Monday, June 23, 2003
2:00 – 3:30 pm, 2318 Rayburn House Office Building

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Breakthrough Technologies Institute invite you to a Congressional briefing to discuss a new, cost-effective option for public transit investment: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). BRT stands to receive significant attention as Congress considers ways to support growth in clean, efficient and affordable public transit systems during its reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). This briefing will examine BRT, some operating examples in the U.S. and abroad, and will discuss its role in the family of public transit options.

Ø    Rex Gephart, Director, Regional Transit Planning, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Ø    Barbara Sisson, Associate Administrator for Research, Development and Innovation, Federal Transit Administration

Ø Patrick Mullane, Legislative Assistant, Rep. Thomas Petri (WI-6th)

Ø Bill Vincent, General Counsel, Breakthrough Technologies Institute

Ø Sam Zimmerman, Principal for Transportation Planning, DMJM+Harris 

BRT increases the efficiency of conventional bus service. Using a variety of technologies like traffic signal prioritization and advanced fare collection in combination with more attractive stations and vehicles, BRT can emulate Light Rail systems in speed and comfort. BRT can also achieve significant emissions benefits and noise reduction when fitted with engine efficiency technologies and cleaner fuels. 

Support for BRT systems is growing in the United States. The Federal Transit Administration in 1999 supported a demonstration program in ten cities across the country to study the efficiency, ridership, and service improvements of these systems. Encouraged by the operational characteristics of BRT both here and abroad, the Department of Transportation’s budget proposes to make funds available for BRT by opening New Starts funding to non-fixed guideway systems. Buses will play an important role as our nation seeks affordable mass transportation, and BRT is making buses a more appealing public transit investment option. 

The National Clean Bus Network is a project of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute that brings together information from private and public-sector stakeholders (including the Breakthrough Technologies Institute) to support and advocate for the deployment of cleaner buses. Transit agencies across the country seek this information as they move away from conventional diesel-powered buses toward cleaner fuels and advanced vehicle technologies to improve public health, protect the environment and strengthen national energy security. More information can be found online by visiting http://www.eesi.org/programs/cleanbus/cleanbus.htm. 

The briefing is open to the public and no reservations are required. For more information please contact Ray Minjares at 202-662-1883 or rminjares@eesi.org.