TULSA - The Bus Rapid Transit [BRT] route won't be a fixture until 2021, but residents say they're ready to see a makeover.
The BRT will extend from both ends of Peoria.
Buses will arrive at several stations along the route – 15 minutes apart. It's designed to transport more people faster than ever before.
“There will be more people that will be concentrated in this area,” said resident Lorenda Stetler.
But in order for the BRT to a complete success, the city is looking Peoria's infrastructure and how they can boost the entire strip to not just be a series of stops, but a series of destinations.
So, they went straight to the source.
“They don't want to ride buses that take a long time to get them somewhere,” said Tulsa Transit assistant general manager Debbie Ruggles.
According to an INCOG study, one in seven Tulsans live within a half mile of Peoria.
In a series of workshops, they told planners they like the development of areas like Brookside and they want to see the rest of Peoria follow suit.
“What we heard throughout the corridor is they do want a walkable environment, they do want buildings along the street with the sidewalks and crosswalks and all those things that are very common in Brookside,” said city planner Jennifer Gates. “If the zoning would allow for those types of developments then great. But if not, they will be part of those recommendations.”
“It's a win-win for everyone. It's a win for the people who need to get somewhere, it's a win for people who want to invest in this area,” said Stetler.
In about five years, another BRT route will move along 11th Street to connect people with local hospitals.
More public input is coming in December to be announced at a later date.
You can check out concepts for several intersections along Peoria here.
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