Emerald Express (EmX)
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This article or section contains information about a planned or expected public transportation infrastructure. It may contain information of a speculative nature and the content may change dramatically as the construction and/or completion of the infrastructure approaches, and more information becomes available. |
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The Emerald Express (EmX) is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system undergoing testing and driver training in the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area by the Lane Transit District (LTD). LTD is the public transit authority in Lane County, Oregon, United States. LTD chose bus rapid transit after a review process, during which several transportation options, including light rail, were considered. It was decided that the BRT option best fit Eugene-Springfield's size and current transportation needs.
The EmX system is made up of sections of dedicated bus lanes in most areas, with normal roads in between. The route is 60% dedicated bus lane. The vehicles are equipped with Opticom traffic light queue-jumpers, with special traffic signals at intersections. The vehicles have doors on both sides, allowing loading from platforms on either side. For the first few years there will be no fare. The vehicle's drivetrain is a hybrid system.
The first line of EmX, the Franklin Corridor (or EmX Green Line), is currently undergoing testing and driver training, and is expected to be operational by January 14, 2007. It runs from the Eugene Station in downtown Eugene to the Springfield Station in downtown Springfield, and will also serve the University of Oregon. A proposed second line, the Pioneer Parkway Corridor, is currently being planned and construction could begin in 2007. This line would link downtown Springfield to a new regional medical center being built in the Gateway District of North Springfield. LTD eventually plans to run EmX along all main transportation corridors in the metro area.
