The Calif.-based San Leandro City Council voted unanimously to support the building of AC Transit’s bus rapid transit (BRT) project, a transportation system that is more reliable and environmentally-friendly with enhanced streetscapes and quicker commutes.
In April, the AC Transit board of directors approved the $150 million project, which runs from the San Leandro Bay Area Rapid Transit District through downtown Oakland. The project passed the Oakland Public Works Committee with broad support last week and now awaits endorsement from the Oakland City Council.
The Federal Transit Administration has given AC Transit’s BRT plan the highest overall rating of any of the transit projects under consideration across the U.S. Construction is expected to begin in 2014, with the system fully operational in 2016. Additionally, construction of the BRT project will create local construction jobs and contribute to the economy by generating additional jobs that will support construction.