Task Force Outlines Costs For County Bus Network

What’s the price tag for a world-class bus rapid transit system in Montgomery County?

A county-commissioned task force estimates it would cost $1.83 billion in capital costs and another $1.1 million per mile to run, according to The Washington Examiner.

Findings by the Transit Task Force are set to be presented to County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) this week, The Examiner reported. The group is recommending a 161.5-mile bus rapid transit network be up and running in nine years, featuring "sleek and stylish" vehicles running along 23 county routes.

The system should be built in three phases, the task force suggests, according to The Examiner. Thoroughfares that should be targeted for the first phase include:

• The Intercounty Connector, from I-270 to Route 29.
• Randolph Road, from Rockville Pike to FDA Boulevard.
• Rockville Pike, from Montgomery Village Avenue to the Bethesda Metro station.
• Route 29, from Burtonsville/198 to the Silver Spring Metro station.
• Georgia Avenue, from Olney to Veirs Mill Road.
• Veirs Mill Road, from the Rockville Metro station to the Wheaton Metro station.

Read the full story at The Washington Examiner.

Is a bus rapid transit system needed to reduce congestion in Montgomery County? Is the project worth the estimated cost? Tell us in the comments.