The The report (PDF 3.3M) offers four different configurations of bus options (on pages 4-2 to 4-4, PDF, 134K) and recommends that all four be studied. They basically differ in the amount and configuration of dedicated facilities for the buses. I can’t quibble, they’re all options that should be studied (even if I am a rail fan).
Read the Ground Rules for CRC Week.
| ID | NAME | Q1 | Q2 | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR-1 | Express Bus in General Purpose Lanes | P | P | P |
| TR-2 | Express Bus in Managed Lanes | P | P | P |
| TR-3 | Bus Rapid Transit Lite | P | P | P |
| TR-4 | Bus Rapid Transit | P | P | P |
The report (PDF 3.3M) offers four different configurations of bus options (on pages 4-2 to 4-4, PDF, 134K) and recommends that all four be studied. They basically differ in the amount and configuration of dedicated facilities for the buses. I can’t quibble, they’re all options that should be studied (even if I am a rail fan).
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One response to “CRC Week: TR-1 to TR-4 the Bus Options”
The problem with the bus options is that for any to work you must have right of way…so two lanes of any new or supplemental bridge would dedicated to buses/HOV…not such a bad idea. But what happens on the OR side? I-5 will not be widened through N. Portland, and we have already built MAX, so the BRT or Express Bus either go into regular traffic or a GP lane s-bound is switched to HOV (OK by me, but not likely to be popular in Clark county). The other option is that buses deliver riders to the existing bays at Vanport/Delta Park to transfer to MAX Yellow Line. Why not just do the transfer in downtown Vancouver and put MAX across the river.
MAX from Expo to Rose Quarter is 20 minutes…add 5 minutes to get to downtown Vancouver; its another 5-10 into downtown Portland. A pretty competitive trip.
You will note in the Governors’ TF a firm commitment to MAX across the river was made, as well as a recommendation that express bus service only to be areas NOT served by MAX. Fred Hansen insisted on this and was supported by TF members from both sides.
I expect that including bus options is comparable to the South Corridor study that started with everything but MAX, only to conclude that rail is the most cost effective option with the highest ridership, etc.