Appendix B Summary of Public Involvement. Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART)

Transcription

1 Appendix B Summary of Public Involvement Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) July 2015

2 Meeting Purpose: ABQ Ride has conducted a number of meetings, presentations, and elected official briefings to present the Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) project during the project development process. A full list of outreach meetings is provided in Appendix 1. A series of public open houses were held in October and November 2014 to provide the public with an update on the project and solicit input on proposed plans. Details on the public open houses are presented below. Meeting Format: Meetings were held on the following dates: 1. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014: Open house at Loma Linda Community Center 2. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014: Open house at Albuquerque Museum of Art and History 3. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014: Open house at Old Main Library Special Collections, Botts Hall 4. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014: Open house at Alamosa Community Center 5. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014: Open house at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center 6. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014: Open house at Mesa Verde Community Center 7. Monday, October 27, 2014: Public meeting/open house presentation to Nob Hill Neighborhood Association 8. Friday, October 24, 2014: Presentation to Albuquerque Housing Authority 9. Wednesday, October 29, 2014: Presentation to YDI, Inc. 10. Wednesday, October 29, 2014: Presentation to University of New Mexico Administration 11. Thursday, November 6, 2014: Presentation to the Southwest Alliance of Neighborhoods 12. Thursday, November 6, 2014: Presentation to the EDO Neighborhood Association 13. Monday, November 10, 2014: Presentation to the University Heights Neighborhood Association 14. Tuesday, November 11, 2013: Presentation to UNM Board of Regents Finance Facility Committee The open houses and presentations highlighted displays that showed proposed plans for: 1. The alignment of bus-only lanes 2. Station locations, layout, and architectural concepts 3. Landscaping and streetscape plans 4. Access plans for side streets and businesses 1

3 ABQ RIDE representatives were available to answer questions and provide project details. The public was invited to share comments and suggestions, either through talking with a representative or by completing a comment form. Meeting Notification: Newspaper advertisements were published in the following newspapers: Albuquerque Journal - four color newspaper ads, including a full-color Sunday ad on October 12 Weekly Alibi - one color newspaper ad in the week of Oct edition Daily Lobo - two color newspaper ad in the Daily Lobo, one the week of September 29 and one the week of October 5. CNM Chronicle one ad the week of October City of Albuquerque Neighborhood Newsletter: Article in the September/October 2014 edition. Commission for the Blind Newsline : Notice in publication October 3 through October 16. News station reports of all six meetings were carried on KOB, KOAT and KRQE television stations, and KKOB radio. Meeting notification was ed to the following groups: Neighborhood association mailing list on Friday, October 3 and October 14. Transit Advisory Board and Advisory Committee on Transit for the Mobility Impaired board members on October 3 and October 6. Internet: Meeting notification was posted on the following websites: Full day color digital ad on Albuquerque Journal website on Friday, Oct. 10. ABQ RIDE website ABQ RIDE Facebook and Twitter pages Other: ABQ Ride conducted extensive canvassing of the business community, contacting 229 businesses along Central Avenue Notice of all six meetings sent out via ABQ RIDE s smartphone app on the day of each individual meeting. 2

4 Press Releases: Seven press releases were issued to local news outlets on the following dates: September 29, 2014 October 7, 2014 October 8, 2014 October 13, 2014 October 14, 2014 October 15, 2014 October 16, 2014 Copies of the above meeting notifications are included in Appendix 2. Meeting Materials: Meeting visuals included a running presentation regarding bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in other comparable cities, display boards which displayed information about the study area, ART characteristics, route alternatives, potential street sections, and station features and renderings. In addition, meeting attendees received a brochure and comment form. Copies of the above meeting materials are included in Appendix 3. Attendance: Approximately 118 people attended the Round 3 public meetings, not including project staff. There were approximately 40 people in attendance at the public meeting/open house presentation to Nob Hill Neighborhood Association. Estimated attendance at presentations at established organization meetings are listed below: 1. Monday, October 27, 2014: Public meeting/open house presentation to Nob Hill Neighborhood Association approximately Friday, October 24, 2014: Presentation to Albuquerque Housing Authority: approximately Wednesday, October 29, 2014: Presentation to YDI, Inc.: approximately Wednesday, October 29, 2014: Presentation to University of New Mexico Administration approximately Thursday, November 6, 2014: Presentation to the Southwest Alliance of Neighborhoods: approximately Thursday, November 6, 2014: Presentation to the EDO Neighborhood Association: approximately 20. 3

