Latest news with #RapidTransit
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Glider buses best fix for Liverpool city transport woes
Glider buses funded by a £100m transport boost for Liverpool will be "the best quick fix" to link up the city's airport and football stadia, the city region mayor has City Region has been handed £1.6bn by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as part of a £15bn transport spending announcement. The £100m will be spent on a new rapid transit bus system on three routes to take passengers from Liverpool John Lennon airport to the city centre and to Liverpool and Everton's stadiums, Steve Rotheram will also be spent on a new fleet of buses across the city region, being rolled out in St Helens first in 2026, and on three new railway stations. The challenge of how to transport people from the airport into the city centre was a central debate in last year's Liverpool City Region mayoral election. The nearest railway station is Liverpool South Parkway, which still requires passengers to catch a bus or a taxi to reach the terminal building. Transport for fans attending Everton's new stadium has also faced criticism and it is hoped the gliders would address these concerns, although a timescale for their introduction has not yet been said the gliders were something he had first seen in Belfast. 'Fill the gaps' The 59ft (18m) articulated vehicles can carry about 30% more passengers than an average double decker bus. They have been described as "bendy buses" and look a bit like trams but have wheels and are designed to operate on roads. In Belfast they run on dedicated lanes. Rotheram said details needed to be worked out on how the vehicles would use the roads in Liverpool but part of the money announced earlier would pay for any required infrastructure councillors in Liverpool have criticised the plans for not being ambitious Rotheram said the gliders would "fill in the gaps" in the city's transport network. He told BBC Radio Merseyside: "We need to connect those areas with significant footfall much more quickly."A planned Liverpool tram system – Merseytram - which would have linked Liverpool's major landmarks and eventually other parts of Merseyside was scrapped in if the gliders were a poor relation to a tram system, the metro mayor said: "We haven't got a tram system and if we had a tram system like we should have done with Merseytram then I would be using this money to extend that and build on it but we would need an act of parliament to start that journey." Rotheram said he would "bite your hand off" for trams in the region and added it might be something future politicians could resurrect, but with the gliders scheme "we've asked what can be done most quickly". Leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group on Liverpool City Council councillor Carl Cashman said the investment in Liverpool was welcome but described it as a "second best" said: "Manchester, Yorkshire and Birmingham get new tram lines while Liverpool is left behind with more of the same. Buses."Alan Gibbons who leads the Community Independent group of councillors in Liverpool said the announcement of these bus routes "falls far short of the needs of the city".He added: "It is ridiculous there is no Merseyrail train link to John Lennon Airport. "Transport links in this city are inadequate, particularly when it comes to cross-city travel. So much more is needed."Money from the £1.6bn pot will also be invested in the city region's rail network, with three new stations – Carr Mill in St Helens, Woodchurch in Wirral, and Daresbury in said: "We have seen with our new stations at Maghull North and Headbolt lane in Kirkby that people who might not have used public transport jump on the train." A new station has already been agreed for Liverpool's Baltic area. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How do you know where not to drive in downtown Rochester?
May 18—Dear Answer Man: Last week, you wrote about some of the big MnDOT projects going on in Southeast Minnesota this year. But what about the road work being done by the city of Rochester? I was driving downtown last week, and it was like heading down the wrong way in a maze. There are more closed roads and detours than I can figure out. How do I stay ahead of this traffic mess? — Rochester Road Warrior. Dear Road Warrior, I feel your driving rage. Last week, I was trying to navigate downtown Rochester and came upon a closed road even the map app on my phone didn't know existed. In my head, I heard the word "Rerouting." C'est la vie. Answer Man's good friend with the city of Rochester, Communications & Engagement Coordinator Megan Moeller, said, "Downtown is undergoing a significant transformation that will benefit everyone who lives, works and visits our city. We're excited about what's ahead and truly appreciate the public's patience during this period of change." That's Megan shining the apple. Her next line is what we're all thinking: "We understand that navigating construction, especially during the busy warm-weather months, can be challenging." Preach the truth, Megan. But she's right. The city isn't tearing up roads for the fun of it. All this is to make for a more enjoyable experience for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles (including mass transit vehicles) down the, ahem, road. Currently, Answer Man counts eight-and-a-half blocks of completely closed roads in downtown Rochester. That includes a Second Avenue Southwest alleyway between West Center Street and Peace Plaza, two blocks of Second Street Southwest from Fourth Avenue to Sixth Avenue, two blocks-plus of Sixth Avenue Southwest from a bit south of Second Street to West Center Street, roughly two blocks of Peace Garden Drive Southwest from 10th Avenue to Marian Circle, Fifth Street Southwest from Fourth Avenue to Sixth Avenue, and nearly a block from Fourth Avenue Southwest from First Street to Second Street. That doesn't include the roughly dozen blocks of streets reduced to a single lane in each direction and intersections of "periodic closure." Challenging, indeed. You might think, "I bet this is all related to that Link Bus Rapid Transit project, right?" Well, not exactly. Much of this has to do with utility infrastructure for Mayo Clinic projects. The Link transit construction comes later this summer when the amount of roadblocks will make today's number of closed roads look quaint. Mayo Clinic and the city are seeking to collaborate so they don't tear up and repairs streets only to tear them up again for additional work. So, how will you get to your favorite downtown restaurant (shameless plug for downtown dining) or even to a Mayo Clinic appointment? Well, the city of Rochester and Mayo Clinic have created websites to help you see what is closed and what detours might exist. The city's website is , where the city offers printable maps and an online in-depth virtual map that can be viewed. Furthermore, Mayo Clinic offers the Rochester Construction Webpage that is designed to help patients navigate to their appointments and features the latest information on parking and drop-offs, suggested routes, road closures and construction across Mayo Clinic's Rochester downtown and Saint Marys campuses. If you're not a daily or even weekly commuter into and our of downtown, you might want to bookmark both of those websites and refer to them when your plans take you downtown. Now, take a deep breath and realize two things: One, like I said, it'll get worse before it gets better, but, two, it will get better, and access to and through downtown will become smoother for everyone. Send questions to Answer Man at answerman@ .
