Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) is in the process of implementing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that will run along the busiest traffic corridors on the Monterey Peninsula. BRT combines the high-quality service and speed of rail transit with the lower cost and greater flexibility of buses. To develop the first BRT corridor in Monterey County, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has provided $2.77 million in funding, and the state is providing an additional $2 million in transportation bond funds.
The new MST project, known as the "JAZZ" line, is a 6.75-mile Bus Rapid Transit line that starts at the Edgewater Shopping Center in Sand City and runs along Fremont in Seaside and North Monterey, through downtown Monterey and along the visitor-intensive Lighthouse Avenue corridor in New Monterey, ending at the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. The entire corridor is MSTâs busiest route and is currently served by local buses carrying approximately 3,800 passengers per day. With the introduction of the BRT technologies, including queue jump lanes, transit signal priority (TSP), and increased stop spacing, travel times through this busy corridor will be decreased by as much as 25 percent.
This project involves the installation of custom-designed bus shelters that reflect a strong brand image for the new service. They will offer GPS-enabled electronic passenger information signage and other enhanced amenities, as well as minimal curb and sidewalk improvements to ensure that all stop locations meet ADA requirements. Pavement at stops and at the new queue jump locations will be upgraded to accommodate BRT operations. The low-floor buses that will operate on the BRT corridor are already TSP-enabled and will be repainted to reflect the strong brand image of the new service. It is not anticipated that right-of-way will need to be acquired as all project activities are expected to take place within the public domain.
In June, 2012 the project began construction, creating 40 local construction jobs in addition to fabrication jobs statewide. Operation of the BRT service is expected to commence in September of 2012 to coincide with the 55th anniversary celebration of the Monterey Jazz Festival. To download a list of planned bus stops within the City of Monterey (as of June 2012), please click here.
