Grappling with the ever-present congestion on Bay Area streets, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has taken a significant step by adopting a new policy to streamline public transit. The Bay Area Transit Priority Policy for Roadways, announced today, is specifically designed to give buses, light rail, and streetcars the edge they need to bust through traffic jams, reduce delays, and offer more punctual service. This move could potentially reshape the commuter experience for scores of Bay Area residents.
Under the new policy, all roadway projects that host public transit and seek funding of $250,000 or more from regional discretionary funds or an MTC endorsement are required to consider how their designs can speed up transit. This ambitious policy rides on the coattails of a two-year effort to develop strategies that will also meet the growing demand for public transportation across the region. A detail highlighted in a release earlier today from MTC's announcement.
The policy introduces a unified definition of 'transit priority,' aiming to make it a cornerstone consideration in all relevant road projects. The underlying goal is to foster better coordination amongst jurisdictions and agencies and to provide clear guidance on prioritizing transit improvements. Such a measure holds the promise of not just better bus and train commutes, but also an overall lure to leave cars at home, a sentiment supported by the overarching objectives of the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Final Blueprint Transportation Element Strategy.
