Bus Rapid Transit, Eugene’s latest transportation project that involves hybrid-electric buses, new bus
stations and revamped city
streets, is in its beginning stages
of construction.
Phase one of the BRT project involves construction on both Franklin Boulevard in Eugene and Pioneer Parkway Boulevard in Springfield. When completed, BRT will provide buses with their own lane, signal priority, exclusive right of way and fewer stops. It will use a prepay system to keep the boarding process quick.
Admission will be free for University students.
BRT blossomed out of a need to create a faster and more efficient bus system, said Mark Pangborn, assistant general manager for the Lane Transit District.
“BRT is trying to emulate the efficiencies of light-rail transportation but with rubber tires, which is more efficient,” he added.
Construction will cost $5.5 to $6 million for each mile of the system and BRT will cover a span of four miles. While the overall cost is estimated to be around $22 million, Pangborn said that figure is about 10 percent of the price that it would cost to construct light-rail transportation in Eugene.
“People really want assurance when they travel. That’s why they have cars,” Pangborn said. “But with the convenience of the BRT, people won’t have to worry.”
Buses will run every 10 to 12
minutes, making them easily accessible. Bus stops will be made larger with broader awnings and will have electronic schedules for easy-to-view arrival times.
BRT stops will have raised platforms that work harmoniously with the low-floor buses. “It will be like boarding a subway,” said Pangborn.
The system involves hybrid-electric buses that are 60 feet long — 50 percent larger than standard buses. With extra space and low floors, bicycles can simply be rolled on to the rear of the bus, making traveling with your wheels easier.
BRT will run passengers from downtown Eugene to downtown Springfield with stops at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Northwest Christian College, and the University, among others.
“The route was selected because it best serves the community,” Pangborn said.
While David Kelly, Eugene City Councilor Ward 3, agrees that BRT is positive for the community, he said he believes the four-mile pilot line is not large enough to measure BRT’s success.
LTD had originally planned on a more expansive pilot line but was pushed back by hesitant neighborhoods, Kelly said.
“I think the vision of BRT is incredibly positive for the community, but I feel pessimistic that LTD and the city will have the courage to live up to that vision,” Kelly said.
Along with the short pilot line, Kelly’s chief frustration with BRT is that only 50 percent of BRT’s current route will have a bus-only lane.
Kelly said that the city signed a resolution in support of BRT, but the resolution contained certain conditions that must be met.
One condition is that the “vast majority” of BRT’s route has exclusive bus lanes, Kelly said.
While Kelly is skeptical of the direction in which BRT is heading, he said he recognizes that BRT has great potential.
“The concept of BRT is great,” Kelly said. “It’s a very good solution for a city that needs great service but is not dense enough for light-rail transportation.”
According to LTD’s Web page, the long-term goal for BRT is to have the system operating in all major corridors of Eugene and Springfield within the next 20 years. Pangborn said Eugene residents can expect the first phase of BRT to be up and running by spring of 2006.
Coburg Road has been chosen as Eugene’s next BRT corridor.
“It’s going to be a great service for University students,” Pangborn said. “I can’t wait to get rolling in 2006.”

Jesse Dungan is a freelance reporter
for the Emerald.