5 7. Monday, November 10, 2014: Presentation to the University Heights Neighborhood Association: approximately Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2014: Presentation to UNM Board of Regents Finance Facility Committee: approximately 45. Comments: Verbal comments were recorded by project team members and a comment form was provided to attendees to allow for written comments to be submitted at their discretion. Project information was also available on-line along with an address to submit comments. Comments and written responses are provided in Appendix 4. 4

6 Appendix 1. List of Outreach Conducted 5

7 Outreach - Community Groups and Organizations Updated through July 24, 2015 Date Event Agency/Organization January 12, 2014 Meeting EDo Neighborhood Association January 19, 2014 Presentation Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque January 23, 2014 Presentation Downtown Summit March 14, 2014 Meeting Central New Mexico Community College March 20, 2014 Presentation Central New Mexico Community College July 31, 2014 Meeting UNM Staff Council September 30, 2014 Elected Official Briefing Councilor Garduno October 1, 2014 Elected Official Briefing Councilor Benton October 1, 2014 Presentation West Central Neighborhood Association October 1, 2014 Presentation Hispano Chamber of Commerce October 6, 2014 Elected Official Briefing Couniclor Sanchez October 7, 2014 Meeting Daskalos Group - Four Hills October 7, 2014 Public Meeting Loma Linda Community Center October 8, 2014 Public Meeting Albuquerque Museum October 9, 2014 Public Meeting Old Main Library October 14, 2014 Public Meeting Alamosa Community Center October 15, 2014 Public Meeting Manzano Mesa Verde Community Center October 16, 2014 Public Meeting Mesa Verde Community Center October 24, 2014 Presentation Albuquerque Housing Authority October 27, 2014 Presentation Nob Hill Neighborhood Association October 29, 2014 Meeting YDI, Inc. October 29, 2014 Presentation UNM Administration November 1, 2014 Presentation Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Transportation Sub- Committee November 3, 2014 Presentation ITDP Representatives November 4, 2014 Presentation Economic Development Forum November 4, 2014 Presentation Downtown Summit Round 3 November 4, 2014 Presentation Economic Development Forum November 6, 2014 Presentation SW Neighborhood Association November 6, 2014 Presentation EDo Neighborhood Association November 10, 2014 Presentation University Heights Neighborhood Association November 16, 2014 Presentation EDo Neighborhood Association November 21, 2014 Meeting ULI Management Committee November 24, 2014 Meeting Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority December 1, 2014 Presentation Mayor Berry presentation to Innkeepers Association of NM December 1, 2014 Presentation DAT December 2, 2014 Meeting Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority December 5, 2014 Elected Official Briefing City Council December 8, 2014 Meeting Council/Legislative meeting for ART December 9, 2014 Presentation UNM Board of Regents Finance Facility Committee December 10, 2014 Meeting Albuquerque Public Schools December 11, 2014 Presentation Millennials meeting at Soul & Vine December 16, 2014 Meeting EDo Neighborhood Association December 16, 2014 Presentation West Park Neighborhood Association December 16, 2014 Presentation West Park Neighborhood Assocation January 5, 2015 Presentation Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Transportation Sub- Committee January 5, 2015 Elected Official Briefing Councilor Jones January 5, 2015 Elected Official Briefing Councilor Sanchez January 5, 2015 Meeting Nob Hill January 5, 2015 Presentation N.M. Paving and Transportation Conference January 6, 2015 Elected Official Briefing Councilor Gibson January 6, 2015 Elected Official Briefing Councilor Benton January 7, 2015 Elected Official Briefing Councilor Harris January 7, 2015 Meeting ITDP Representatives January 11, 2015 Presentation Arts Board January 12, 2015 Presentation EDo Neighborhood Association January 23, 2015 Meeting Expo New Mexico January 28, 2015 Presentation MiABQ Group (Chamber of Commerce) February 3, 2015 Presentation Rotary Club of Albuquerque February 4, 2015 Elected Official Briefing Commissioner Johnson February 11, 2015 Presentation Gary Oppedahl February 11, 2015 Presentation Economic Development Forum February 26, 2015 Meeting Peterson Properties March 1, 2015 Presentation City Council District Meetings March 3, 2015 Presentation SWTA/NMPTA Conference March 4, 2015 Presentation Four Hill Shopping Center March 5, 2015 Meeting Edo Neighborhood Association March 5, 2015 Presentation Nob Hill Neighborhood Association and Nob Hill Main Street March 5, 2015 Presentation SW Alliance 7/24/2015

