Data from the Boston area shows that dedicated bus lanes are helping to get buses moving.
Boston-area buses are moving faster and more regularly along several routes where the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority implemented bus rapid transit features, including bus-only lanes. An analysis of MBTA data shows travel times are down five to ten minutes and commute and arrival times are more consistent.
"The encouraging data comes as the MBTA tries to find ways to move its buses faster amid the nation's worst rush hour traffic. And it's gotten worse: The time it takes buses to complete their routes during rush hour has increased 17% between 2006 and 2018, according to the MBTA," reports Zeninjor Enwemeka.
While the bus lanes started as pilot projects, Boston and Everett have since made them permanent, and Arlington plans to do the same. The MBTA is putting $9 million toward bus improvements, and transit officials say more bus lanes will coming in the future.
FULL STORY: Dedicated Bus Lanes Are Making Commutes Faster In And Around Boston, Data Show
Boston’s Blue Hill Avenue to Get BRT, Safety Improvements
The key bus corridor serves over 37,000 bus riders daily.
Tactical Transit Lanes Offer Big Bang for the Buck
The bus lanes can be installed quickly, requiring minimal time and resources and offering a good return on investment, says a new report.
Making Space for Buses
In Houston, transit officials are working to balance plans for a new bus rapid transit line with existing street trees and traffic lanes.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
New Park Opens in the Santa Clarita Valley
The City of Santa Clarita just celebrated the grand opening of its 38th park, the 10.5-acre Skyline Ranch Park.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
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