Electric Bus Rapid Transit Between Pittsburgh and Oakland Takes Crucial Steps Forward

"Pittsburgh City Council took the next step forward Wednesday in establishing the Bus Rapid Transit system between Oakland and Downtown by agreeing to hire a coordinator for the project," reports Ed Blazina.

"In addition to approving the $90,000 position, council authorized making the Port Authority the lead agency for the proposed $195.5 million project," adds Blazina.

"The project will provide separate lanes between Downtown and Oakland for electric buses, which also will have priority at traffic lights," according to Blazina. The project will also ensure major improvements on Fifth and Forbes avenues, with new sewers, sidewalks, and utilities.

Port Authority spokesman Adam Brandolph is quoted in the article describing the agreement as a key step in getting the project to final design and construction.