Fort Collins’ New MAX Bus Rapid Transit System Set to Open May of 2014 [PICTURES]

The new MAX Bus Rapid Transit System in Fort Collins is an idea that was proposed 14 years ago.   We are finally seeing it come to life.  Yesterday I had  the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the construction.  Here is what I learned:

•  MAX Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is similar to light rail and called  "Rubber-Tired Light Rail".

•  Funding: $88 Million Total, $69 Million - Federal Government, $14 Million - State & Local, $4 Million - Fort Collins

•  6 Buses have been purchased by the city. (50 Person Capacity) The first one arrives October 2013.

• MAX Bus Rapid Transit route starts at the Downtown Transit Center and ends at the new South Transit Center.

• Most of the underground utility work is now complete.

• Dedicated concrete bus lanes called "Guideways" will be rapidly poured through the summer.

• Testing of the system starts early next year for approximately 3 months to make sure it runs smoothly.
• Check out the interactive brochure here!

This YouTube video tells you more about the new MAX Bus Rapid Transit System:

Here are a few pictures I took on the tour on Thursday afternoon: