re: New Express bus route planned between LSU and north Baton Rouge

quote:

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but here's my question still: why is $50 million needed, when they could simply re-route a few buses or buy new buses for the new route?

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This is a really good and fair question to ask!

I don't know much about the project but if its BRT, which I assume it is based on the cost, generally you have nicer, bigger buses, signal prioritization, special loading platforms, and in some places, dedicated lanes. Its essentially meant to have similar benefits to a fix route rail, but with a cheaper price tag.

I hope they've done the analysis that indicates the benefits/cost out weight other transit options such as just running more buses. Also these projects are generally tied to federal grant with a 20% or 25% local match.