CTfastrak is awesome, but I think Pittsburgh has a major leg up if you include the other TWO dedicated busways, two-ish light rail lines, and shared tunnel... I think Hartford wins in BRT features, but Pittsburgh wins in sheer quantity. But other cities should take notes from both!
Good point! The comparison was really interesting, but I think Pittsburgh's West Busway (G buses), South Busway (Y buses), and north parkway HOV (O buses) deserved a mention. If the Port Authority moved to be more like CT Fastrack (plus the incoming Oakland BRT!) it could have a truly astounding busway network!
As a former CT resident, CTDOT made a big deal about CTFastrak. There are even plans to build CTRail train stations at CTFastrak stations, creating a good connection between the two (i.e. Newington Jct). I just would like to see a phase 2 of the busway to the airport. Currently, there is an express route (30) from BDL to Hartford's Union Station following the I-91 corridor. It is an additional 15 miles, however, there are not any connections other than busses to BDL airport.
This would be an awesome addition to CT's transit system. The ultimate goal, imo, should be a transit system that is fully integrated, with every bus and railway station being accessible from any other bus and railway station.
The one thing I see Pittsburgh being POTENTIALLY (I do not live near either, I don't know the local environment of either) better for is simply having been a more practical use. As you said, CT Fastrak runs alongside CTRail/Amtrak ROW, Pittsburgh freight. So why couldn't CT have maybe tried to upgrade the rail (double or triple track with bypass stations and such) to allow for some form of frequent Lightrail with multiple express and local services into the city? The way I see it, its not like the rail ROW would have to be bought or borrowed from a freight company (like pittsburgh), so it there's a chance it could be cheaper. But of course, I don't know the political reality, and no matter what these are both great systems AND I'm glad these both are bus rapid transit systems with VERY dedicated ROW, so BRT Creep is less likely (especially for CT). The MLK Busway walked so the CT Fastrak could run.
Great video. I think a better update for Pittsburgh BRT is.. rail. The two tracked rail ROW is right next to the MLK Busway for it's entire length anyway. Additionally, if a regional rail line was made, it could go as far as Greensburg, compared to Swissvale for the MLK Busway. It would also add capacity and could be electrified.
Really liking your videos, a bunch of stuff I never thought of like this and its fascinating. Imagine what the country could be with more focus on this and using it all to their potential
On my way in to Philadelphia last night, a young gentleman boarded the train. I found out later when he mentioned to another passenger he was talking to that he was 13. It appeared all he wanted to do was ride the train, he boarded @ North Wales and intended to go through to Temple U. and return. He was very knowledgeable about exactly which train to take so he would be on an express returning. It got interesting when he did not have enough money on his SEPTA card and was having to scrape together pocket change (seeing his predicament, I did help him you...) For some reason, I thought of a young Classy Whale out to have an adventure on the train and learning about the route. Maybe some day, I might see him on YOuTube. thanks for this interesting video!
I wish we can see more busways in major cities arounf the world. I wish Boston built a busway on the southwest corridor from I-95 in canton to south station (next to amtrak, purple and orange lines) during the cancelation of the southwest expressway.
You missed a pretty important metric: Service. Fancy infrastructure is nice and all but how frequently do the buses come?
CTfastrak is awesome, but I think Pittsburgh has a major leg up if you include the other TWO dedicated busways, two-ish light rail lines, and shared tunnel...
I think Hartford wins in BRT features, but Pittsburgh wins in sheer quantity.
But other cities should take notes from both!
Good point! The comparison was really interesting, but I think Pittsburgh's West Busway (G buses), South Busway (Y buses), and north parkway HOV (O buses) deserved a mention. If the Port Authority moved to be more like CT Fastrack (plus the incoming Oakland BRT!) it could have a truly astounding busway network!
As a former CT resident, CTDOT made a big deal about CTFastrak. There are even plans to build CTRail train stations at CTFastrak stations, creating a good connection between the two (i.e. Newington Jct). I just would like to see a phase 2 of the busway to the airport. Currently, there is an express route (30) from BDL to Hartford's Union Station following the I-91 corridor. It is an additional 15 miles, however, there are not any connections other than busses to BDL airport.
This would be an awesome addition to CT's transit system. The ultimate goal, imo, should be a transit system that is fully integrated, with every bus and railway station being accessible from any other bus and railway station.
I was the blonde kid you and Berta talked with on the 101. Good to see fastrak getting some praise
Hey! Glad you checked out my video 😀 Great meeting you and learning more about Hartford
I’m gonna have to go check out Hartford’s busway now!
Also important to note that Pittsburgh has 3 other busways reaching to other parts of the city/suburbs.
The one thing I see Pittsburgh being POTENTIALLY (I do not live near either, I don't know the local environment of either) better for is simply having been a more practical use. As you said, CT Fastrak runs alongside CTRail/Amtrak ROW, Pittsburgh freight. So why couldn't CT have maybe tried to upgrade the rail (double or triple track with bypass stations and such) to allow for some form of frequent Lightrail with multiple express and local services into the city? The way I see it, its not like the rail ROW would have to be bought or borrowed from a freight company (like pittsburgh), so it there's a chance it could be cheaper. But of course, I don't know the political reality, and no matter what these are both great systems AND I'm glad these both are bus rapid transit systems with VERY dedicated ROW, so BRT Creep is less likely (especially for CT). The MLK Busway walked so the CT Fastrak could run.
Great video. I think a better update for Pittsburgh BRT is.. rail. The two tracked rail ROW is right next to the MLK Busway for it's entire length anyway. Additionally, if a regional rail line was made, it could go as far as Greensburg, compared to Swissvale for the MLK Busway. It would also add capacity and could be electrified.
I *really* like the BRT elements of the Hartford system.
Really liking your videos, a bunch of stuff I never thought of like this and its fascinating. Imagine what the country could be with more focus on this and using it all to their potential
In Pittsburgh there is also the West Busway, South Busway and Light Rail Routes. Maybe a video comparison of these would not be a bad idea.
On my way in to Philadelphia last night, a young gentleman boarded the train. I found out later when he mentioned to another passenger he was talking to that he was 13. It appeared all he wanted to do was ride the train, he boarded @ North Wales and intended to go through to Temple U. and return. He was very knowledgeable about exactly which train to take so he would be on an express returning. It got interesting when he did not have enough money on his SEPTA card and was having to scrape together pocket change (seeing his predicament, I did help him you...) For some reason, I thought of a young Classy Whale out to have an adventure on the train and learning about the route. Maybe some day, I might see him on YOuTube. thanks for this interesting video!
Pittsburgh needs a regional rail
Pittsburgh’s card reader on the bus looks remarkably similar to that of an MBTA bus.
I wish we can see more busways in major cities arounf the world. I wish Boston built a busway on the southwest corridor from I-95 in canton to south station (next to amtrak, purple and orange lines) during the cancelation of the southwest expressway.
great video 🚌
A petroleum industry dream come true; diesel, rubber, asphalt........... keep drilling
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Do you like whales