After years of planning, several months of construction and a brief delay from its original opening date, Lane Transit District began services Sunday for its new bus rapid transit system that has been dubbed the future of public transportation in Eugene and Springfield.
The Emerald Express, known as the EmX, will transport passengers on a free journey between downtown Eugene and downtown Springfield, stopping along the way at eight stations located primarily on Franklin Boulevard.
In a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Sunday, Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., and James Simpson of the Federal Transit Administration praised the EmX buses for their low maintenance costs, low energy use and their innovative service to the community.
The 60-foot buses, designed and built by Canada-based New Flyer Industries, run on hybrid-electric propulsion and travel in their own lanes for much of the route.
The buses have seats for 41 passengers, with a total capacity for up to 100 passengers and room for two wheelchair passengers and three bicycles.
DeFazio, who serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, helped secure partial funding for the $24 million-project in a transportation bill, said Gerry Gaydos, of the LTD Board of Directors.
Simpson said the EmX project was the first of its kind in the United States.
“I guess it’s true what they say, that Oregon is really a bellwether for the rest of the country,” Simpson said.
Although the EmX route has just started running, LTD is already working on adding an additional 6-mile route to the Gateway and RiverBend areas in Springfield. The new route is expected to open in either 2009 or 2010.
The Eugene City Council has also expressed interest in expanding an EmX route into west Eugene, although LTD is far from even initiating planning, Gaydos said.
More information on the EmX can be found at LTD’s Web site at www.ltd.org.
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