What is the Preferred Future?

Transportation Network

Bus Rapid Transit

Street Design

BUS RAPID TRANSIT

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) was selected over light rail for its inherent flexibility and more easily justified cost. Bus Rapid Transit uses increased investment in technology, equipment, stations, operations and marketing to rival the quality of service of higher investment light rail systems while remaining more flexible and less costly than rail systems. Bus Rapid Transit is particularly well-suited for the Corridor because of its ability to maneuver through a constrained right of way. The Corridor's BRT system would include the following key features:

Electronic rider information system uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to provide passengers with "real time" bus arrival information at stations and through other tools such as touch-tone phones, the web, and wireless handheld devices.

Bus signal preference and preemption. Preferential treatment of buses at intersections can involve the extension of green time or actuation of the green light at signalized intersections upon detection of an approaching bus. This system can be combined with the GPS used for the rider information system to give buses more or less priority depending on their closeness to being on schedule. A portion of these improvements are currently being made in the Corridor.

Dedicated-lanes in certain segments of the Corridor will reduce automobile and bus traffic conflicts allowing buses to keep on schedule during peak traffic hours.

"Queue-jumper" lanes. A "bus only" lane at boarding platforms on the near-side of signalized intersections allows buses, upon completion of boarding, to receive a transit-only green light in advance of the automobile signal. This allows buses to keep on schedule at congested intersections.

Fast-boarding. Conventional on-board collection of fares slows the boarding process. A self-service or "proof of payment" system would allow for boarding through all doors of a stopped bus, but poses significant enforcement challenges.

Prepaid "smart cards" providing for automated fare collection would speed fare transactions, but would require that boarding remain restricted to the front door of the bus. Smart card technology may also include contactless "proximity cards" allowing fares to be deducted without physical contact with the card reader.

Easier Boarding. Another impediment to reducing boarding time is the height difference between ground level and conventional buses, as most passengers are required to climb several steps, and passengers using wheelchairs can enter the bus only with the assistance of lift equipment, the operation of which is time-consuming. Low-floor busses possibly combined with slightly higher curbs would provide for level boarding, making boarding both faster and easier for all passengers.

Bus time integration with wireless handheld devices for Metro in Seattle, Washington

An Electronic Rider Information Board in Germany

This ticket vending machine would be appropriately
scaled for the BRT stations

"High-end" buses would be clean, quiet, comfortable and air-conditioned. BRT buses will feature many of the amenities found on light rail vehicles, such as wider aisles, larger windows, and well-lit interiors. Several bus manufacturers are now producing models designed for BRT applications.

Timed connections would be provided to shuttle services serving popular destinations such as Union College, SUNY-Albany and the airport at comfortable transfer facilities. The BRT will also be able to connect to potential commuter rail stations in Albany and Schenectady.

Bus manufacturers such as Irisbus (Renault/Iveco) are releasing new models specifically designed for BRT systems.

Improved Shelters would provide larger enclosed heated spaces, with 360-degree visibility for safety. Bicycle racks or lockers would be provided at some stations, and bicycle racks would be available on all BRT busses. A built-in security and customer service phone would connect customers directly with CDTA. Rider information kiosks will provide "real-time" bus information and announcements. In some locations, shelters will also include automated vending as well as kiosks for micro-format retail such as sales of newspapers, coffee, flowers, etc.

A Rider Information Board at Kiosk Nott Terrace combines both printed and electronic information