BUS RAPID TRANSIT WINS VOTE OF APPROVAL FROM
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL

High speed bus proposal wins second approval in a week

A week after the its Public Works Committee approved the idea, the Oakland City Council has now also voted to support AC Transit's proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) that would bring high speed bus service to the area.

"This has been an exciting week for Bus Rapid Transit, which we believe will speed up travel times, stimulate local jobs, and help the environment by reducing pollution and the need to drive," said Rocky Fernandez, President of the AC Transit Board of Directors. "Our local leaders in Oakland have really stepped up to support this innovative and cost-effective project, which is now one step closer to benefiting the region."

The Oakland portion of the BRT route would be the longest and most highly-traveled of the 17-mile stretch from San Leandro, through Oakland and ending in Berkeley. The cities of Berkeley and San Leandro are expected to rule on their portion of the project soon.

"Tuesday night's vote at the Oakland City Council Meeting shows that AC Transit has effectively listened to the community and come up with a plan that really works for Oakland," said Clarence Johnson, spokesman for AC Transit. "Oakland's community leaders understand that BRT is good for local traffic concerns, businesses and the environment."

BRT could be up and running as soon as 2013, and fully implemented in 2015.

About Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

AC Transit's vision is to provide a truly world-class transit service that is convenient, reliable and safe; one that increases mobility, enhances the quality of life and improves the health of the environment throughout the communities it serves. Bus Rapid Transit would be a high-capacity rapid transit system that reduces travel times. With dedicated lanes and signal priority, and prominent stations with convenient boarding of buses, BRT would offer residents a viable alternative to congested city streets. It would reduce traffic congestion, significantly cutting emissions and pollutants. Bus Rapid Transit is essentially light rail without the tracks. It combines the speed and capacity of light rail with the convenience and affordability of riding the bus. It can be planned and built at much less expense, and more quickly, than traditional light rail systems.