Public Hearing To Be Scheduled for CATA Bus Rapid Transit Project

Public Hearing To Be Scheduled for CATA 
Bus Rapid Transit Project

LANSING - BRT is a $155 million Bus Rapid Transit that will connect Lansing, East Lansing and Meridian Township by the way of Michigan Avenue and Grand River Avenue.

The main purpose of BRT is to allow buses to operate freely.

"Bus rapid transit is primarily dedicated lanes that operate for buses and emergency vehicles," said Debbie Alexander, BRT Project Manager.

The BRT would replace CATA's current one that starts in Downtown Lansing and ends near Marsh Road in Meridian Township. The BRT would also connect seven of the regions activity centers: the State Capitol, Meridian Mall, Cooley Law School Stadium, Sparrow Hospital, Downtown East Lansing, Michigan State University, and Downtown Lansing.

Frequent bus riders are eager to learn more about BRT and all it has to offer.

"I'm all for it," said Aerial Doucet, Michigan State University Senior.

While some Meridian Township residents are all for BRT others just don't feel it would benefit the township.

"It only services a small quarter from Lansing to Okemos Road. That is already being serviced. It doesn't improve the increase accessibility, it doesn't increase destination points, it doesn't increase distance, it doesn't improve the transportation system whatsoever in my opinion," said Rhonda Bueche, Meridian Township resident.

Members on the Township Board have future plans to hold a public meeting on the Bus Rapid Transit to fully understand the plan and to get the information out to the public.

"We are still failing to get the word out properly, so I think if we have a well publicized public hearing by this board. That might help to get the word out," said John Veenstra, Township Board Trustee.

Date on the public hearing is still pending.

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