Austin Bus Rapid Transit System (Burnet: floor, to move, light rail)

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

If it can be done by '14, why wasn't it done by '04---or '08---or '12 ???

In this case, because the federal funding to get it done wasn't available until it was available.

[tallahasseehero1]

I actually called capmetro today and the rep on the phone told me it would be a legitimate BRT with a dedicated lane. Hopefully that will turn out to be true.

[tildahat]

Originally Posted by tallahasseehero1

I actually called capmetro today and the rep on the phone told me it would be a legitimate BRT with a dedicated lane. Hopefully that will turn out to be true.

Wow, really? Because I'm 99.9% sure that's not true. That's why they are calling "Rapid Bus", they know it's not a true BRT line. It should provide better frequency, LR like stop spacing, etc., but it will still be stuck in traffic. That's why the city considered dropping it altogether a few years ago.

[verybadgnome]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

Well, they have to think up a way for it to actually BE Rapid Transit . Perhaps they are working on a teleportation device or vaporizor to eliminate the traffic that is IN THE WAY now. (Or have they been stringing up those gondola lines and keeping that a secret?. )

Nah, it's more down-to-earth technology:

"How does the traffic signal technology work?
As Capital MetroRapid buses approach an intersection, they will send a beam to a signal controller that will either extend a green light a few seconds or change a red light to green a few seconds sooner. Any extra green light time given to the MetroRapid bus will be coordinated with the next signal cycle to ensure that signal synchronization is preserved."

[Komeht]

Originally Posted by tallahasseehero1

I actually called capmetro today and the rep on the phone told me it would be a legitimate BRT with a dedicated lane. Hopefully that will turn out to be true.

Well, that would be odd then since no such projects have been undertaken, nor funded, nor approved. . .

The routes run through some of the most well travelled routes in town. . .you'd think there would be an article or two on construction of a dedicated lane.

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by tallahasseehero1

I actually called capmetro today and the rep on the phone told me it would be a legitimate BRT with a dedicated lane. Hopefully that will turn out to be true.

Last I heard (and all that was listed in CapMetro's budget) was "dedicated" lanes for about 10 or so blocks downtown. "Dedicated" due to right-turning traffic also allowed at some intersections. We'll see how much that adversely affects it.

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by tildahat

Wow, really? Because I'm 99.9% sure that's not true. That's why they are calling "Rapid Bus", they know it's not a true BRT line. It should provide better frequency, LR like stop spacing, etc., but it will still be stuck in traffic..

The BRT-like characteristics of the new system include the frequency and stop spacing you mention, as well as level-boarding, multi-door boarding, stop infrastructure (canopies and time displays, etc.).

Almost all BRT systems make some compromises, and exist on a continuum of features.
ITDP | Institute for Transportation and Development Policy : Microsites : BRT Standard

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by verybadgnome

Nah, it's more down-to-earth technology:

"How does the traffic signal technology work?
As Capital MetroRapid buses approach an intersection, they will send a beam to a signal controller that will either extend a green light a few seconds or change a red light to green a few seconds sooner. Any extra green light time given to the MetroRapid bus will be coordinated with the next signal cycle to ensure that signal synchronization is preserved."

I'm afraid 'synchronized' traffic lights is one of those promises yet to be delivered(heard about them for 40 years now). Not only will the bus disturb any other 'synchronization' in front of it, the 60 foot long bus still has to get TO the intersection(again, will it vaporize all the traffic in the way?)

A partial list of 'promises' heard about for decades:
>Non-partisan politics
>Middle East peace
>Women's shoes that fit
>Synchronized traffic lights

Carry on...

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

I'm afraid 'synchronized' traffic lights is one of those promises yet to be delivered(heard about them for 40 years now).

What do you mean? The lights in question are already synchronized today. That's why doing the light extension from the bus is harder than it would be, it needs to avoid messing up that synchronization permanently.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by Novacek

What do you mean? The lights in question are already synchronized today. That's why doing the light extension from the bus is harder than it would be, it needs to avoid messing up that synchronization permanently.

Synchronized to do what? Stop cross traffic or stop the main artery? If it's synchronized FOR the bus lane, why the need to 'manipulate' the lights? Just askin' . Will people just fall in behind the bus to make sure they get through every light?

Is this actually done successfully in other cities with the same type of roadways?

I understand the concept of an emergency vehicle running a 'one-off' route by controlling lights; but do we really trust the bus drivers to control the traffic lights in congested areas?