BRT – Getting It Done!

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Bus Rapid Transit

Making BRT a Reality – A Progress Update

A drive down International Boulevard and East 14th Street is much more than an asphalted path from Oakland to San Leandro. For decades, this expansive boulevard has been a passport into languages, culture, music, people and cuisine from around our nation and around the globe. However, as International/East 14th has grown, public transportation along this densely populated and congested boulevard has unfortunately not kept pace. That all changed in 2017, when AC Transit introduced the East Bay’s first ever Bus Rapid Transit Project or BRT.

Designed to run like a light rail train system, without the enormous cost of building rails, BRT will operate inside a bus only transit lane. Center median and curbside stations, along with all-door boarding, will help BRT move faster along its route. Final construction is scheduled for late 2019. Although construction is still underway, those living and doing business along BRT’s 9.5-mile corridor are already enjoying some of the benefits of early construction. New wheelchair accessible ramps, new traffic signals, newly paved streets, and lush landscaping – ultimately 285 new trees will adorn BRT’s corridor.  Improved transit also means a safer International/East 14th. Where pedestrians once dangerously darted across all four lanes of travel, BRT’s construction includes new safer crossings for pedestrians.


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Building BRT requires a keen eye for detail and the precise coordination of a myriad of tradespeople; many recruited and hired directly from the communities along the BRT corridor. Heading our construction team is project contractor – O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc. and their skilled subcontractors Mike Brown Electric Co. and Vanguard Construction. 

BRT is making progress toward completion each day but AC Transit would be remiss if we did not thank you – our riders, neighbors and community partners – for your continued patience. We kindly remind those along the corridor to allow additional travel time and exercise additional caution in and around construction zones.

We hope that you are equally excited to see the progress of this $213 million investment in our community.  Here is a snapshot of our progress thus far:

  • Over 20% Construction Completion

5 BRT stations with completed concrete platforms awaiting canopies, artwork and finishing touches:

  • Downtown San Leandro Station, Northbound on Davis Street
  • San Leandro Civic Center Station, Northbound on E.14th Street
  • Oakland 85th Avenue Station
  • Oakland 73rd Avenue Station
  • Oakland 67th Avenue Station

BRT stations currently under construction:

  • San Leandro, Georgia Way Station, Southbound on  E. 14th Street
  • Oakland, 90th Avenue Station
  • Oakland, 48th Avenue Station
  • Oakland, High Street Station

In addition, we've completed

  • 138 New Curb Ramps/Sidewalks
  • 116 New/Modified Traffic Signals


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When complete, there will be 21 center-median stations and another 12 curbside stations. Each station will feature hallmark artwork, new pavement, walkways and native landscaping. Crews will excavate and install nearly 10 miles of new blacktop—curb-to-curb—with a life expectancy of at least 20 years. Bettering the BRT lanes means a better road to your homes and businesses. BRT benefits the local economy and creates jobs and opportunities for local businesses during construction of the project as well as when the BRT is in service.

Catch a Ride on BRT in 2019!

To learn more, visit the BRT website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.