BUS RAPID TRANSIT 101
Lowcountry Rapid Transit is a proposed 26-mile bus rapid transit system that would operate primarily in separated dedicated lanes connecting Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville and would provide reliable travel, connect communities, and energize economic opportunities along the corridor for businesses and residents.
So what exactly does that mean?
FEATURES
Characteristics of rail with the flexibility of a bus.
VEHICLES
- 40-85 passengers per vehicle
- Pedestrian and cyclist friendly
- Alternative, clean fuels and electric
- Low floors, level boarding and wide doors for easy and equitable access
- Easy fare payments on and off-vehicle
GUIDEWAYS
- Separated, dedicated lanes with minimal time in mixed-traffic
- Infrastructure upgrades like curbs and medians for increased pedestrian safety
- New technology to optimize routes and improve efficiency
STATIONS
- Centered around areas of interest or employment clusters
- New transit stops/stations ΒΌ to 2-miles apart to increase accessibility
- Permanent covered structures for commuter comfort and safety
- Integrated with surrounding area
- Supports transit oriented development
BRANDING
- Unique identity from other local transit systems
- Consistent graphics and messaging in wayfinding and signage
- Developed in partnership with the community
SERVICE & OPERATIONS
- Frequent service on major corridors
- More direct than local service
- Anchored by major activity centers or park-and-ride lots
DID YOU KNOW?
Bus Rapid Transit vs. Light Rail
Compared to other forms of mass transit, like light rail, bus rapid transit with dedicated lanes is the most flexible and cost effective option for the Lowcountry.
For every 5.5 miles of bus rapid transit lanes built, only 1 mile of light rail track could be constructed.
5.5 MILES
1 MILE
