Tacoma Weighs Bus Rapid Transit

Pierce Transit has proposed a new Bus Rapid Transit line to speed travel, but Tacoma residents have bristled at the prospect of losing front lawns and parking spaces.

1 minute read

March 15, 2019, 1:00 PM PDT

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Vermont BRT

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Vermont BRT Proposed Concept 1

If a Pacific Transit Plan goes through, Tacoma will be getting a bus lane for faster transit service. "The line would run along Pacific Avenue from downtown Tacoma into Spanaway and could shave travel time by one-third," Joel Moreno writes for KOMO News.

Part of that time-savings would come from signal priority for buses, which would keep green lights green longer as buses approached. The planned lane would not take away a driving lane, but would remove parking and take some lawn space.

The prospect of lost parking brought complaints from some, who worried about local businesses. Others worried about losing their sidewalks or lawn spaces. The exact route of the lane is still being determined. "Pierce Transit is still deciding whether to run dedicated bus lanes curbside - the current recommendation - or run buses down the center median," Moreno reports.

Monday, March 11, 2019 in KOMO News

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

Multifamily housing under construction.

To Build More Housing, Cities Must Be Smarter in How They Use Land

How strategic land use policy decisions can alleviate the housing crisis and limit unsustainable sprawl.

December 11, 2024 - John D. Landis

Bird's eye view of empty asphalt parking lot with one blue car.

Parking Reform Can Boost Homebuilding 40 to 70 Percent

More evidence that parking flexibility is key to housing abundance.

December 13 - Sightline

Close-up of "Shared Use Path" sign for pedestrians and cyclists on post in urban setting.

California Adds Complete Streets to Transportation Funding Guidelines

The state transportation commission previously declined to include bike and pedestrian infrastructure in its updated funding guidelines, despite a new state law requiring Complete Streets efforts in all Caltrans projects.

December 13 - Streetsblog California

Aerial view of downtown Omaha, Nebraska with holiday lights at sunset.

Omaha Streetcar Yielding $1.5 Billion in TIF Funds

The line, scheduled for completion in 2027, is bringing billions in new investment to the city’s urban core.

December 13 - KMTV 3 News Now

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.