City Council Approves New Transit Expansion Plan After Years of Debate
The long-awaited decision paves the way for three new bus rapid transit corridors connecting underserved neighborhoods to the city center.
After more than three years of public hearings, environmental reviews, and heated debate, the City Council voted 7–2 on Thursday to approve a sweeping transit expansion plan that will bring bus rapid transit service to three underserved corridors.
The approved plan allocates $240 million over five years to build dedicated bus lanes, upgraded stations, and real-time tracking infrastructure along the Eastside, Southside, and Riverside corridors — areas that have long lacked reliable public transportation options.
"This is a historic day for our city," said Council Member Diana Reyes, who championed the measure. "For too long, residents in these neighborhoods have been left behind. This plan changes that."
The two dissenting votes came from Council Members Harold Briggs and Tanya Osei, who argued the plan's cost projections were optimistic and called for a scaled-back pilot program before full commitment.
Construction on the first corridor is expected to begin in early 2027, with full service projected by late 2028. The city will seek federal matching funds to offset roughly 40 percent of the total cost.
