C-TRAN, the public transportation system in Clark County, Washington, is planning to build a bus rapid transit (BRT) system for the use of its riders in Vancouver.
According to a June 9, 2015 news article, C-TRAN wants to acquire a number of properties along the new route, which runs between the city's downtown area and the Westfield Vancouver mall, about five miles to the east. Most of the properties are described as “sliver” acquisitions, with one only 56 feet wide, and lie along Fourth Plain Boulevard, a heavily-traveled thoroughfare.
Although the city could technically use eminent domain to acquire some of the properties, C-TRAN's Scott Patterson said this wouldn't be necessary, as the organization is negotiating with owners and expects their responses to be favorable.
Construction of the BRT, known as the “Vine”, should start this summer. As part of the effort, crews will build a total of 34 new stations along the route. The cost of the project, which could be in operation by late 2016, is estimated at $53m. The BRT will use large, articulated 60-foot buses, and the stations will have elevated boarding platforms. These and other improvements will allow C-TRAN to move its passengers more effectively.
C-TRAN could work with brochure printers to create a booklet that shows the new route and schedule, and put it on the buses currently on the runs that will be discontinued.