8 Outreach - Community Groups and Organizations Updated through July 24, 2015 Date Event Agency/Organization March 11, 2015 Presentation Society of American Military Engineers March 16, 2015 Meeting Titan Development March 24, 2015 Meeting PNM April 2, 2015 Presentation South Valley Transportation Meeting April 6, 2015 Presentation ULI Management Committee April 7, 2015 Meeting Councilor Garduno's community meeting April 16, 2015 Presentation University of New Mexico Atrium - SUB April 30, 2015 Meeting Don Hancock, University Heights Neighborhood Association May 5, 2015 Presentation University Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting May 6, 2015 Presentation Center for Neighborhood Technology May 7, 2015 Meeting Monte Carlo May 7, 2015 Meeting La Montanita May 11, 2015 Presentation Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Transportation Sub-committee May 13, 2015 Meeting Peterson Properties May 13, 2015 Meeting Manzano Day School May 16, 2015 Meeting Sycamore Neighborhood Association Directors Meeting May 16, 2015 Presentation Presbyterian Hospital May 18, 2015 Meeting Legacy Church May 20, 2015 Presentation Energy Management Group May 28, 2015 Presentation UNM June 1, 2015 Elected Official Briefing City Council June 11, 2015 Presentation ULI Management Committee June 15, 2015 Presentation Hotel Andaluz June 17, 2015 Presentation EDo Business & Residents organized by Councilor Benton June 18, 2015 Meeting EXPO New Mexico June 25, 2015 Presentation NMDOT Secretary, Tom Church June 29, 2015 Meeting Anthony Anella - Mannie's and Walgreens June 30, 2015 Meeting EDo July 6, 2015 Presentation UNM July 8, 2015 Meeting Mayor Berry keynote speech to Society for Marketing Professional Services July 9, 2015 Presentation Environmental Planning Commission July 16, 2015 Meeting Western View Café July 17, 2015 Meeting Expo New Mexico July 21, 2015 Presentation Revitalization Meeting with Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce July 23, 2015 Presentation UNM Deans Meeting August 1, 2014 to May 2015 Meetings Business canvassing businesses contacted 7/24/2015

9 Appendix 2. Meeting Notifications 6

10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rick De Reyes, Sept. 29, rd Round of Public Meetings Planned for Central Avenue/Albuquerque Rapid Transit Project First of Six Meetings Planned by ABQ RIDE Begins Tuesday Night, Oct. 7, 2014 Albuquerque, NM ABQ RIDE, Albuquerque s Transit Department, will host six, open house meetings in October, 2014 to share draft plans for the proposed, new Albuquerque Rapid Transit on Central Avenue. Each meeting will be an open house, so people can come anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The fifth meeting, at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. These public meetings will have displays that show proposed plans for: 1. The alignment of bus-only lanes 2. Station locations, layout, and architectural concepts 3. Landscaping and streetscape plans 4. Access plans for side streets and businesses ABQ RIDE representatives will be available to answer questions and provide project details. Other information about the community, social, cultural and environmental investigations conducted for the project will also be available. The public is also invited to share comments and suggestions. This project has the potential to impact transportation along one of our busiest corridors, alleviating the traffic flow to the city s cultural and educational institutions, medical and business centers, and all the mom and pop shops in between, said Mayor Richard J. Berry. We continue to see how this model has been an economic driver for other cities and we look forward to hearing what our community thinks of Albuquerque Rapid Transit. The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) Central Avenue project includes design elements for more timely transit service. These elements include: 1. Boarding platforms level with the floor of the bus, easing and speeding the boarding process. 2. Off-bus fare collection enabling riders to purchase tickets outside the bus, reducing waiting time to get on the bus. 3. A smart signal system, allowing buses to communicate with traffic signals and reducing delays. The six, open house meetings are: 1. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Loma Linda Community Center 1700 Yale SE, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Albuquerque Museum of Art and History 2000 Mountain NW, 87104

11 3. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Old Main Library Special Collections, Botts Hall 423 Central NE, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2013, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Alamosa Community Center 6900 Gonzales Rd SW, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.: Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center 501 Elizabeth SE, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Mesa Verde Community Center 7900 Marquette NE, If you cannot attend a meeting, you can review the displays and project plans online at starting Wednesday, Oct. 8, We ask that any comments and suggestions about the project be sent no later than November 1, 2014 to centralcorridorbrt@cabq.gov or mailed to: Albuquerque Rapid Transit st St SW Albuquerque, NM, To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accommodations for this meeting contact ABQ RIDE at (505) 243-RIDE (7433) or TTY 711. Para más información, llame (505) (RIDE) o visite Because Central Avenue commands almost half of Transit s ridership, and because 32 routes either cross or touch Central Avenue, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project will bring about system wide improvements, said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE. ### ABQ RIDE is Albuquerque s principal form of public transportation. It boards over 13 million passengers a year and logs a daily average of 160-Thousand Passenger Miles on its buses.