Axios
08-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
"F*** THE BUS. WE WANT TRAINS:" Charlotteans shut down bus rapid transit plans
The results are in: Charlotte doesn't want bus rapid transit (BRT). Why it matters: City leaders are trying to draft a transit plan desirable enough to persuade voters to pass a 1-cent sales tax increase to fund the projects. But based on public feedback, it seems engaged residents overwhelmingly view any plan that prioritizes bus rapid transit as a waste of money. Context: Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) leaders have promoted the advantages of BRT for months, describing it as an enhanced version of the city bus with faster boarding, signal priority and, in some cases, dedicated lanes to bypass traffic. It's also cheaper than rail, by about 30-50%, according to CATS. So Charlotte could build more transit infrastructure, faster, while reaching more corners of the city. Yes, but: There are no "gold-standard" examples of BRT in the U.S. Even Cleveland's system, once known as the best BRT line in North America, is struggling with efficiency and has seen ridership fall accordingly. Many are skeptical that Charlotte would be the first American city to do it well. Zoom out: Raleigh is also pursuing BRT, but when it last solicited bids, it got no responses. Driving the news: Based on public survey responses, CATS staff has advised that the local transit board move forward with a rail-focused plan and scrap all bus rapid transit proposals. Catch up quick: The board, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC), has been looking at four potential scenarios for spending an estimated $19.4 billion from the potential sales tax revenue, plus $5.9 billion more in matching federal grants. Two scenarios pitch building the entire Silver Line, from I-485 to Matthews, as bus rapid transit instead of rail. The most favored option, based on the survey, builds the most rail: the Red Line commuter rail built in full, the Gold Line streetcar extended, the Silver Line built as light rail from the airport station to Bojangles Coliseum, and the Blue Line extended as light rail to Pineville. All four scenarios include $3.8 billion to improve the existing bus system, from upping frequencies to installing new benches. What they're saying: Axios reviewed 1,065 responses to CATS' survey prompt: "Tell us what you think about the alternative program scenarios for the Transit System Plan." Below are some of the hottest takes about BRT versus rail. Quotes are edited slightly for grammar and clarity. Any scenario that relies on "Bus Rapid Transit" is making the choice to keep Charlotte area transportation in the 1950s. The average American will not ride a bus as an alternative to their car. We need to get cars off the road and to do that we need rail. RBT is a waste of money. In general, I'm not sure you're going to get South Charlotteans to ride buses. Even if it is BRT. It's a perception thing. Bus routes can change and that discourages real development along the route. I am worried that a BRT line to Matthews would lock us out of a future light rail extension to Monroe and Union County as a whole, which is rapidly developing. (Scenario 1) would make Charlotte a destination city that can be taken seriously because of the ability to ride rail examples of true rail systems are Washington, D.C., Boston, etc. We can join this echelon of cities only by choosing rail first. Don't be held hostage by bad decisions from the GOP. Grow a pair, Charlotte, you're the largest city between Atlanta and DC- it's time to act like it. If Silver Line will terminate at Bojangles, there needs to be strong investment in bike/ped and bus infrastructure to make that area accessible and easy to use The most important thing is to actually build something and not just talk about it forever. Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's Bus Rapid Transit. Too, too often that is a term bandied about to inflate the perceived significance of inferior service. I've been to good BRT systems (i.e. Ottawa for example) and they can work well if done right. But that includes the ability to convert to rail over time. People in Charlotte have no idea what a BRT is, so would require a huge education effort. And BRT would have to be done right, which I don't trust CATS to do. Scenarios 2 and 4 are atrocious. Having a "single" line be a combination of light rail and bus is such a dumb idea that only Charlotte could consider it feasible. Bus Rapid Transit is the poorest choice due to skyrocketing capacity and labor cost issues if the system grows. Wasting time and money on bus rapid transit lanes will only slow CLT's progress to become a great city designed for people vs roads and cars. F*** THE BUS. WE WANT TRAINS TO THE AIRPORT, TRAINS TO GASTONIA WOULD BE NICE, TRAINS TO MATTHEWS TOO. NO BUS, NO CARS. WE WANT AND NEED TRAINS, ARE YOU GUYS OUT DRIVING AND SEEING THIS MESS TOO? Scenario 1 is the pie in the sky and would be amazing. I think scenario 2 gives the best combo of money saving and service to the communities. I've taken the light rail, but under no circumstances will I ever, ever take a city bus. I'd walk first. What's next: The MTC will vote in May to adopt a transit system plan, which it will then present to voters in hopes they'll pass a penny sales tax increase to execute the vision.
