New Buses In Birmingham: City Council Approves $9 Million Deal

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Public transportation in Birmingham has been a source of controversy and criticism over the past few decades, as the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority has gone through numerous leadership changes and a public reprimand recently by Mayor Randall Woodfin. However, a recent pledge by the Birmingham City Council may be a step forward in the city's commitment to improving the city's transportation woes.

Birmingham City Council this week approved an agreement with the BJCTA that will allow the city to provide funding for up to 15 new buses for the Bus Rapid Transit system known as Birmingham Xpress. The agreement provides $602,500 per bus, for a total amount not to exceed $9,037,500.

The Birmingham Xpress will connect 25 neighborhoods to opportunities and vital services along its corridor. In addition, it will enable residents to reach employment, educational, and healthcare centers. It will also provide access for visitors to explore Birmingham’s historic and cultural locations.

The route travels from Woodlawn Transit Center on 1st Avenue N between 56th and 57th Street to Crossplex Transit Center at the intersection of Avenue W and 47th Street Ensley.

"It’s just not about getting to work, it’s about getting to work on time," Woodfin said. "The Birmingham Xpress BRT project puts an emphasis on speed, timeliness and convenience for commuters as well as technological upgrades to make traveling both easy and safe for riders."

Woodfin threatened to pull funding from the BJCTA last year after a series of issues that included the termination of director Barbara Murdock after she allegedly used BJCTA money to pay her personal bills, and unrest among the organization's leadership.

Woodfin said in May of 2018 that several actions must be taken before his administration will continue funding the BJCTA:

• Show the administration, the public and BJCTA employees a leadership stability plan that is attached to a timeline.
• Mandate a minimum of 12 hours of board training.
• Establish rules and procedures for the length of board officers' terms.

This week's agreement with the BJCTA points to the organization's compliance with Woodfin's ultimatum.