Cobb Pkwy BRT line included in Cobb County's Comprehensive Plan (Atlanta: costs, buses)

[evannole]

Originally Posted by cqholt

I would not call BRT jumping in with both feet. More like the cheapest option of realiable transit. If it fails, they can convert the lanes to general purpose and sell the buses.
What will really be the way to tell if they are jumping in with both feet, is if it actualy gets it's own lane (doesn't end up like MARTA's disaster on Memorial Dr), signal priority, off-board fare payment, and frequent headways.

Based on what I read this weekend on the MDJ, it would, indeed, get its own dedicated lane as well as signal priority. They had initially targeted grade separation at major intersections like Windy Hill, but it was determined that that would be too expensive, so they're going for dedicated lanes with signal priority instead. Seems like at least a decent compromise.

I'd rather have rail as well, but at least this gets people talking about the topic, and I'd certainly ride it if it ended up being practical.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by evannole

Based on what I read this weekend on the MDJ, it would, indeed, get its own dedicated lane as well as signal priority. They had initially targeted grade separation at major intersections like Windy Hill, but it was determined that that would be too expensive, so they're going for dedicated lanes with signal priority instead. Seems like at least a decent compromise.

I'd rather have rail as well, but at least this gets people talking about the topic, and I'd certainly ride it if it ended up being practical.

If done right, it can be a great benefit. Look at the HealthLine in Clevelandor the LACTMA's Orange Line, they do not have grade seperation and are very popular. Cobb PD must ensure the intersections are clear of cross traffic during rush hour to ensure the highest quality of service.
HealthLine (65) | Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Orange Line

[tikigod311]

How much is on 41 that would attract choice riders to get out of their cars? I think the success of the HealthLine is likely due to the large hospitals it serves. BRT in Cobb is probably going to only benefit the people that already use the bus.

I guess it depends on how much time a dedicated lane really saves on a highway like 41. I think the only BRT that will be successful in attracting choice riders will use the new managed lanes. Otherwise I doubt this will take many cars off the road.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by tikigod311

How much is on 41 that would attract choice riders to get out of their cars? I think the success of the HealthLine is likely due to the large hospitals it serves. BRT in Cobb is probably going to only benefit the people that already use the bus.

I guess it depends on how much time a dedicated lane really saves on a highway like 41. I think the only BRT that will be successful in attracting choice riders will use the new managed lanes. Otherwise I doubt this will take many cars off the road.

How is it getting to midtown? I-75 HOV lanes?

I think if its going to work, it needs to go downtown, not just stop at Arts Center.

[Cameron H]

Originally Posted by bu2

How is it getting to midtown? I-75 HOV lanes?

Yeah, that's what the report says: dedicated lanes from Kennesaw to Cumberland, existing HOV lanes from Cumberland to Atlanta.

[gt6974a]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Bus Rapid Transit May Be In Cobb County's Future | WABE 90.1 FM
The project will be voted NO by the BOC and voters.

corrected it.

Looks like Lee is up to no good again. Between the last b.s. transportation bill, TSPLOST, and the secret Brave's deal, no one in Cobb is going to vote for this.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by bu2

How is it getting to midtown? I-75 HOV lanes?

I think if its going to work, it needs to go downtown, not just stop at Arts Center.

Originally Posted by Cameron H

Yeah, that's what the report says: dedicated lanes from Kennesaw to Cumberland, existing HOV lanes from Cumberland to Atlanta.

Here's the Map. It's running along Cobb Pky (U.S. 41) from Cumberland up. It travels along 75 from Cumberland to Northside Drive, then over 17th Street to Arts Center.

The nice thing about 17th Street, is that it already has bus lanes for the Atlantic Station shuttles (not that they do much good). Maybe those bus lanes could be extended along Northside to 75? Granted, the connection down into Atlanta is 'Phase Two', which I think will kill the initial ridership numbers compared to the CCT 10 and eXpress buses.

[Cameron H]

Originally Posted by gt6974a

corrected it.

Looks like Lee is up to no good again. Between the last b.s. transportation bill, TSPLOST, and the secret Brave's deal, no one in Cobb is going to vote for this.

I need to see details, but I'm certainly open to voting for it.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by fourthwarden

Here's the Map. It's running along Cobb Pky (U.S. 41) from Cumberland up. It travels along 75 from Cumberland to Northside Drive, then over 17th Street to Arts Center.

The nice thing about 17th Street, is that it already has bus lanes for the Atlantic Station shuttles (not that they do much good). Maybe those bus lanes could be extended along Northside to 75? Granted, the connection down into Atlanta is 'Phase Two', which I think will kill the initial ridership numbers compared to the CCT 10 and eXpress buses.

Do they want CoA and MARTA to pay for Phase 2?
nce again this maps proves the point that Cobb County continues to act liek it does not want to be a part of a connected region. Phase 1, which if built will be the only phase built, stops at Cumberland. How much more will it be to use existing HOV lanes?
Northside is very congested during afternoon rush hour.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Do they want CoA and MARTA to pay for Phase 2?
nce again this maps proves the point that Cobb County continues to act liek it does not want to be a part of a connected region. Phase 1, which if built will be the only phase built, stops at Cumberland. How much more will it be to use existing HOV lanes?
Northside is very congested during afternoon rush hour.

I don't believe they want MARTA of CoA to pay for anything, which is why they're using HOV Lanes, Mixed Traffic, and Side Riding Bus lanes that already exist, or will exist soon. You're right though, I have no idea why they don't just operate from Arts Center from day one.

That does bring up interesting points though. who's going to build the stations within CoA? Should there be bus lanes along Northside Drive?