The Federal Transit Administration has identified Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as a cost-effective way to improve traditional bus service. BRT buses and transit stations are designed to accommodate the growing number of passengers and enhance the community with their neighborhood friendly designs. BRT uses technological innovations like signal prioritization and special roaway designs like queue-jump lanes to improve the reliability of the bus schedules and dramatically reduce travel times. The Rapid has an emitter that sends a signal to the traffic light at each intersection. As the bus approaches the intersection, a green traffic light will hold for the bus to clear the intersection. Queue-jump lanes are special roadways at select congested intersections along the Tri-Valley Rapid route. This lane allows the Rapid to cut to the front of the line, reducing the delay caused by the signal and improving the operational efficiency of Tri-Valley Rapid.

Diagram of a Queue-jump Lane

Tri-Vallley Rapid will operate fourteen new ultra-low emission hybrid buses powered by a clean diesel hybrid electrical propulsion system that cuts fossil fuel consumption and offers a ride that is much smoother and quieter than a conventional bus. In addition, Rapid buses are all low-floor, so riders will not have to climb steps to board. Quick boarding times add up to overall faster service.

The Rapid buses all feature low floors, making quick and easy passenger boarding and unloading possible.

The Rapid offers some key benefits to the community, including:

• Reduced Travel Times: Travel times would be reduced up to 20%.
• Increased Reliability: Signal priority will help make travel more predictable and efficient.
• Safety, Comfort and Convenience: The new Rapid stations feature shelters, benches, landscaping and better lighting as well as electronic signs to notify riders when the next bus is arriving.
• Increased Usage: Projections show that weekday ridership could double within the corridor with the implementation of the Rapid. By taking cars off the road, we can reduce congestion, lower noise pollution and help the environment.
• Higher Quality of Service: The Rapid will increase mobility throughout the region, provide better accessibility for riders with special needs and support connections between other modes of travel such as BART, bicycling, walking, other bus lines, and etc.
• Higher Quality of Life: Studies have shown that improved transit service leads to increased opportunities for redevelopment and increased local tax revenues. BRT also improves the quality of your air, too—reducing pollution and making the environment healthier and more comfortable for everyone.

The Tri-Valley Rapid Project will cost approximately $13 million to design and construct. The project is currently fully funded through support from federal, state, and local sources. The service is projected to cost approximately $1.4 million to operate per year. Operating revenues are projected to come from Regional Measure 2 (bridge tolls), Measure B (Alameda County sales tax), and passenger fares.

Key Project Facts and Figures

Tri-Valley Rapid Full Route

Until the planned extension of West Jack London Boulevard and the Fallon Road interchange are completed, Tri-Valley Rapid route will use Airway Boulevard and I-580 in the interim.

Once the planned extension of West Jack London Boulevard and the Fallon Road interchange are completed, Tri-Valley Rapid route will feature four additional stops and no longer include I-580. Two of the four new stops will be located on Grafton Street and Keegan Street.

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