BRT: Is that your house?

Aww. Too bad.  The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system as proposed will take quite a bit of right-of-way to create the dedicated bus lanes required.  But don't worry! This BRT system will be a 'game changer.'  Take a look at the excerpt below from the January 2012 presentation to the County Planning Board from the County's Consultant, Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB).  The pink areas will be affected by needed right-of-way.  Is that your house?  Is that your house, on Old Georgetown Road, off Glenwood? Is that your house, on Georgia Ave., off Dennis? Aww.

Parsons Study Pullout

BRT Piedmont/Coalition for Smarter Growth Study -- Here it is.

Here it is folks.  Parents' Coalition has obtained the Piedmont Environmental Council's study on the 'political climate' for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Montgomery County.  The study was funded with a $43,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation.  We don't usually think of the Rockefeller Foundation as funding the political shenanigans of wealthy, progressive Montgomery County, but you never know.

Both the Purple Line, and the Science City/Corridor Cities Transitway are called out in the study.  The neighborhood civic federations are also discussed.  However, from what we have seen, no neighbors or civic federations are aware this planning is even happening.  Don't believe us? Ask your neighbors.

Interestingly, no one interviewed for the study is named, instead, the author relies on phrasing like, "Another real estate figure, extremely knowledgeable about the D.C. market in general..." (page 13) or,  "At least one individual...estimates..." (page 14).  There are no citations or references to 'personal communication,' and no Reference section.  But see for yourself...


Prospects for BRT in Montgomery County Coalition for Smarter Growth Piedmont Environmental Council Study Ju...