Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an enhanced, high-capacity bus system that offers riders faster, more frequent service than traditional bus service. BRT combines the speed of a rail transit system with the comparatively lower cost of a traditional bus system.
BRT combines dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal management that prioritizes BRT buses and boarding systems to decrease travel times for commuters. On a BRT system, riders save more than eight minutes per day on travel time in this corridor
- BRT Only Lanes separate buses from other vehicles, resulting in faster, more efficient transportation.
- Traffic Signal Priority systems hold green lights longer for approaching BRT vehicles.
- High Capacity, Specialized Vehicles feature onboard Wifi and comfortable seating.
- Enhanced Transit Stations feature covered seating, improved pedestrian crossings, cyclist access and real-time schedule information.
- Reduced Environmental Pollution for cleaner air quality.
The N-SBRT is the Town of Chapel’s planned 8.2 miles modern transit line along the Town’s busiest corridor. It will accommodate travel demand growth along the NS corridor, support emerging modes of transportation and leverage the existing transportation infrastructure to improve connectivity within the corridor.
The N-SBRT begins in the north at Eubanks and Martin Luther King Dr. and ends near the Southern Village mixed use development. It is the Town’s major corridor used by residents, pedestrians, commuters and students. Between 2005 and 2012, Chapel Hill Transit ridership has increased by 20 percent and buses operate at near capacity. The N-SBRT will provide enhanced efficiencies to meet growing demand for public transit.
The North South Bus Rapid Transit (N-SBRT) project focuses on a core part of the Town’s transit investment strategy. The N-SBRT project follows the Town of Chapel Hill’s North South Corridor Study. This phase will include the environmental review and the engineering and design of 30 percent of the NSBRT.
During phase one of the North South Corridor Study, Chapel Hill Transit worked with two committees that provided technical guidance and policy oversight. These committees worked with Chapel Hill Transit and its partners and community stakeholders to develop three versions of the locally preferred alternative (LPA) that improved transit within the corridor while remaining competitive for federal capital funding.
By upgrading traditional buses to BRT vehicles that operate primarily in dedicated lanes along the corridor, enhancing stations and optimizing service schedules, the Town will meet future demand for service along the corridor and support the town’s environmental and sustainability priorities.
What impact will BRT and its construction have on businesses along the corridor?
The BRT line along the N-S corridor and new transit stations will complement downtown business locations and provide opportunities for increased customer traffic. BRT will expand the labor pool (people can go farther faster) and increase the timeliness of employees who rely on transit. Businesses along the corridor will be engaged throughout the design phase to ensure business needs, such as efficient loading and unloading, are met and that construction does not impact business.
How will BRT alleviate congestion along the NS Corridor?
One of the key benefits of BRT is that buses travel on dedicated lanes where possible, which will improve traffic flow for drivers. Increased BRT and bus ridership will also decrease the number of drivers in the corridor, helping to mitigate increasing roadway congestion.
Will the BRT run on a dedicated lane the entire corridor?
The BRT will operate in dedicated lanes along the whole corridor EXCEPT when it travels through the UNC Hospitals campus (the U-shaped deviation off of MLK/Columbia), where it will operate in mixed traffic, like existing buses do.
How many people are expected to use the NSBRT system?
Nearly 9,000 people are expected to use the N-SBRT daily. This represents a 43 percent increase over the number of current riders in the corridor.
How often will the N-SBRT run?
The N-SBRT will run every 8 minutes during the day and every 10 – 20 minutes in early morning and at night. The N-SBRT will operate seven days a week between 5 am and 11 pm during the week, and 8 am and 11 pm on the weekends. Part of the study is considering how to optimize the existing local bus network to coordinate with the N-SBRT; the existing NS route would be replaced by the N-SBRT. Because every CHT route operates through this corridor, investment in the N-SBRT will help to spread benefits of improved travel times and connectivity throughout the CHT network.
Will BRT allow me to connect with buses on my route?
The N-S BRT will enhance connectivity throughout the town and the region for employees, students and residents. The local bus network will be optimized to connect with the BRT. Access to GoTriangle routes will provide regional connectivity. Bus routes that travel within the BRT corridor will also be able to use the dedicated lanes.
How will the changes to the corridor benefit cyclists and pedestrians?
Bike paths and pedestrian walkways will be enhanced along the corridor to improve and support safe access to BRT stations. Details of these enhancements (sharrows, bike lanes, multi-use paths) will be advanced during this project phase.
What is the cost of the N-SBRT?
The capital cost for the construction of the N-SBRT is projected to be between $96 – $105.9M; these costs will be refined during the current phase of the project as more detailed engineering is completed. The project qualifies for Federal Transportation Administration funds, which will provide between $50 – $75M for the project. Local capital investment will be between $12M and $50M.
How is N-SBRT project connected to the Town’s land use and transportation goals?
The Chapel Hill 2020 Comprehensive Plan considered transportation corridors and desirable development. As part of the Chapel Hill 2020 exercise, the transportation planning presentation addressed greater use of public transit, bicycling, and walking. The N-SBRT project emerged as a priority to address these goals by improving transportation along the corridor and anticipating future demand.
We want to hear from you. There are many opportunities for you to get involved:
- Neighborhood, business and stakeholder outreach
- Public meetings
- Community events
- Email newsletters
- Online surveys
Click here to submit comments, asks questions and receive information on upcoming public meetings.
Yes, the BRT route will be fare-free like the rest of the system.
