Rather than rejecting Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) entirely, I believe there's a more balanced path forward. One that modernizes Portage Avenue’s aging layout while prioritizing transit efficiency and traffic flow.
A center-running BRT route offers dedicated right-of-way, minimizing conflicts and boosting bus speeds and reliability. While more expensive, it’s a future-ready solution that preserves curbside access for businesses and avoids conflicts with turning vehicles.
Also too, Portage Ave is filled with outdated intersections built over a century of incremental development. A rethink is due. We can eliminate many intersections including unnecessary signals and especially uncontrolled intersections. We'd redirect traffic to upgraded access points. Existing and upgraded signals should include U-turn phases paired with left-turn signals to maintain circulation while improving traffic flow. Plus, the U-turn signals would reduce need for intersections and cutting across traffic.
If budget constraints lean toward curbside transit lanes, they should be fully segregated to prevent lane blockages.
However, this creates tension with vehicle access to roadside businesses. Without rear lanes or alternate access, this model would be less practical.
It’s worth considering that Portage Avenue is rather overbuilt for car infrastructure, despite its congestion. With 4 lanes in each direction (with one for street parking), it maximizes car throughput, only inducing car demand and reducing the full potential of BRT. Historically, Portage’s width was shaped by ox-cart traffic and early street layouts but lacks modern mobility needs. Road dieting would help improve traffic flow here.
So it’s reasonable to repurpose space and can be done. Removing 2 lanes in the middle of the road and reserving it for BRT. It would still leave 2-3 lanes per direction, which is more than enough, especially if paired with transit upgrades and the elimination of street parking. This freed-up ROW could support a median BRT route or better pedestrian infrastructure. Also, Pedestrian overpasses should be considered to improve safety, especially at high-traffic zones. This not only helps transit users but also creates safer crossings for cyclists and pedestrians. Portage doesn’t need to be frozen in time, it can evolve into a multimodal road that serves modern priorities.
