The Route 28X Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will dramatically improve the public transit service provided in New England’s most heavily used bus corridor, encourage private investment in a region of Boston hit particularly hard by the economic reces­sion, and provide jobs through numerous opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses to participate in the project construction. The Route 28X transporta­tion corridor is characterized by a high percentage of transit users, many of whom are dependent on public transportation as their only travel option. The corridor serves environmental justice neighborhoods with high population densities, significant percentages of minor­ity populations, young average ages, and low per- capita income levels. Housing prices, jobs, and the private investment creating those jobs have declined dramatically due to the economic recession. The Exec­utive Office of Transportation (MassDOT), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and the City of Boston envision that the Route 28X project will address a demonstrated demand for better public transit ser­vice while, through the significant capital investment in the corridor, providing jobs and promoting economic development.

Using federal stimulus dollars, this initiative will radically transform existing bus service, helping to spur eco­nomic development and improving the rider experi­ence for neighborhoods traditionally underserved by rapid transit. Importantly, this initiative responds directly to public requests for better bus service – service that runs more quickly, more often, more reli­ably, and on the routes that riders want. Once this project is completed, it has the potential to serve as a national model for upgrading bus service in densely developed urban neighborhoods.

The format and organiza­tion of this TIGER applica­tion follows that outlined in the Federal Register Notice (Docket No. OST–2009–0115). Section headings and con­tents match those defined as selection criteria and follow the order listed in the Federal Register Notice.