During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implementation of a modified bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Louisiana, marking a significant development in local public transportation. The new system aims to enhance efficiency and ridership through several key features, despite the absence of dedicated bus lanes.

The proposed BRT will include 22 stations along its corridor, allowing for level boarding, which eliminates the need for buses to kneel for passenger access. This change is expected to streamline the boarding process, reducing delays caused by fare collection. Passengers will utilize new fare boxes at the stations, enabling quicker access to buses, which will operate on a 15-minute headway during peak times using a fleet of nine electric buses.

While the system will not have dedicated lanes, officials emphasized that the integration of features such as traffic signal prioritization—where traffic lights will remain green as buses approach—will help improve travel times. Comparisons were drawn to Birmingham, Alabama, which has implemented a similar modified BRT system, resulting in increased ridership and improved on-time performance.

Council members also highlighted the importance of community involvement in the planning process, suggesting that bus riders should have representation on the governing board to ensure their needs are met. Ongoing training for bus drivers and the employment of local youth were also discussed as priorities for the transit system.

Concerns were raised regarding the safety and accessibility of bus stops, particularly for students at Southern University who currently face challenges in reaching bus shelters. Plans to resume service at the Mini Dome, a key location for student access, are set for January, with discussions ongoing about improving safety measures for students walking to bus stops.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to enhancing public transportation in the region, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and community engagement.