12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rick De Reyes, Oct. 7, rd Round of Public Meetings Continues for Central Avenue/Albuquerque Rapid Transit Project Second of Six Open Houses Planned by ABQ RIDE Set for Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 Albuquerque, NM ABQ RIDE, Albuquerque s Transit Department, continues to share draft plans for the proposed, new Albuquerque Rapid Transit on Central Avenue. The second of six, public meetings is set for the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, 2000 Mountain NW. Each meeting will be an open house, so people can come anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The fifth meeting, at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. These public meetings will have displays that show proposed plans for: 1. The alignment of bus-only lanes 2. Station locations, layout, and architectural concepts 3. Landscaping and streetscape plans 4. Access plans for side streets and businesses ABQ RIDE representatives will be available to answer questions and provide project details. Other information about the community, social, cultural and environmental investigations conducted for the project will also be available. The public is also invited to share comments and suggestions. This project has the potential to impact transportation along one of our busiest corridors, alleviating the traffic flow to the city s cultural and educational institutions, medical and business centers, and all the mom and pop shops in between, said Mayor Richard J. Berry. We continue to see how this model has been an economic driver for other cities and we look forward to hearing what our community thinks of Albuquerque Rapid Transit. The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) Central Avenue project includes design elements for more timely transit service. These elements include: 1. Boarding platforms level with the floor of the bus, easing and speeding the boarding process. 2. Off-bus fare collection enabling riders to purchase tickets outside the bus, reducing waiting time to get on the bus. 3. A smart signal system, allowing buses to communicate with traffic signals and reducing delays. The five, remaining open house meetings are: 1. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Albuquerque Museum of Art and History 2000 Mountain NW, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Old Main Library Special Collections, Botts Hall 423 Central NE, 87102

13 3. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2013, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Alamosa Community Center 6900 Gonzales Rd SW, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.: Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center 501 Elizabeth SE, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Mesa Verde Community Center 7900 Marquette NE, If you cannot attend a meeting, you can review the displays and project plans online at starting Wednesday, Oct. 8, We ask that any comments and suggestions about the project be sent no later than November 1, 2014 to centralcorridorbrt@cabq.gov or mailed to: Albuquerque Rapid Transit st St SW Albuquerque, NM, To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accommodations for this meeting contact ABQ RIDE at (505) 243-RIDE (7433) or TTY 711. Para más información, llame (505) (RIDE) o visite Because Central Avenue commands almost half of Transit s ridership, and because 32 routes either cross or touch Central Avenue, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project will bring about system wide improvements, said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE. ### ABQ RIDE is Albuquerque s principal form of public transportation. It boards over 13 million passengers a year and logs a daily average of 160-Thousand Passenger Miles on its buses.

14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rick De Reyes, Oct. 8, rd Round of Public Meetings Continues for Central Avenue/Albuquerque Rapid Transit Project Third of Six Open Houses Planned by ABQ RIDE Set for Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014 Albuquerque, NM ABQ RIDE, Albuquerque s Transit Department, continues to share draft plans for the proposed, new Albuquerque Rapid Transit on Central Avenue. The third of six, public meetings is set for the Special Collections Library; Botts Hall, 423 Central NE. Each meeting will be an open house, so people can come anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. However, the fifth meeting, at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center on Oct. 15, will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. These public meetings will have displays that show proposed plans for: 1. The alignment of bus-only lanes 2. Station locations, layout, and architectural concepts 3. Landscaping and streetscape plans 4. Access plans for side streets and businesses ABQ RIDE representatives will be available to answer questions and provide project details. Other information about the community, social, cultural and environmental investigations conducted for the project will also be available. The public is also invited to share comments and suggestions. This project has the potential to impact transportation along one of our busiest corridors, alleviating the traffic flow to the city s cultural and educational institutions, medical and business centers, and all the mom and pop shops in between, said Mayor Richard J. Berry. We continue to see how this model has been an economic driver for other cities and we look forward to hearing what our community thinks of Albuquerque Rapid Transit. The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) Central Avenue project includes design elements for more timely transit service. These elements include: 1. Boarding platforms level with the floor of the bus, easing and speeding the boarding process. 2. Off-bus fare collection enabling riders to purchase tickets outside the bus, reducing waiting time to get on the bus. 3. A smart signal system, allowing buses to communicate with traffic signals and reducing delays. The four, remaining open house meetings are: 1. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Old Main Library Special Collections, Botts Hall 423 Central NE, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2013, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Alamosa Community Center 6900 Gonzales Rd SW, 87121

