DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A long-planned bus rapid transit program in Des Moines has been put on pause after city officials say they must prioritize the replacement and rehabilitation of eight aging bridges.
The City Council on Monday opted to pursue federal funding for the spans over the transit program, approving an application for an $18.6 million grant from the Department of Transportation for the estimated $35 million bridge project, The Des Moines Register (https://dmreg.co/1HsUkUp ) reported.
Council members say the city might seek a TIGER grant, or Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, next year for the rapid transit line.
The buses would have stops with digital signs and real-time schedules and would get priority with a special signal at intersections. They would maintain a 15-minute schedule.
Both the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority have identified the program as a regional priority and support asking the federal government for a $20 million grant.
The money would cover the majority of the $25 million startup costs to establish the program along DART’s Route 60 Ingersoll/University loop.
Council member Chris Hensley said advocates have raised $2.5 million in local funding commitments, including a $1.5 million allocation from the city. The line is expected to cost around $900,000 a year to maintain.
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Information from: The Des Moines Register, https://www.desmoinesregister.com
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