NY Daily News: The case for bus rapid transit

[marmar]

(Daily News) New York City has the most robust transit system in the country. Serving more riders each day than the 20 next largest U.S. systems combined, the city’s subways and buses are a vital catalyst for economic prosperity. However those opportunities for prosperity have not extended to the whole city, especially parts of the outer-boroughs, where long distances, infrequent service, and complex routes can make it difficult, and nearly impossible, for New Yorkers to reach good-paying jobs. Indeed, more than 750,000 New Yorkers commute more than an hour each way to work — two-thirds to jobs that earn less than $35,000 per year.

What’s more, many employers in these neighborhoods are isolated from reliable transit, inhibiting the potential for business growth and economic development in these areas. As Mayor Bill de Blasio considers how to advance his campaign promises of equitable opportunities for economic growth across all neighborhoods, among the first places he should start is our city’s transit system.

But due to high costs, extended construction times, and persistent MTA budget issues, expanding the subway system is simply not feasible. Multi-billion dollar investments in the 7 line and the Second Avenue Subway are taking years to complete. The solution? Bus Rapid Transit.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-performance transit option that combines the permanence, speed, and reliability of rail, with the flexibility of buses, at a fraction of the cost of a subway system. Compared to the $3 billion per mile cost of Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway, BRT will maximize taxpayers’ dollars. A full-featured BRT network that would streamline commutes for outer borough residents and create new economic opportunities for millions of New Yorkers is attainable through a reasonable allocation of capital funding and a strong commitment of political and community support. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/case-bus-rapid-transit-article-1.1550943#ixzz2nqDDB9Qp