Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) in Monterey, CA, welcomed DOT Secretary Ray LaHood Nov. 12 to grand opening ceremonies for the first completed high-tech bus shelter on the new JAZZ Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line.

The new route entered service Sept. 1, serving temporary stations. It is expected to cut commuting times roughly in half for riders on existing bus service and improve public transit connections for thousands of active-duty military, hospitality workers, and tourists traveling to Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and other attractions.

“This new Bus Rapid Transit line will give residents and tourists a safer, more efficient option for getting to work, to school, or wherever they need to go,” said LaHood. “And it is fitting that we are celebrating its start as we honor our nation’s heroes, with so many area military families who can take advantage of the new line. Providing our military and veterans with safe, reliable transportation options is the least we can do to thank them for their service.”

Joining LaHood at the event were Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), Sand City Mayor David Pendergrass, and local officials.

The JAZZ BRT system will operate on a 6.75-mile route between Sand City Station and the aquarium, traveling through Seaside, where many public transit-dependent hospitality workers reside.

Monterey County is also home to roughly 16,000 active-duty and civilian military personnel, including those stationed at Monterey’s U.S. Coast Guard station. MST reported that military ridership on its non-BRT bus service grew by more than 300 percent between 2010 and 2012. Additional BRT stops will open near area military facilities, as well as other local employment centers and area attractions.

In a statement, FTA Administrator Peter M. Rogoff said: “The Monterey JAZZ line is a great example of BRT done right and an effective way to reduce commuting times for thousands who live and work in Monterey, Seaside, and Sand City. Traffic signals will be timed to help BRT vehicles and drivers alike to reach work or home faster, which improves the quality of life for everyone who would prefer to spend less time in traffic.”

FTA has committed $2.77 million to the $5 million project through its Small Starts capital program, with the balance coming from California state and local funds.

In keeping with the name of the new service, MST is partnering with the Monterey Jazz Festival to make jazz concert recordings from past festival performances available for download at the new Sand City Station and 24 new bus shelters along the JAZZ route.

DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, center, attends opening ceremonies for the first bus shelter on MST’s JAZZ line. At left is Rep. Sam Farr and at right is MST General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Carl Sedoryk.