Busses would speed down traffic-clogged Flatbush Avenue — or other congested routes — under a proposed “Bus Rapid Transit” program unveiled by city officials this week.
The proposed system would create an exclusive lane for busses along a few busy roadways around the city. The actual bus rapid transit routes have not yet been determined, although Flatbush Avenue is one of three routes in Brooklyn being studied.
The super express bus would stop at Grand Army Plaza, the LIRR station at Atlantic Avenue, and at Smith Street in Downtown Brooklyn before ending its run near Borough Hall.
Such rapid bus routes have been set up in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Toronto and Kansas City. But the concept is foreign in Brooklyn, where the average bus spends 46 percent of its time stopped in traffic or at a bus stop.
City officials want to change that.
“It is time for intelligent transportation,” said Ted Orost, project manager for the MTA.
The city said Wednesday that only time — and traffic analysis — would tell whether Flatbush, Nostrand or Flatlands avenues would make the best corridor for Brooklyn’s bullet bus.
Many Downtown planners and residents believe a “bus rapid transit” system is a necessity along Flatbush.
“It’s [a key artery] that doesn’t function very well for anyone now, whether you are a bus rider, motorist or bike rider,” said Aaron Naparstek, a community organizer. “Bus rapid transit would really help, especially with all the development on the drawing board for Downtown.”
