Nicholasville Road study progresses toward bus rapid transit implementation

Bus rapid transit (BRT) is gaining momentum in Lexington, as city officials discuss its integration into the comprehensive plan during the Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee meeting on April 22, 2025. The ongoing study of the Imagine Nicholasville Road initiative is crucial for shaping the future of public transit in the area, with officials indicating that the study is nearing completion.

The study, led by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), aims to model the implementation of BRT, which is designed to provide high-frequency bus service that mimics rail transit. Key features of BRT include quick boarding processes and strategically placed stops that encourage surrounding development. While the study's results are essential for securing federal grants, officials are optimistic about the potential for immediate improvements in transit service without waiting for BRT's full rollout.

"We don't have to wait on BRT to have more frequency," one official noted, highlighting that enhancements like mobile ticketing are already in progress to streamline the boarding process. The discussion also touched on the need for infrastructure improvements to support all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, emphasizing that BRT is just one piece of a larger transportation puzzle.

Additionally, the committee explored the idea of a downtown circulator to increase public transit usage, drawing inspiration from successful systems at the University of Kentucky. This initiative aims to encourage residents to adopt new transit habits, potentially leading to more consistent public transit use.

As construction continues at the transit center, concerns were raised about the comfort of waiting passengers. Plans for temporary shelters and provisions like ponchos and umbrellas are being considered to enhance the experience for those waiting for buses.

The discussions at the meeting underscore a commitment to improving public transit in Lexington, with BRT and infrastructure enhancements poised to transform the city's transportation landscape. As the study concludes and plans develop, the community can anticipate significant changes aimed at making public transit more accessible and efficient.