Task Force Outlines Costs For County Bus Rapid Transit Network

What’s the price tag for a world-class bus rapid transit system in Montgomery County?

Estimates put it at $1.83 billion in capital costs and another $1.1 million per mile to run, so says a county-commissioned task force, according to the Washington Examiner.

Findings by the Transit Task Force are set to be presented to County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) this week, the Examiner reported. The group is recommending a 161.5-mile bus rapid transit network be up and running in nine years, featuring “sleek and stylish” vehicles running along 23 county routes.

The system should be built in three phases, the task force suggests, according to The Examiner. Thoroughfares that should be targeted for the first phase include:

• Veirs Mill Road from the Rockville Metro station to the Wheaton Metro station
• The Intercounty Connector from I-270 to Route 29
• Randolph Road from Rockville Pike to FDA Boulevard
• Rockville Pike from Montgomery Village Avenue to the Bethesda Metro station
• Route 29 from Burtonsville/198 to the Silver Spring Metro station
• Georgia Avenue from Olney to Veirs Mill Road

Read the full story at The Washington Examiner.

Is a bus rapid transit system needed to reduce congestion in Montgomery County? Is the project worth the amount of money estimated? Tell us in the comments.