Bus Rapid Transit
Silver Line bus rapid transit (BRT) offers an innovative, high capacity, higher speed, cost-effective public transit solution that can achieve the performance of a light rail system at a significantly lower price tag. Being both efficient and higher speed, Silver Line can become a resource for many travelers in the metro area.
The efficiency and high speed of BRT is achieved by:
Dedicated Bus Lanes
During rush hour traffic, a large portion of the BRT system operates in bus-only lanes, resulting in higher speeds than the general traffic lanes.
Improved Fare Collection
Electronic payment, prior to entering the vehicle, allows for quick boarding of passengers.
State-of-the-Art Technologies
BRT uses intelligent transportation system (ITS) applications such as signal priority, real-time arrival information, and advanced communication systems that result in faster and more convenient trips.
Improved Service
The Silver Line will have 10-minute service during the morning and afternoon commute. A trip from 60th Street to Medical Hill will take approximately 27 minutes with no transfers.
Station Design
BRT makes less frequent stops than regular bus service. Generally, stations are spaced from 1/2 mile to 1 mile apart. Stations are designed for level boarding on vehicles. This, in conjunction with wide entry and exit doors, allows vehicles to enter and exit stations quickly.
Vehicle Branding
BRT vehicles are comfortable, clean, quiet, high-efficiency vehicles that often use hybrid propulsion drive systems. Vehicles have a modern design with unique logos that are easily distinguished from regular bus service.
Transit-Supportive Land Development
BRT investments generate significant positive development effects. Some examples include:
- Pittsburgh: $300 million in development around stations
- Ottawa: $700 million in development around stations
- Boston: $650 million in development around stations
Official Documentation
SilverLine Alternatives Analysis (6 MB, pdf)
Task 1 Visioning Report (53 MB, pdf)
SilverLine BRT Cost Estimate Report (1 MB, pdf)
Quality Management Plan (Draft) (953 KB, pdf)
Rapid Fleet Management Plan (368 KB, pdf)
System Safety Program Plan 2011 (136 KB, pdf)
SilverLine BRT Utility Coordination Matrix (55 KB, pdf)
Document Control Management Plan (223 KB, pdf)
Cover, Title Page and Table of Contents (1 MB, pdf)
Summary (189 KB, pdf)
Chapter 1 Purpose of and Need for Action (3 MB, pdf)
Chapter 2 Comparison of Alternatives and Selection of Preferred Alternative (2 MB, pdf)
Chapter 3 Environmental Resources, Impacts and Mitigation (3 MB, pdf)
Chapter 4 Capital Cost Estimates (158 KB, pdf)
Chapter 5 Comments and Coordination (208 KB, pdf)
Chapter 6 List of References (151 KB, pdf)
Chapter 7 List or Preparers (217 KB, pdf)
Chapter 8 List of Recipients (140 KB, pdf)
Chapter 9 List of Acronyms (77 KB, pdf)
Chapter 10 Exhibits (4 MB, pdf)
Appendix A Section 106 Consultation Materials (698 KB, pdf)
Appendix B Noise Calculation Worksheet (126 KB, pdf)
Appendix C Agency Correspondence (496 KB, pdf)
Appendix D Stakeholder Meeting Materials (3 MB, pdf)
Appendix E Stakeholder Comments (327 KB, pdf)
Appendix F Rapid System Map (3 MB, pdf)
Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit Public Meetings (2 MB, pdf)
BRT FONSI (1 MB, pdf)
BRT Route Map (79 KB, jpg)
