AC Transit is developing a plan to improve bus service along Macdonald Avenue and Cutting Boulevard in Richmond.
The project aims to build new bus shelters and benches at high-ridership stops and to relocate 25 bus stops to safer locations. Technology would be implemented so that buses can communicate with travel signals to improve traffic flow. ADA improvements, such as curb ramps, are also part of the plans.
AC Transit hopes construction can begin in August. The project area would include Macdonald Avenue between and including Richmond Parkway and Wilson Avenue, and also Cutting Boulevard between I-580 and I-80. The improvements along Cutting will be made with the cooperation of Golden Gate Transit.Â
In a presentation to Richmond City Council Tuesday, AC Transit spokesperson Ryan Lau said the project proposes seven new bus shelters along Macdonald Avenue and 10 along Cutting Boulevard. It would also include 14 improved ADA curb ramps along Macdonald and 15-20 along Cutting.
Also, eight bus bulbs are proposed to be constructed within the right-most travel/parking lane, which will improve service as buses won’t have to compete to merge back into traffic.
Safety improvements along the corridors also include relocating bus stops from immediately prior to an intersection to immediately after an intersection. This relocation would make it safer for pedestrians in crosswalks, Lau said.Â
Design work began in October and runs through April of this year. As part of this effort, officials will conduct a traffic study to evaluate potential impacts with Del Norte BART Station improvement projects.Â
The project is funded via grants administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, along with matching AC Transit funds.
Richmond City Councilmember Doria Robinson expressed concern about the project’s lack of focus on improvements within the downtown area of the city, saying more and better shelters are needed. AC Transit representatives said the locations selected for improvements were based upon a needs assessment, but added that they would look into the downtown corridor further.
Residents are invited to learn more about the project at a community meeting on Thursday, March 13 at Richmond Memorial Auditorium, inside the Bermuda Room from 4-7 p.m. The address is 403 Civic Center Plaza.
For more information, visit the project website.
