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Hearings scheduled on Downtown-East End rapid bus plan
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Groups pushing for development of faster bus service linking Downtown, Oakland and the East End will hold four meetings starting this week to gather public input.
More than 30 diverse organizations support creation of a bus rapid transit system, which has been described as comparable to a light-rail line but with much lower development costs. The Port Authority currently is studying options for such a system.
The upcoming meetings will include discussion of possible route alignments, stations and street configurations and a film clip will show how the system would operate.
- 6-8 p.m. Sept. 27: University of Pittsburgh, Alumni Hall, First Floor Ballroom, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland
- 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 1: Carnegie Library, 130 S. Whitfield St., East Liberty
- 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 4: UPMC Mercy, Sister Ferdinand Clark Auditorium, 1400 Locust St., Uptown
- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11: Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at Kaufmann Center (next to the Hill House), 1825 Centre Ave., Hill District
More information about the project and groups that support it is available at www.GetTherePGH.org.
In bus rapid transit, extra-long buses operate between above-ground stations that are farther apart than typical bus stops. The vehicles usually run on dedicated bus lanes, with priority at traffic signals. Patrons pay fares in the stations, and screens display real-time information about the next arrivals.
A rapid bus line developed in Cleveland has been credited with sparking $4 billion in development along its path. The Pittsburgh project has received endorsements from Pittsburgh and Allegheny County government officials, Oakland universities and hospitals, and organizations including Sustainable Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.
First Published September 25, 2012 12:00 am
