31. Case Study:Swift – Everett, Washington 17 Mile Corridor Stations 1-2 Miles Apart Opened 2009
32. SWIFT 7 MILES OF BUSINESS ACCESS/TRANSIT LANES 10 MILES IN MIXED TRAFFIC RETAINED LOCAL SERVICE OFF-BOARD FARE, STATION ART UNIQUE, BRANDED VEHICLES RAISED STATIONS, LEVEL BOARDING
60. Learn more Online: www.c-tran.com/brt, Find us on Facebook Or call:(360) 906-7318
Editor's Notes
VIDEO - Transit signal priority is an important element of BRT system since it can reduce delay created by traffic signals. Transit signal priority is different than transit signal preemption that is available to emergency vehicles. Transit signal priority does not guarantee a green light for transit, but would hold the green for a few seconds longer if a bus is approaching the signal. If done carefully, transit signal priority will have minimal impact on overall traffic delay and is often not even noticed by auto drivers.
Transit signal priority is an important element of BRT system since it can reduce delay created by traffic signals. Transit signal priority is different than transit signal preemption that is available to emergency vehicles. Transit signal priority does not guarantee a green light for transit, but would hold the green for a few seconds longer if a bus is approaching the signal. If done carefully, transit signal priority will have minimal impact on overall traffic delay and is often not even noticed by auto drivers.
Real-time passenger information tells passengers waiting at stops and stations how long before the next bus is arriving. This information is based on the actual location of the bus (using GPS or other similar vehicle locator system) and an estimate of travel time to reach the stop from that location. Studies have shown that this type of information is very helpful to riders and encourages ridership.
On most buses fares are paid upon entering the front door of the bus. Many BRT systems have adopted the light rail approach to fares that requires riders to purchase their fare before entering the vehicle. This allows passengers to board any door and greatly reduces the time spent at stops and stations. Fare checkers randomly check passengers to verify fare payment.
Points:Service started in 200917 mile corridor between Everett and Shorelines (north of Seattle)7 miles as BAT lanes; 10 miles in mixed trafficTransit signal priorityRaised station platformsOff-board fare collectionStations 1-2 miles apart; local service retainedUnique, branded vehiclesRidership exceeding projections.
Points:FeaturesCombination of mixed traffic and exclusive lanesTransit signal priorityOff-board fare collectionRaised passenger platformsUnique vehicles (doors on both sides)EmX replaced previous serviceStations about 1/3 mile apartTwo lines in operationFranklin corridor opened 2007First BRT corridor in communityAbout 60% of line uses transit lanesFirst year ridership exceeded 20-year projectionGateway corridor opened 2011About 70 percent of corridor uses transit lanesMeeting ridership projectionsSeveral additional corridors plannedWest Eugene expected to open in 2017Additional corridor every 4-6 years
Six lines planned; one in operationPacific Highway South opened October 201011 miles; 26 stations Replaced existing serviceRidership increased 1,500 boardings per dayReduced travel time by 30 percentUses HOV lanesOff-Board fare collection (for pass holders)Transit Signal priorityReal Time Passenger InformationSlogan: New. Easy. Frequent
Points:Service started in 20087 mile line with stations about every ¼ mileReplaced existing serviceRidership up 47%There has been $4.3 billion of investment along the corridorFeaturesExclusive median lanes along about half the routeTransit signal priorityRaised station platformsOff-board fare collectionUnique vehicles with doors on both sides
