No go for D.M. bus rapid transit

The Des Moines City Council put the brakes on plans for the region’s first bus rapid transit line Monday.

City officials said they must prioritize the replacement of eight aging bridges, a $35 million project now in the running for a federal grant from the Department of Transportation.

Council decided Monday not to pursue a rapid transit line this year via the same competitive funding stream, called TIGER, or Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery. They approved an application for $18.6 million for the bridge projects.

“I see it as pushing the pause button for bus rapid transit,” Councilwoman Chris Hensley said Monday.

The rail-like bus services add efficiency and, according to advocates, alters the perception of public transportation for millennials.

Enclosed and elevated shelters with digital signs and real-time schedules allow riders to quickly board buses without steps. Buses get priority with a special signal at intersections and maintain a 15-minute schedule.

Both the Greater Des Moines Partnership and DART have identified bus rapid transit as a regional priority, supporting the request for a $20 million DOT grant.

That figure would cover most of the $25 million startup costs to establish bus rapid transit along DART’s Route 60 Ingersoll/University loop. Advocates have raised $2.5 million in local funding commitments, including a $1.5 million allocation from the city, Hensley said.

The line would cost about $900,000 a year to maintain.

City Council said they plan to revisit the issue within two months after the city helps organize a strategic committee to address funding alternatives.

Council members said the city might seek another TIGER grant next year.

The city identified the following eight bridges for reconstruction as part of the “Bridges to Opportunity” project:

•Grand Avenue over Des Moines River bridge replacement.

•Locust Street over Des Moines River bridge replacement.

•Court Avenue over Des Moines River bridge historic rehabilitation.

•Principal Riverwalk red multi-use trail bridge over Des Moines River rehabilitation.

•Scott Avenue Bridge over Des Moines River rehabilitation.

•Southwest First Street multi-use trail bridge over Raccoon River rehabilitation.

•Des Moines and Raccoon River balustrade rehabilitation.

•Southwest Fifth Street (Jackson Avenue) multi-use trail bridge over Raccoon River rehabilitation.