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Bus Rapid Transit
As VIA’s highest ridership corridor, Fredericksburg Road is ideal for the region’s
first bus rapid transit service. Bus rapid transit (BRT) includes a number of enhancements
in bus operations, technology, frequency and facilities designed to make bus service
operate with the comfort and reliability of rail transit but without the high cost.
New technology includes real time bus arrival signs at BRT stops and traffic signal
coordination to streamline bus service. Passengers can even pay bus fares at machines
just like those at rail transit stations. A simple route structure makes bus rapid
transit service easy to use. Bus stops are improved and become "distinct stations"
that are readily identifiable with bus rapid transit service. Stations are more
than mere access points for bus rapid transit; they can become focal points for
community redevelopment. Bus rapid transit will have a distinct service identity,
faster and more frequent service, and convenient connections to other transit services,
including potential Austin-San Antonio commuter rail in the future. These improvements
not only provide a rapid and more reliable transit service, but they will also bring
new life to an aging arterial street.
The primary BRT corridor would link VIA's future transit center in the Medical Center
to the proposed multimodal station near downtown. Major improvements recommended
along the corridor include construction of a dedicated busway in the median of Fredericksburg
from the Medical Center to Vance Jackson. BRT would operate in mixed traffic from
the Deco District into downtown.
The VIA BRT network will be fully integrated with the regional transportation system
and it will lead the way in strengthening public transportation service and use.
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