The bunny line is winning the race!

It is as quick as a bunny, and riders are definitely onboard – METRO’s new 402 Quickline Bellaire is off to a fast start.

The rail-like express service launched June 1, 2009 and in just its first week of service reached nearly 60 percent of its first year goal of 1,000 boardings per day.

The premium service registered 479 boardings its first day of service, and the numbers quickly jumped to 600 boardings soon after. It’s important to note that this METRO Solutions initiative did not take away from the popular 2 Bellaire route which it mirrors – in fact, the 2 Bellaire actually experienced a modest growth in ridership.

“The initial week has gone as well as we could have hoped for,” said John Haley, vice president of infrastructure and service development at METRO, during his presentation to the Transportation, Infrastructure and Aviation (TIA) Committee at City Hall, June 9, 2009.

Councilwoman Sue Lovell, chair of TIA, thanked METRO for giving her a preview of the bunny line – a service she described as first-class.

“It is impressive,” said Lovell. “The buses are great. The route’s good. It goes through very diverse neighborhoods. The standards are all the same all the way down the line.”

Like a light-rail line, the 402 Quickline moves in a lane, but rather than tracks, the lane is marked by bunnies and a blue strip along the curb for easy identification of the route. It also includes other rail-like amenities such as modern stations (instead of shelters) fitted with digital next-bus arrival information, enhanced lighting and limited stops - just 8 stops – which translates into a 15 minute time savings compared to the 2 Bellaire. The 9-mile line runs from Ranchester to the Texas Medical Center Transit Center.

The vehicles are also top-notch. Quickline buses are hybrid vehicles equipped with cushioned seats, security cameras and a very distinctive wrap on the exterior. They’re hard to miss!

The cost for this upgraded ride is the same as any local route, just $1.25.