Featured Project: Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit Project

The MOVEBR Program is Building Louisiana’s First Bus Rapid Transit Line

BRT station graphic

The public got its first look at design plans for the Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit Project, a line that will connect the north and south side of the City of Baton Rouge to downtown, at three public open houses hosted by Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and the MOVEBR Program Management Team. Exhibits and project designers explained the amenities available with bus rapid transit (BRT) and shared a route map showing stops that will connect neighborhoods to job centers, essential services and major destinations in Baton Rouge. 

The Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit line will run in a mixed-traffic lane with fewer stops and more frequent service at enhanced stations. The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) will operate electric buses with custom branding and Wi-Fi available onboard.

The BRT stations provide level boarding platforms, ADA access ramps, and seating. They will feature real-time schedule information displays, improved lighting and better access and connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists.

A future North Transfer Center, adjacent to the urgent care clinic on Airline Highway, will provide access to other transit routes, park-and-ride facilities, and premium amenities in waiting areas.

The Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit Project is funded by a mix of federal, state and local sources. To achieve greater efficiency in program management and position North Baton Rouge better for other federal grant pursuits, Mayor Broome previously merged two MOVEBR projects on the bus route with the bus rapid transit project. The Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit Project budget is $15M (including portions of Florida Blvd. Seg 1 & Plank Rd. Seg 1 MOVEBR projects). The overall project budget is $53.7M with $38.7M being funded through partnership with LADOTD, CATS, and US DOT BUILD Grant.

The MOVEBR program is proud to build Louisiana’s first bus rapid transit system to provide high-quality rapid transit that reduces travel time and provides greater comfort and reliability for transit riders. More information is available at batonrougebrt.com.