15 3. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.: Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center 501 Elizabeth SE, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Mesa Verde Community Center 7900 Marquette NE, If you cannot attend a meeting, you can review the displays and project plans online at starting Wednesday, Oct. 8, We ask that any comments and suggestions about the project be sent no later than November 1, 2014 to centralcorridorbrt@cabq.gov or mailed to: Albuquerque Rapid Transit st St SW Albuquerque, NM, To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accommodations for this meeting contact ABQ RIDE at (505) 243-RIDE (7433) or TTY 711. Para más información, llame (505) (RIDE) o visite Because Central Avenue commands almost half of Transit s ridership, and because 32 routes either cross or touch Central Avenue, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project will bring about system wide improvements, said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE. ### ABQ RIDE is Albuquerque s principal form of public transportation. It boards over 13 million passengers a year and logs a daily average of 160-Thousand Passenger Miles on its buses.

16 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rick De Reyes, Oct. 13, rd Round of Public Meetings Continues for Central Avenue/Albuquerque Rapid Transit Project Fourth of Six Open Houses Planned by ABQ RIDE Set for Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014 Albuquerque, NM ABQ RIDE, Albuquerque s Transit Department, continues to share draft plans for the proposed, new Albuquerque Rapid Transit on Central Avenue. The fourth of six, public meetings is set for the Alamosa Community Center, 6900 Gonzales Rd SW. Each meeting will be an open house, so people can come anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The fifth meeting, at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center on Wednesday, Oct. 15 will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. These public meetings will have displays that show proposed plans for: 1. The alignment of bus-only lanes 2. Station locations, layout, and architectural concepts 3. Landscaping and streetscape plans 4. Access plans for side streets and businesses ABQ RIDE representatives will be available to answer questions and provide project details. Other information about the community, social, cultural and environmental investigations conducted for the project will also be available. The public is also invited to share comments and suggestions. This project has the potential to impact transportation along one of our busiest corridors, alleviating the traffic flow to the city s cultural and educational institutions, medical and business centers, and all the mom and pop shops in between, said Mayor Richard J. Berry. We continue to see how this model has been an economic driver for other cities and we look forward to hearing what our community thinks of Albuquerque Rapid Transit. The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) Central Avenue project includes design elements for more timely transit service. These elements include: 1. Boarding platforms level with the floor of the bus, easing and speeding the boarding process. 2. Off-bus fare collection enabling riders to purchase tickets outside the bus, reducing waiting time to get on the bus. 3. A smart signal system, allowing buses to communicate with traffic signals and reducing delays. The three, remaining open house meetings are: 1. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2013, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Alamosa Community Center 6900 Gonzales Rd SW, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.: Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center 501 Elizabeth SE,

17 3. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Mesa Verde Community Center 7900 Marquette NE, If you cannot attend a meeting, you can review the displays and project plans online at We ask that any comments and suggestions about the project be sent no later than November 1, 2014 to centralcorridorbrt@cabq.gov or mailed to: Albuquerque Rapid Transit st St SW Albuquerque, NM, To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accommodations for this meeting contact ABQ RIDE at (505) 243-RIDE (7433) or TTY 711. Para más información, llame (505) (RIDE) o visite Because Central Avenue commands almost half of Transit s ridership, and because 32 routes either cross or touch Central Avenue, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project will bring about system wide improvements, said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE. ### ABQ RIDE is Albuquerque s principal form of public transportation. It boards 13 million passengers a year and logs a daily average of 160-Thousand Passenger Miles on its buses.

