LANSING, Mich. — A proposed $155-million bus rapid transit system that would connect seven of the region’s activity centers — the State Capitol, the downtowns of Lansing and East Lansing, Michigan State University, Meridian Mall, the Cooley Law School Stadium district and Sparrow Hospital — is moving ahead as planned and could be complete by 2018, the Lansing State Journal reported.

The 8.3-mile route, with a proposed 27 stops, would replace the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s (CATA) current Route 1 from downtown Lansing to the Meridian Mall. Results from the plan’s environmental assessment study are expected to be shared at a public hearing this fall.

About $139 million of the BRT funding is expected to come from state and federal grants and Michigan Department of Transportation funds; another $16 million is expected to be raised through private investments. CATA officials anticipate the $2.6 million increase in operational costs will be covered with existing resources. For the full story, click here.