Planning group approves BRT phase for Oahu, Hawaii

The Oahu (Hawaii) Metropolitan Planning Organization gave approval Tuesday to the first phase of the city's Bus Rapid Transit project. The first phase involves a 5.6-mile route between Waikiki and Iwilei, using dedicated lanes on existing roadways for hybrid-electric buses, reported The Hawaii Channel's online news service. With the planning organization's approval, the project will now qualify for $20 million in federal funds. The Federal Transit Administration still must approve the project. Approximately $12 million would go for widening Ala Moana Boulevard, while the remaining funds would pay for buses and facilities.