The Lane Transit District (LTD) is a public agency that provides public transportation in Lane County, Oregon, United States. The transit district serves the Eugene and Springfield metropolitan areas, including the neighboring cities of Coburg, Junction City, Creswell, Cottage Grove, Veneta, and Lowell. LTD began service in 1970 with 20 vehicles, and today carries roughly 11.5 million customers annually with a fleet of 104 buses. Many of LTD's riders are students; University of Oregon and Lane Community College students ride by simply showing their student I.D. Student fees subsidize both programs, as well as limited late-night service until about 2 a.m.
A board of directors, whose members are appointed by the Governor of Oregon, governs LTD. A combination of passenger fares, payroll taxes, and state and federal monies fund the system.
According to LTD's 2012-13 budget, LTD operates 104 buses, which includes both standard and low-floor buses, in length of 30-foot, 40-foot, and 60-foot (articulated buses) for regular services. Among those 104 vehicles, 11 of those are the 60-foot BRT vehicles used for EmX service. All LTD buses are wheelchair-accessible, since 1985. The district currently operates 45 hybrid-electric buses.
EmX (Bus Rapid Transit in Eugene)
In addition to the fixed bus routes, LTD operates a bus rapid transit line from downtown Eugene to the Gateway area in north Springfield, via downtown Springfield. The BRT line, named the Emerald Express (EmX), began operations in January 2007. The first corridor connects downtown Eugene to downtown Springfield and runs primarily along Franklin Boulevard. A second EmX corridor, the Gateway EmX extension, began service in January 2011. The Gateway EmX extension connects downtown Springfield and the Gateway area in north Springfield. LTD chose bus rapid transit after a review process during which several transportation options, including light rail, were considered. It concluded that this was the best option for Eugene-Springfield's size and current transportation needs. LTD is currently in the process of expanding EmX to the West Eugene area. The addition will add 4.4 miles to EmX's current line, while also adding a new bike lane, two new bike and pedestrian bridges, and 4.7 miles of new, wider sidewalks installed along West 6th, 7th, and 11th Avenues.
Route list
(Information as of February 2012)
Photos
- 2015 New Flyer XDE60 EmX bus
References
External links
Media related to Lane Transit District at Wikimedia Commons
