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Peninsula Transit Home | HRT Home |
Frequently Asked Questions
A. About the Project | B. Other Regional Projects | C. Proposed Technologies | D. Funding and Costs | E. Public Involvement C. Proposed Technologies 29. What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) combines the quality of rail transit with the flexibility of bus service. It can operate on ordinary streets, expressways, High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, or exclusive rights-of-way. Like rail transit, BRT makes use of intelligent transportation systems technology, priority for transit, clean and quiet vehicles, and rapid convenient fare collection. Typically, BRT buses look much different than regular HRT buses.
30. What is Light Rail Transit / Light Rail Vehicle (LRT/LRV)?
Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a system that operates primarily at-grade. It receives electric power from a network of overhead wires called an Overhead Catenary System (OCS). Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) can operate in mixed traffic, which means on streets with cars and pedestrians, or in exclusive rights-of-way, with passengers boarding from raised platforms.
31. Why is the Project studying two different technologies?
Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) were studied in the early stages of the Project. DMU was eliminated from further study due to concerns with noise, vibration and turning radii. Based on comments made during the public scoping meetings, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is also being studied during the DEIS process. BRT is typically a lower cost option compared to LRT.
32. When will a decision be made on the alignment and technology to be constructed?
A decision on the alignment and technology will be made at the completion of the EIS under the NEPA process. The decision will be published in a formal Record of Decision (ROD). At this time, it is anticipated that the ROD could be signed in late 2008.
33. How long will it take to build the proposed system? What year do we expect to see the PRPT to be in operation?
Since the final mode (bus or rail) and alignment have not been selected, the design and engineering is not far enough along to give an accurate assessment. A typical time frame for the heavy construction work is 2-3 years.
The current DEIS study is expected to be completed in late 2007. If a decision is made to proceed with the project, it will have to be designed and constructed with operations beginning in late 2010 at the earliest.
34. Is there potential to expand the Project beyond the current alignments being studied?
The current alignments are the first section of a much larger proposed system described by the area’s LPA. Expansion of the Project beyond the current study limits would be reviewed in future analyses.
35. Where would stations be located on each alignment?
At this stage of the study, the alignments have not been designed to enough detail to determine the exact location of stations. The following are potential station locations, subject to change: · Christopher Newport University · Warwick Boulevard · Riverside Regional Medical Center · Virginia Living Museum (future) · Thimble Shoals Boulevard · Applied Research Center · Yoder Plaza · Patrick Henry Mall · Wolesley NA Headquarters · Newport News/Williamsburg Airport · Mary Immaculate Hospital
36. Will any businesses or homes be torn down to make way for this Project?
At this stage of the study, the alternatives have not been designed to enough detail to determine if any businesses or homes would be taken for this Project. Every effort will be made to avoid taking any buildings; however it is likely that some relocations will be unavoidable.
37. How would the proposed transit system affect traffic at road crossings?
In order to meet the requirements of either rail or bus rapid transit the new system would require priority signaling at intersections. At some intersections this could mean moving through the intersection along with other traffic, but at others it could mean that all other traffic waits for the bus or rail vehicle to clear the crossing. The factors affecting this decision are the configuration of the intersection, traffic volume, and proximity of other roadway access points and obstacles.
38. Would there be road-widening requirements for access?
A rapid bus or rail system that operates in or adjacent to public streets will most likely cause the public roadway pavement to be modified but adding additional traffic lanes is not always an option. The first choice of the Project is to not impede street traffic any more than it is now, but sometimes that goal can’t be met.
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