Implementing BRT in the Urban Context: Boston

Chris Van Eyken, Senior Planner, US Programchristopher.vaneyken@itdp.org

BRT in the Urban Context

BRT has proven a viable solution to rapid transit needs

High capacity system provide reliable access to the city

Our CBDs often lack ample space for infrastructure

Urban centers are where BRT is most needed

But implementation in CBDs present challenges

Proposal for BRT in Boston

Existing transit system not meeting city’s needs

Gaps in rapid transit network

Boston’s PNT is 63%

Gaps in rapid transit network

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

600000

Heavy rail Light rail Bus

Typical Weekday Ridership

Bus system is slow

Bus riders face poor conditions

MBTA services struggled in Winter 2015

Where Would BRT Work in Boston?

Demand analysis for Boston

Demand analysis for Boston

Technical analysis identified BRT corridors

Barr Foundation released report in support of BRT- Included technical outputs from ITDP including 5 recommended corridors

Time savings analysis for Boston

BRT would grow the existing rapid transit network

BRT would grow the existing rapid transit network

False Start with BRT: 28X

The Challenge in Boston: Limited ROW

ROWs on Corridor 1

Bogota, Colombia

Mexico City, Mexico

Johannesburg, South Africa

Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Moving Forward: How Do We Convince the Public?

Study tours to educate policymakers

Study tours to educate policymakers

Station design contest

Questions?