​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Phoenix BRTPhoenix BRT
​


​​​Take Survey​

Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit Program​

In 2015, Phoenix voters approved Proposition 104, creating the 35-year street and transit plan known as Transportation 2050 or T2050. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) was identified as a key component of T2050 to continue expanding our city's high capacity transit network.

As a new transit option for Phoenix, BRT will transform and improve transit speed, reliability and overall rider experience. Pho​​enix BRT is being developed with community input and collaboration and based on where current and future transit ridership shows the most need. 

corridor image

What is happening now? 

Don't Miss Out! Public Meeting Tonight! 

Tues, March 21 @ 5:30pm 

Carl Hayden Community High School – 3333 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85009​

The City of Phoenix has selected its first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor – 35th Avenue/Van Buren Street – and we want to connect with YOU to share an overview of the corridor, provide insight into where we are in the project and next steps, and hear  your thoughts! Visit the BRT Online Meeting​ and take our survey now through April 21! ​

Join us at an upcoming public meeting:  

Tonight! 3/21: Carl Hayden Community High School at 5:30pm
3/28: Trinity United Methodist Church at 5:30pm
4/4: Virtual Meeting​ at 6pm​

​

​​​Help us spread the word by sharing the BRT Public Events Poster ​with your network! 

Sign Up Now! ​Keep up to date with news ​and information about the Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit program. 

MeetPhoenixBRT.comBRT 101 Video Send Us a Comment​​​


​Spanish BRT Video: Autobús de Transporte Rápido en Phoenix o ​BRT

​S​ign-Up for BRT Mailing List to receive Phoenix BRT updates! ​​​​

Bus Rapid Transit 101​

​What is BRT?

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high capacity bus service that operates throughout the day on major roads with a focus on improved speed, reliability, convenience and overall transit experience.  Some of the elements found in BRT systems include enhanced stations, custom buses, advanced fare collection, unique branding, dedicated lanes and transit spot improvements (such as queue jump lanes and transit signal priority).   ​ 

Elements of BRT 

 Advanced fare collection Transit spot improvements Enhanced stations

 Custom buses Dedicated lanes Unique branding

 ​Why BRT? 

  • BRT is part of our commitment to you in the Transportation 2050 plan.

  • Expands mobility choices to help keep pace with region's growing transportation needs. For more information on regional efforts visit Maricopa Association of Governments.

  • Improves speed and reliability of existing transit network in Phoenix.

  • Assists riders traveling across Phoenix and connecting to other cities.

How is BRT Different from RAPID/Express? 

BRT Schedule​

​Please visit MeetPhoenixBRT.com to follow our roadmap to success and learn more about what it takes to implement the first BRT system in Phoenix. 
​

​Top of page

Community Engagement

Our team is committed to an interactive and collaborative community education and engagement process to help make Phoenix BRT a success.

To show our commitment to this process, the BRT Program has launched a new website - MeetPhoenixBR​T.com  – that will provide you the latest BRT information and inform you of future opportunities to co-create with the Phoenix BRT team! As we developed this site, we focused on three main goals:

  • Creating a transparent and open network for communication with our community.
  • Fostering a collaborative process with the community; co-create.
  • Building a connection to our program and project team.

Check out our new site today and stay connected with us!

Community Outreach Phase I - Fall 2022

In fall 2022, the Phoenix BRT program began its alternatives analysis and conceptual design process for the 35th Avenue/Van Buren Street Corridor. During this phase, the team evaluated existing conditions and collected input from the community o​n their needs for the BRT corridor.  The Community Outreach Phase I included a survey – called the BRT Corridor Survey ​– that sought public input on preferences for BRT along the corridor as well as business-specific information. 

  • ​BRT Corridor Outreach Phase I- Survey Summary
Community Outreach - 2020
From February to December 2020, the Phoenix BRT program launched an education and engagement campaign to provide continuous opportunities for the community to learn about the program and provide input on the six potential corridors and four potential networks. To best reach the community, BRT program staff employed both traditional in-person and virtual outreach methods and provided all materials in both English and Spanish. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, outreach efforts shifted to virtual platforms in March 2020. 

Top of page​



Ways to Participate ​​​

​

Public Meetings 

The City of Phoenix has selected its first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor – 35th Avenue/Van Buren Street – and we want to connect with YOU to share an overview of the corridor, provide insight into where we are in the project and next steps, and hear your thoughts!  Visit the BRT Online Meeting​ and take our survey now through April 21! ​

Don't Miss Out! Public Meeting Tonight! 

 Tuesday, March 21  at 5:30pm

Carl Hayden Community High School – 3333 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85009

English Public Meeting Presentation 

Spanish Public Meeting Presentation 

​

​​​Help us spread the word by sharing the BRT Public Events Poster ​with your network! 

Sign Up N​ow! ​Keep up to date with news ​and information about the Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit program. ​


March 21, 2023 and March 28, 2023 In-Person Public Meetings 

​

Tonight! Tuesday, March 21  | 5:30 – 7 PM 

  • Carl Hayden Community High School – 3333 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85009 


Tuesday, March 28 | 5:30 – 7 PM ​

Trinity United Methodist Church – 3104 W Glendale Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85051 

Visit the BRT Online Meeting​ and take our survey now through April 21! 

