“MPC’s models suggest that BRT corridors could encourage as many as 7,000 drivers to ditch their cars and jump on board the bus bandwagon.”Let’s just say that *all* 7,000 of those cars are taken out of the traffic equation between the River and Irving Park Road (which we know won’t be the case).  Per this (WARNING: Large pdf file) http://ward32.org/wp-content/uploads/public/Western_7.7.10_Documents.pdf  that would reduce traffic count by less than 20%, while reducing capacity by *over* (because of the disappearance of some left turn lanes) 50%.  What will that equal?   TOTAL gridlock.

Regarding Cleveland’s (apparently successful) BRT, please note that for the majority of the route, there are parallel major arterial streets one block north AND one block south. There is no reasonable alternative to Western for car traffic through MOST of the length of Western Avenue, and this is especially true through North Center and Lincoln Square.

I am *hugely* in support of improved public transit options, but also recognize that dramatically reducing the capacity of our relatively few, already near capacity, major arterials will have *massive* negative effects.

I must second cjlane concerns about traffic conjestion if a BRT project is completed.  A BRT would create significant problems on Western, and even worse problems on Ashland, which is already conjested most of the day.  It may save minimal time for 7000 bus riders a day, but it will cause new delays for tens of thousands of drivers.  Cjlane is right — even people driving on the side streets will be impacted.  As an environmental professional, I really question the alleged benefits of this projects.  It may take some drivers off the street, but the new conjestion will cause significant new emissions, particularly in the 2-3 blocks east of the new BRT route.  Over all a bad idea — the Mayor needs to start listening to residents and stop pandering to the environmental NGOs.

what is that little green stripe on the side of the road?