5th National Bus Rapid Transit Conference

August 22, 2012

DRAFT

Christopher ZiemannChicago BRT Project Manager

Position funded through a grant to the Chicago Community Trust from the Rockefeller FoundationJointly split between Chicago Department of Transportation and Chicago Transit AuthorityResponsible for coordinating and developing the Chicago BRT System

FormerlyConsultant at the World BankResearcher in the Institute for Transportation and Development PolicyTransportation Planner in Washington, DCIntern in Curitiba, Brazil

Special ThanksWith support from

The BRT StandardPurpose of BRT Standard

Evaluate existing systemsEvaluate systems in the planning phase

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Standards

BRT Standard CommitteeWalter Hook, ITDPLloyd Wright, Asian Development Bank*Dario Hidalgo, EMBARQ*Gerhard Menckhoff, World Bank (retired),ITDP Vice PresidentWagner Colombini Martins, Logit ConsultoriaCarlos Felipe Pardo, Slow ResearchPedro Szasz, ConsultantUlises Navarro, ModelisticaScott Rutherford, University of Washington

Avaliable at www.itdp.org

Chicago’s Approach to BRTGoals

Grow ridership on the bus networkEliminate Bus Slow ZonesForward Compatible Investment Implement Complete Streets

Short-Term ImprovementsTargeted bus lanes Transit Signal PriorityTest BRT elements on Jeffery corridorImplement full BRT in the Loop

Long-Term VisionDevelop citywide BRT planPhased implementation

Short-term modular improvements

Develop branded servicesConcept of third mode ‘L’, Bus, and BRT

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Benefits of BRT in ChicagoRiders

26% of Chicago households car-lessComplete StreetsSpeed and Reliability

Especially important for hourly workers

Customer experienceNeighborhood-focused

Efficient Use of Funds - Modular and incremental investments Funding flexibilityFocus on pinch points Steady investment

Efficient OperationsLower CostMinimum service standardsSpeed and reliability

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Challenges of BRT in Chicago

Roadway Trade-offsBus-only lanesParking and loadingStation spacing

(1/2 v. 1/8th mile)

Turn restrictions Potential for traffic to residential streets

Political / CommunityRoutes cross aldermanic wards (50)Potential for compromiseRumors of different fare

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Chicago BRT Steering CommitteeGroup of Civic Non-ProfitPartners

Financial and administrative supportOutreachConnections to land use and real estateConnections with other foundationsPro bono consulting workEducationDesignTechnical assistancePolitical support

Branding

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System BrandingDevelop brand standards

Hours of operationFrequencyMinimum speed and reliabilityDesign standardsAmenities

Develop design standardsLogo and colorMessaging

Jeffery BrandingCurrently for Jeffery only

Expand brand to BRT systemKeep tiered system

CommunicationsStrategic Communications Plan

Six key messagesOrganize communicationsCommunication roles

Outreach - Non-profit partnersAldermenNeighborhood OrganizationsChambers of Commerce

Websitewww.BRTChicago.com

Focus GroupsTest Messaging and Branding

Jeffery Blvd – Piloting BRT Elements

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Piloting BRT ElementsProject Need

Faster, more reliable service express routeStatus

Construction beginning any day nowFunding

$11 million FTA Bus and Bus Facilities (5309) grant

ScheduleOperations will likely begin in November

Key BRT Elements to Pilot: Rush Hour Bus LanesTransit Signal Priority (TSP)Bus queue jump Unique branding Internal LED Bus Tracker screens New and upgraded bus sheltersNew street furniture and signage

Jeffery Pilot Route and Time Savings

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Central Loop BRTUnion Station to Navy Pier

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Project NeedHigh-quality transit through downtownConnect Union Station to Navy Pier

StatusUnder design

Funding Sources$24.6M Federal Grant (Urban Circulator)$4.7 M Federal Grant (CMAQ for terminal)$7.3 M in TIF

ScheduleComplete design in 2013Construct in 2014

Key ElementsDedicated bus lanes

Colored pavementBoarding PlatformsNew off-street bus terminal at Union Station

Used by 6 different bus linesBranding issues

Downtown Traffic Stats

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Over half of people on Washington and Madison WalkOf those in vehicles, nearly half are on the busBuses make up only 4% of vehiclesBRT could reduce bus-related crashes by over 50%

Central Loop: Total round-trip travel time benefit

Net average user benefit

(47% Bus; 51% Car/Taxi)

Option 1: +1.41 min

Option 2: +2.76 min

Option 3: +3.11 min

(fast

er)

(slo

wer

)

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Trav

el M

inut

es S

aved

Western/Ashland Corridors BRT

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Project NeedsImprove Service on High Ridership CorridorImprove non-downtown connectivity

StatusAlternatives Analysis Screen 2

Funding Sources$1.6 Million FTA Bus Livability Alternatives Analysis

ScheduleAlternatives Analysis through 2012Future phases dependent on funding availability

Key Elements21-mile corridors on Western and AshlandOptions for near-term improvementsWide ROW provides opportunity for substantial improvements

Western/Ashland Corridors BRT

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Next PhaseSystem Network Plan

Network of BRT linesImplementation Plan

PhasingIncremental investment plan

Financial planOutreach PlanCoordinated with other localized projects

OutreachExpand current outreach city-wideExpand use of pop-up meetings

Civic Advisory CouncilInclude other business and civic leaders

Land Use StrategyPromote TOD growth around future BRT stations

Illustr

ative Purposes

Stay In Touch

Christopher Ziemann, AICPChicago BRT Project Manager

cziemann@transitchicago.comCTA: 312-681-4289CDOT: 312-744-8251Cell: 919-360-8581

Website www.BRTChicago.com

Twitter#BRTChicago

CTAwww.transitchicago.com

CDOTwww.chicagodot.org

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