and Express routes operate on freeways and utilize the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes whenever possible. RAPID and Express routes provide service in the morning and again in the evening, during the traditional commuter “rush" hours. Each has a limited number of stops that are near the beginning and end of a particular route.  

BRT provides high-capacity bus service that can operate throughout the day on major roads, and features transit enhancements that improve travel speed, transit frequency, passenger capacity, and the overall customer experience.

Answer: There are many benefits of BRT for a fast-growing city like Phoenix, which include:

• Faster and more frequent service. BRT is often 20 to 25 percent faster than local bus service.
• Increased cost efficiency. BRT can reduce operating costs by stopping less often, thus increasing the travel speed of the vehicle. This reduces the number of vehicles needed to adhere to headways (or frequencies) on a route.
• Reduced travel delays. BRT can benefit transit users by removing the bus from mixed traffic in congested areas and keep passengers moving.
• Shorter construction schedules for BRT. Construction is generally limited to station areas, with most of the improvements being intersection signal work and street signage and striping.
  

Answer: BRT is funded through the voter-approved Transportation 2050 (T2050) plan. More information can be found here.  
  

Answer: The cost of BRT is ultimately determined by the level of investment in BRT elements. We are just getting started on Phoenix's first BRT network and exact costs have not yet been determined. While there is no universal standard for BRT, costs will depend on options such as station design, transit spot improvements and dedicated lanes.   
  

Answer: BRT provides improved accessibility for passengers of all abilities including features such as level boarding, enhanced passenger amenities at stations, more doors on the bus for better entry and exit and more room for circulation within buses.   
  

Answer: BRT can accommodate bicycles, either on racks on the front of the bus or racks/hangers inside of each bus. Bicycle storage features will be determined once the BRT buses are selected. In addition, BRT typically offers locations to secure bicycles at or adjacent to the station.   
  

Answer: BRT systems can be found in over 160 cities worldwide with dozens more under construction across the country.  Some cities include:

• Las Vegas, Nevada 
• Los Angeles, California   
  
• Cleveland, Ohio 
• Albuquerque, New Mexico 
• Kansas City, Missouri 
• New York City, New York 
• Seattle, Washington 
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Provo-Orem, Utah​​