SF transportation agency approves BRT plans

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency approved plans Tuesday for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route servicing the city’s Van Ness Avenue. Buses will run along dedicated lanes and receive preferential waiting times at traffic lights, with the goal being speedier service for transit riders.

Transit authorities project the Van Ness BRT will cost between $90 million and $130 million. More than $100 million in funding has already been identified from planned sources such as the Federal Transit Administration’s Small Starts program, the Prop K local sales tax measure for transportation and local developer contributions. Officials say construction could begin in 2014 with service beginning as early as 2016.

In addition to providing transit benefits, transit officials say their plan would increase safety along the corridor by reducing conflicts with left turning cars and adding pedestrian improvements like curbbulbs, countdown and audible pedestrian signals, and pedestrian lighting.

“Van Ness BRT will speed up service and transform Van Ness Avenue into a truly complete street,” said David Campos, chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “I’m thrilled the Authority and [the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency] are recommending a cost‐effective proposal that will provide transportation benefits for San Francisco residents and visitors alike.”

“The Van Ness BRT project will demonstrate an exciting new mode of bus transit, serving as a model for the nation as we strive to meet the challenges of growth and global warming with limited resources,” said José Luis Moscovich, executive director of the Authority.