Frequent Service Corridor
BACKGROUND
Ben Franklin Transit deployed its first two frequent service routes on June 21, 2021. Route 1 runs from Knight Street Transit Center to Three Rivers Transit Center, travels to downtown Kennewick and East Pasco via Clearwater Avenue, and ends at the 22nd Avenue Transit Center. Route 3 connects from the 22nd Avenue Transit Center and travels through central and downtown Pasco to the Dayton Transfer Point in Kennewick.
Route 2X debuted in June 2025 and runs between the Knight Street Transit Center in Richland and the 22nd Avenue Transit Center in Pasco. While its main path follows Interstate 182, it also has stops in Richland, at the Tri-Cities Airport, and at Columbia Basin College.
These routes connect metro areas and are considered Frequent Service Corridor (FSC) routes, providing reliable service at 15-minute intervals or less for most of the day. This frequent service allows convenient transfers between routes without consulting a schedule.
THE NEED TO UPDATE FSC ROUTES
FSC routes have been a great success, and BFT is now exploring ways to further improve these corridors. These routes are designed to provide premium service, meaning not only reliable, frequent buses but also comfortable, easy-to-recognize, and accessible stops for all riders.
As part of this effort, BFT has identified challenges at certain bus stops and is working to address them to ensure FSC routes remain safe, convenient, and accessible for everyone.
Planned route improvements focus on enhancing accessibility, safety, and comfort along FSC routes. This includes addressing sidewalk gaps, ADA compliance issues, and connectivity challenges. For example, some transfers require walking long distances, sometimes over 800 feet, to reach the nearest accessible intersection before returning to the stop on the other side of the street.
BFT also aims to improve narrow or missing sidewalks near bus stops and enhance stop comfort by providing better weather protection and improved visibility, making every trip safer and more convenient for riders.
FSC ROUTE STUDY
We’re studying ways to make it safer, easier, and less stressful for people to reach our frequent service bus stops. This includes reviewing sidewalks, crosswalks, and other nearby infrastructure, and working closely with cities to identify opportunities for improvement.
The study began with FSC Routes 1 and 3 and is now focused on Route 2X. Our team has reviewed current conditions and recent ridership trends and is now meeting with city representatives to explore potential improvements, which could include:
- Filling in missing sidewalk sections
- Widening existing sidewalks
- Adding or improving crosswalks (striping, protection, or signals)
- Making stops and walkways more accessible for people with disabilities (ADA compliance)
Because many of these projects involve city infrastructure, we’re coordinating closely to ensure our plans align with city standards and long-term goals.
PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
If you would like to share your ideas with us about Routes 1, 2X, and 3, please email us at FSCProject@bft.org or call BFT Customer Service at 509.735.5100.