Huntsville to study bus rapid transit corridor along University Drive
Published on December 19, 2024
The City formally accepted federal grant money at Thursday’s Council meeting to spur a transit-oriented development planning study focusing on three clusters along University Drive.
The Federal Transit Authority, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, awarded an $850,000 pilot program grant to the City to fund the University Drive corridor study.
The study will analyze three key population nodes along University Drive: the area in and around the Northwoods community, the planned development at Executive Plaza on the campus of the University of Alabama in Huntsville and MidCity District.
The grant provides an opportunity for the City to simultaneously identify opportunities for increased ridership while making plans for improved transit.
“This grant allows us to plan for future transit and future development in tandem,” said Dennis Madsen, Manager of Urban & Long-Range Planning. “So when we need to expand transit options in the future, the ridership will be there.”
The City also approved a contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. to develop the plan. The study will include extensive public engagement, which is expected to begin in 2025.
What is bus rapid transit (BRT)?
BRT is an advanced bus-based transit system that features dedicated rights-of-way, unique branding and distinctive stations.
It incorporates technological improvements and leverages frequent operations to ensure effectiveness. Because of its reliability, convenience and speed, BRT circumvents common causes of delays experienced by traditional bus services, such as congestion and the need for on-board payment methods.
Spanning 9 miles from Providence Main Street to downtown Huntsville, the proposed BRT line would improve accessibility to key employment and activity centers while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If implemented, BRT would offer commuters a fast, reliable and efficient transit option, facilitating greater mobility and connectivity within the community.
Learn more about Huntsville Transit here.
Learn more about Bus Rapid Transit here.