University Times

A community meeting to solicit public input on proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) options is set for 6-8 p.m. today, Sept. 27, in the Alumni Hall Connolly Ballroom.

BRT would provide faster service between Oakland and Downtown by collecting fares from passengers before they board and by offering limited stops on the route. (See May 3 University Times.)

Several alternatives — including one that would take Oakland bus traffic off Forbes Avenue and onto Fifth Avenue, and another that proposes to reserve Forbes Avenue solely for buses — are being considered, said G. Reynolds Clark, vice chancellor for community initiatives, at a recent University Senate community relations committee meeting.

BRT systems in other cities have been shown to reduce traffic and increase flow, Clark said. He encouraged people to show up and offer their input, adding that tonight’s session will include an interactive computer presentation to demonstrate traffic flow under the various alternatives. Other meetings are to be held in October in East Liberty, Uptown and the Hill District.

Pitt is among more than 30 stakeholder organizations that are exploring whether BRT is a good option for Pittsburgh. But, Clark noted, the University has not yet taken an official position on the BRT concept.

Information on BRT and a public meeting schedule is posted at GetTherePGH.org.

—Kimberly K. Barlow