• Practice Area

Transit

bus station

project LYNX Vision 2030

Construction photo of the Kansas City Streetcar Main Street extension

project Kansas City Streetcar Main Street Extension

Bus

project Area Transit Consolidation Study

bus terminal

project 95th Street Terminal Transportation Management Plan

Developing Efficient Transit Networks

Transit users need to be able to get where they are going with minimal delays, disruptions and congestion. Ensuring a transit service is effective hinges on the development of comprehensive solutions that fit the current and future mobility needs of a community.

With experts that understand all facets of the transit planning and operating environment, Benesch provides technically sound solutions that are understood and supported by decision makers and community members. Our transit services focus on creating practical, implementable solutions that contribute to successful transit systems, both today and in the future.

Related Services

Photo of Benesch ADA team performing field assessment review

Accessibility & ADA Compliance
aerial view of planned development for new transit station

Civil/Site
Photo of construction for the Central Loop Bus Rapid Transit in Illinois

Construction Management
Historic photo of the O'Hare CTA station in Chicago, showing trains pulling into the platforms underground

Design

Operational Analysis
A photo from above showing I-80 and a highway bridge

NEPA & Regulatory Compliance
Photo rendering of a transit facility

Planning
Aerial photo of a complete street intersection highlight safety for pedestrian and bicyclists

Traffic & Safety
Photo of a transit map showing traffic connections

Creating Thoughtful Connections

By conducting an in-depth analysis of the existing transit system, identifying its strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, we’re able to better understand the needs and demands of the community. Our work is further influenced by residents, commuters, businesses and local decision-makers and their unique perspectives and pain points.

Our experts combine cutting-edge technology, rigorous data analysis, community engagement and sustainability principles to develop transit plans that prioritize the needs of the current users while aligning with the broader goals of the community. This ensures users are connected to their destination efficiently and reliably, while improved services are also able to attract new riders.

Photo of Benesch ADA team performing a transit assessment review

Prioritizing Safety and Accessibility for All

With a focus on safety and accessibility, we strive to create public transit solutions that instill confidence among users, foster community engagement, and pave the way for a more connected and thriving society for all community members.

Learn more about our Accessibility & ADA Compliance services.

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The First and Last Mile: How We’re Closing the Gap

While most transit systems can be easily designed to serve preset, high traffic areas, they often don’t account for the distance a commuter needs to travel from the transit stop to their final destination. This creates the “first and last mile problem”—something modern commuters are looking to have resolved.

Benesch’s transit experts are finding ways to close this gap in service by implementing innovative mobility solutions.

My goal as a transit specialist has always been to create a transit service that responds to the customer.

Randy Farwell | Benesch Senior Project Manager

Benesch works with communities across the nation to develop modern solutions to the First Mile/Last Mile issue, including microtransit services. Our expertise in technology transit applications provides customized and integrated service solutions for our clients. From defining initial operating concepts to evaluating functional requirements of software solutions to preparing technical specifications for procurement, we strive to deliver integrated, effective and cost-efficient services for our clients and their customers.

In Sarasota, FL, Benesch performed a Mobility Optimization Study that identified shared-ride point-to-point microtransit solutions as a cost-effective solution for the county. Services were developed in four areas and deployed in June 2021. The service attracted over 50,000 microtransit trips per month.

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Big-Picture Perspectives

At Benesch, we understand that optimizing a transit system for present and future needs requires a deep understanding of current conditions and the community’s long-term goals.

Monitoring transit services ensures they function as efficiently and effectively as possible. Benesch will work with your agency to conduct operational analyses that provide insights into your services and their performance, efficiency and areas for improvement.

Our transit planning teams specialize in the development of 5-year, 10-year, and longer-term vision plans that help establish service goals. With a meticulous assessment of current transit infrastructure, service quality, ridership patterns, and future growth projections, Benesch works to create a cohesive and user-centric master plans. These efforts ultimately result in greater transit support, more federal transit funding, expanded service and/or increased ridership for the clients we serve.

For years to come, the plan will serve as a blueprint for fostering economic growth, reducing congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing the overall quality of life for community members.

 

To support clients’ paratransit service planning, Benesch provides paratransit operational analyses, paratransit service planning, eligibility criteria assessment, community transportation coordinator (CTC) evaluations, Title VI service evaluations and reporting, development of Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plans (TDSPs) and Locally Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plans (LCHSTPs). We also have expertise in the successful development and implementation of microtransit solutions.

Integrating with Existing Infrastructure

When the time comes to rebuild or expand the infrastructure on which your transit systems rely, Benesch has you covered. From light rail lines to bus rapid transit routes, multimodal stations and more, Benesch is home to expert design engineers, inspectors and construction managers who understand what it takes to work within limited right-of-way, balance the needs of local stakeholders and, most importantly, keep your operations safely running.

construction team pouring concrete for a new dedicated bus lane in Chicago's loop as part of the Bus Rapid Transit Loop Link project
We understand the unique complexities of managing construction in dense urban environments. When Chicago installed its first Bus Rapid Transit network—the Loop Link— Benesch’s CM experts led proactive coordination of utility impacts, continuous communication with businesses and area stakeholders, and ensured proper implementation of traffic detours and staging.
View of the new Milwaukee Train Shed at dusk, a woman with an umbrella stands on the fully-ADA-accessible platform waiting for a train
With transformational designs, Benesch brings aging transit infrastructure into the 21st century—all while providing safe access to passengers during construction. Our track, civil and structural designers worked alongside the state DOT, City of Milwaukee and our architect partner to make the city’s train shed fully ADA compliant with ample space to accommodate future growth for years to come.
aerial view of a plan for building a new transit station in West Palm Beach
Public transit facilities often interface with private developments. In West Palm Beach, accurate calculations of impacts on traffic, transit operations, and operational cost allowed our team to develop station concept plans for a new transit transfer center along an existing commuter rail line. The design was completed as part of a new private development that impacted existing transit facilities.
Photo of two street cars running down a main road in downtown Kansas City, MO shortly after construction was completed
Agencies across the country look to Benesch to support complex infrastructure projects that benefit local stakeholders and visitors alike. In Kansas City, Benesch served as technical support and construction manager for KCMO-Public Works as the city extended their Main Street streetcar line. From technical design reviews to stakeholder coordination and quality assurance in the field, we were their partner at every step.
view of a small bridge over a roadway in Boston carrying the MBTA transit line
Look to our structural experts to help strengthen the infrastructure that keeps your transit systems moving. When the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority prepared to launch new rail vehicles, strengthening of existing bridges was required to achieve intended design speeds. We provided detailed calculations, plans and sequencing, and worked alongside the contractor to ensure construction would happen during non-revenue hours.
photo of a HART bus
As communities grow and their needs evolve, appropriate transit options must be made available. Benesch partnered with HART in Tampa to complete a study to determine the optimal route for implementing premium Bus Rapid Transit service. The multi-phase study led to a lower-cost alternative to implement initial BRT service between two major activity centers as the agency seeks funding for the future evolution of a full BRT corridor.

Transit Projects

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