Malay Mail
22-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Billions at stake as experts say Sarawak's ambitious plans lack key groundwork
KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 — Sarawak must take a more cautious approach in evaluating its mega projects amid global economic uncertainties, said analysts who warned that these would falter unless the state addresses major issues. Free Malaysia Today reported that the call follows Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg's announcement of a review of development policies in light of shifting global trends. Experts warn that factors such as talent shortages, high costs, and demand risks could undermine major initiatives like the new airport, transport system, and gas roadmap. Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani of ADA Southeast Asia said a lack of skilled workers could threaten both construction and long-term operations. 'One of the main risks associated with Sarawak's mega-projects, such as Air Borneo and Petros, is the shortage of talent for key roles and the general workforce," he said in the report. 'Non-Sarawakian Malaysians have always been required to get a permit to work in Sarawak'. He suggested that easing immigration rules could help attract more skilled workers from outside the state. According to Samirul Ariff Othman of Global Asia Consulting, the proposed new airport, designed for 15 million passengers annually, could face underutilisation. 'This expansion is seen as a strategic move to boost tourism and business travel, enhancing Sarawak's connectivity and economic growth,' said Samirul. 'But the proposed (new) capacity significantly exceeds current usage, raising questions about potential underutilisation.' He noted that the RM100 billion allocation for the airport and Tanjung Embang port must be matched with strong demand to be sustainable. Samirul also raised concerns over the RM6 billion hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, citing its high infrastructure and maintenance costs. State assemblyman Violet Yong previously questioned the cost, saying: 'The state is paying a China firm to manufacture the vehicles for Sarawak, but that firm had stopped production for their China market due to cost factors as hydrogen fuel is extremely expensive to produce, as is the case all over the world.' The Sarawak Gas Roadmap 2030 may also fall short without significant foreign investment, according to industry analysts. 'In the end, the Sarawak Gas Roadmap's success depends on the appetite of potential foreign investors,' said one analyst. Although Sarawak is drawing heavily on oil and gas revenue and federal allocations, analysts say prudent project planning will be critical to securing long-term returns. The Sarawak government and its linked companies are currently funding the projects through a combination of oil and gas revenue, state reserves, and federal support. As of 2024, Petronas had channelled RM96 billion to Sarawak's coffers, while infrastructure and upstream investments have reached RM280 billion. Despite receiving a RM600 million special grant and RM5.9 billion in federal development funds, Sarawak spent only 54.43 per cent of its 12th Malaysia Plan allocation, below the national average.
Express Tribune
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
No payment made to bike lane contractor: Azma
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has clarified that the paint used on bike lanes in the Lahore was applied by a local company on a trial basis under a one-year guarantee. She emphasised in a statement that Punjab government funds had not been spent and no payment had been made to the company. "As part of the trial phase, the same firm will reapply the paint at no additional cost," she stated, responding to recent comments by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Adviser Barrister Saif. Drawing a comparison of the matter with Peshawar's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, she said, "Over the past five years, the Peshawar BRT has faced persistent inefficiencies, with more downtime than operational time, and has been frequently involved in accidents." She added, "The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government still owes Rs60 billion for the Peshawar Metro project, with the BRT case pending in an international court." She said Barrister Saif is deflecting attention from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's shortcomings by unfairly targeting Punjab's progress. "Those unable to demonstrate their own government's achievements often resort to undermining others' successful initiatives," she remarked. She said, "To date, the K-P government's spokesperson has failed to present any report on his chief minister's performance. Meanwhile, citizens in K-P continue to risk their lives crossing rivers on makeshift rafts and containers." The minister stated, "Following the successful launches of the Metro Bus and Orange Train systems, Punjab is now advancing plans for tram services and the underground Metro Green Line project to further enhance urban mobility."