English Public Meeting Presentation 

Spanish Public Meeting Presentation ​​​

​

February 24, 2022 Citizens Transportation Commission Meeting 

September 15, 2021 Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Commission Meeting 

May 27, 2021 Citizens Transportation Commission Meeting 


Top of page


Frequentl​y Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Learn more about the Phoenix BRT Program.​


Question 1: What is BRT?

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 dedicated bus lanes in some areas to facilitate faster trips.  ​

Question 2: What are some typical elements of BRT?

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

Question 3: What is a queue jump?

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 through lanes; giving buses a head start over other traffic. For more information about queue jumps, visit the Transit Street Design Guide.

Question 4: What is Transit Signal Priority?

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.​

Question 5: How is BRT different than current bus transit services?​

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.

BRT versus RAPID and Express

​​Question 6: What are the benefits of BRT?

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.

Question 7: How is BRT funded?

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

Question 8: How much will Phoenix BRT cost?

Answer: The cost of BRT can vary widely and 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.   
  

Question 9: How will BRT accommodate different abilities?

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 and on station platforms.   
  

Question 10: What other cities have BRT?

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

Question 11: What is the approved BRT corridor?

Answer: In October 2021, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street as the first BRT corridor in Phoenix. In April 2022, Phoenix City Council unanimously approved the BRT Program to continue community and stakeholder engagement, alternatives analysis, and 15%  design plans for the initial BRT corridor of 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street. ​(Map​​​) 

​​​​

Question 12: How was the approved BRT corridor identified?

Answer: The selected corridor was identified through a tr​ansit analysis process and an 11-month city-wide outreach process which included:

  • Transit analysis maps
  • Social media
  • Program webpage (www.phoenix.gov/brt)
  • Project fact sheet
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
  • “BRT 101" videos
  • Online meeting webpage (MeetPhoenixBRT.com)
  • In-person/virtual meetings with all 15 City of Phoenix Village Planning Committees
  • In-person/virtual meetings with community groups
  • News releases and television programs
  • Live virtual public meetings
  • Shape Your BRT survey

Ultimately, based on your input and results from our analysis, we identified 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street as the first BRT corridor as it provides high ridership, good geographic coverage, and connects the existing ​and future transit networks in Phoenix (particularly future light rail extensions in Phoenix).

​​​​

Question 13: Does this project impact any other concurrent projects along 35th Avenue? 

Answer: As the Phoenix BRT corridor development is still in early design phases, impacts to concurrent studies or projects is unknown at this time. However, the BRT team is closely coordinatizing with all seven projects within the BRT corridor to develop solutions that best meet the needs of our community. For more information on concurrent projects and studies, visit their webpages below or connect with their project team:

​​​​​​

Question 14: When will construction on the 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street Corridor begin?

Answer: The Phoenix BRT team is currently in early design, developing alternatives for the selected BRT corridor. We anticipate that construction activities for this corridor would begin in 2026.

​​​​

Question 15: How will businesses along the 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street Corridor be impacted? 

Answer: As the corridor is still in early design phases, specific business impacts are unknown at this time. However, the Phoenix BRT team will work with businesses directly along the corridor to understand concerns and any unknown considerations that may help inform corridor design. If you are a business along the 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street Corridor and looking for ways to get involved and stay connected, visit MeetPhoenixBRT.com and sign up to be added to our stakeholder list. Be sure to include your business name so we can add you directly to our business stakeholder list.   ​

​​​​

Question 16: How will BRT vehicles and stations accommodate the cycling community?

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.    ​

​​​​

Question 17: Will there be bike lanes along the corridor?

Answer: As we are still early in the design process, the inclusion of bike lanes along the corridor has not been decided. However, in the current design stage, the team is analyzing multiple BRT options both with and without bike lanes to determine impacts on the surrounding environment (such as right of way needed). Ultimately, our priority is to create a safe and accessible environment for the community that promotes connection.   ​

​​​​

Question 18: Will there be pedestrian facilities along the corridor?

Answer: Pedestrian facilities will be included in the design of BRT corridor as the team is dedicated to creating a safe and accessible environment for pedestrians that promotes convenient travel connections.  

​​​​

Question 19: How will construction impact the surrounding community?

Answer: As the project is still in early design stages, impacts to the surrounding community are unknown at this time. During the design process, we will be evaluating multiple BRT options and impacts of each to determine a BRT option that meets the community's needs, is feasible within the corridor, and aligns with the priorities for developing BRT on this corridor. The five priorities for this corridor include:

  • Develop a “showcase" BRT corridor
  • Support meaningful and equitable community engagement
  • Collaborate with concurrent projects
  • Improve travel time and reliability
  • Provide safe and accessible multimodal connections


Question 20: Will the existing bus service Route 3 and Route 35 still operate? 

Answer: Yes. The existing bus service, Route 3 on Van Buren Street and Route 35 on 35th Avenue, will continue to operate as additional service to the new BRT system.  
  

​​​​

Top of page​

​

Meet Phoenix BRT Community Connection Form

Keep up to date with news ​and information about the Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit program. We’re open for suggestions, questions and comments or available to just chat!

Sign Up Now! 

​​​

Documents ​


Top of page​

Contact Us

• Call us at 602-262-7242
• Send us a comment!

Note when you submit an email it falls under the city's policy which states that the email message is: (1) subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Law, (2) is not private or confidential and (3) is retained for 90 days. You may access free electronic device library resources at any Phoenix Public Library locations (COVID-19 restrictions may apply). ​​​

​can use this space for temp items!