INTEGRATION The Everett‒Boston BRT can be more than corridor infrastructure and buses. It can shape the surrounding built environment, influence travel demand and mode choice, and support sustainable and equitable transitoriented communities. This depends on the BRT corridor being integrated with other regional transport networks, systems, and services and proactively stabilizing housing. A BRT corridor that is well-integrated with the multimodal network not only improves access but also facilitates easy connections between modes.81
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MULTIMODAL INTEGRATION The Everett‒Boston BRT corridor should be planned to maximize its connections with the existing MBTA bus and rail networks as well as pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Integration can happen on three levels: physical, fare, and information.
PHYSICAL INTEGRATION When designing the BRT corridor, it is critical to keep its physical integration with existing transport networks front of mind. Stations and terminals where the BRT routes connect with other MBTA bus and rail services will be most important to design well. Thinking of the passenger’s journey between modes can help to identify gaps and confusing or unsafe infrastructure. Integrated transport facilities should include a continuous, accessible pedestrian pathways, safe bicycle facilities and parking, adequate curb access for mobility services, and seamless transfer between modes.
PHYSICALLY INTEGRATE BRT AND OTHER TRANSIT FACILITIES
Sullivan Square is the third-busiest bus transfer node in the MBTA network, so physically integrating the BRT station at Sullivan Square with the other MBTA station facilities will be essential to ensuring passengers can safely and easily transfer to other regional bus routes and the Orange Line. Other nodes along the BRT corridor where physical integration with existing or planned transportation facilities should be carefully considered include: Haymarket Station Chelsea Busway extension (which would provide access to the Commuter Rail) BRT route to Cambridge’s connection with Kendall Square Station Community College Orange Line station South Station via the City of Boston’s Center City Link proposal
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This section about integrating the BRT corridor into the surrounding community borrows heavily from the concepts in ITDP’s Online BRT Planning Guide. See Volume 7 for more discussion about the multimodal integration, TDM, and transit-oriented communities concepts introduced here (ITDP 2021).
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