Michael Baker International Helps to Improve Commute for Richmond Residents with Planning of Richmond Bus Rapid Transit Line

PITTSBURGH, June 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, completed the planning phase for the Richmond bus rapid transit (BRT) line known as the "Pulse," which began service on June 24 along the Broad Street and Main Street corridors of Richmond and Henrico County, Va.  The firm, which has been associated with major BRT projects around the country, worked with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and GRTC Transit System (GRTC) to develop the project concept, complete planning studies and secure federal funding. These activities allowed the project to move forward into design and construction. 

In 2008, Michael Baker worked with DRPT to develop an initiation package to receive permission from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to begin planning the BRT line for the Broad and Main Street corridors. This corridor is the focal point of local and regional bus routes serving the City of Richmond and Henrico County, Virginia Commonwealth University, numerous retail and business establishments and neighborhoods of urban density. One of every four jobs in the greater Richmond region and many significant activity centers are located in this corridor.

From 2009 through 2014, Michael Baker led a planning study to select the dedicated lanes and gain environmental clearance from FTA. The firm also conducted an economic impact analysis to determine the economic benefits of the transit investment, including jobs added and increases in property values.

Additionally, Michael Baker helped to develop a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant application which was selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation and funded $24.9 million of the project.

"Our team is located in Richmond, so we knew the community and the environment to prepare these planning studies to their fullest potential," said Lorna Parkins, AICP, Vice President of Transportation Planning for Michael Baker, based in the firm's Richmond office. "We have been deeply engaged with the community in this region to establish cost-effective and time-saving regional transit in Richmond with the Pulse."

In addition to completing the rapid transit planning study, Michael Baker worked with DRPT and the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) to develop the Greater RVA Transit Vision Plan, a multi-county regional vision plan for transit service in 2040, including the Richmond BRT line. With partner Jarrett Walker and Associates, Michael Baker also worked with the City of Richmond and Henrico County to adapt transit lines to work more effectively with the Pulse through the Richmond Transit Network Plan and the GRTC Transit Development Plan (forthcoming).

The GRTC Pulse serves a 7.6-mile route from Rockett's Landing in the east to Willow Lawn shopping center in the west, spanning the entire City of Richmond and parts of Henrico County.

About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management.  The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients.  Michael Baker's more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit www.mbakerintl.com.

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SOURCE Michael Baker International

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