18 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rick De Reyes, Oct. 14, rd Round of Public Meetings Continues for Central Avenue/Albuquerque Rapid Transit Project Fifth of Six Open Houses Planned by ABQ RIDE Set for Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014 Albuquerque, NM ABQ RIDE, Albuquerque s Transit Department, continues to share draft plans for the proposed, new Albuquerque Rapid Transit on Central Avenue. The fifth of six, public meetings is set for the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, 501 Elizabeth SE. This meeting will be an open house, with a scheduled time of 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. These public meetings will have displays that show proposed plans for: 1. The alignment of bus-only lanes 2. Station locations, layout, and architectural concepts 3. Landscaping and streetscape plans 4. Access plans for side streets and businesses ABQ RIDE representatives will be available to answer questions and provide project details. Other information about the community, social, cultural and environmental investigations conducted for the project will also be available. The public is also invited to share comments and suggestions. This project has the potential to impact transportation along one of our busiest corridors, alleviating the traffic flow to the city s cultural and educational institutions, medical and business centers, and all the mom and pop shops in between, said Mayor Richard J. Berry. We continue to see how this model has been an economic driver for other cities and we look forward to hearing what our community thinks of Albuquerque Rapid Transit. The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) Central Avenue project includes design elements for more timely transit service. These elements include: 1. Boarding platforms level with the floor of the bus, easing and speeding the boarding process. 2. Off-bus fare collection enabling riders to purchase tickets outside the bus, reducing waiting time to get on the bus. 3. A smart signal system, allowing buses to communicate with traffic signals and reducing delays. The two, remaining open house meetings are: 1. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.: Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center 501 Elizabeth SE, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Mesa Verde Community Center 7900 Marquette NE, 87108

19 If you cannot attend a meeting, you can review the displays and project plans online at We ask that any comments and suggestions about the project be sent no later than November 1, 2014 to centralcorridorbrt@cabq.gov or mailed to: Albuquerque Rapid Transit st St SW Albuquerque, NM, To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accommodations for this meeting contact ABQ RIDE at (505) 243-RIDE (7433) or TTY 711. Para más información, llame (505) (RIDE) o visite Because Central Avenue commands almost half of Transit s ridership, and because 32 routes either cross or touch Central Avenue, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project will bring about system wide improvements, said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE. ### ABQ RIDE is Albuquerque s principal form of public transportation. It boards over 13 million passengers a year and logs a daily average of 160-Thousand Passenger Miles on its buses.

20 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rick De Reyes, Oct. 15, rd Round of Public Meetings Concludes Tomorrow for Central Avenue/Albuquerque Rapid Transit Project Sixth and Last Open House Planned by ABQ RIDE Set for Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014 Albuquerque, NM ABQ RIDE, Albuquerque s Transit Department, continues to share draft plans for the proposed, new Albuquerque Rapid Transit on Central Avenue. The final public meeting is set for the Mesa Verde Community Center, 7900 Marquette NE. This meeting will be an open house, so people can come anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. These public meetings will have displays that show proposed plans for: 1. The alignment of bus-only lanes 2. Station locations, layout, and architectural concepts 3. Landscaping and streetscape plans 4. Access plans for side streets and businesses ABQ RIDE representatives will be available to answer questions and provide project details. Other information about the community, social, cultural and environmental investigations conducted for the project will also be available. The public is also invited to share comments and suggestions. This project has the potential to impact transportation along one of our busiest corridors, alleviating the traffic flow to the city s cultural and educational institutions, medical and business centers, and all the mom and pop shops in between, said Mayor Richard J. Berry. We continue to see how this model has been an economic driver for other cities and we look forward to hearing what our community thinks of Albuquerque Rapid Transit. The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) Central Avenue project includes design elements for more timely transit service. These elements include: 1. Boarding platforms level with the floor of the bus, easing and speeding the boarding process. 2. Off-bus fare collection enabling riders to purchase tickets outside the bus, reducing waiting time to get on the bus. 3. A smart signal system, allowing buses to communicate with traffic signals and reducing delays. Details for the final open house meeting: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Mesa Verde Community Center 7900 Marquette NE, If you cannot attend a meeting, you can review the displays and project plans online at We ask that any comments and suggestions about the project be sent no later than November 1, 2014 to centralcorridorbrt@cabq.gov or mailed to: Albuquerque Rapid Transit

21 100 1 st St SW Albuquerque, NM, To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accommodations for this meeting contact ABQ RIDE at (505) 243-RIDE (7433) or TTY 711. Para más información, llame (505) (RIDE) o visite Because Central Avenue commands almost half of Transit s ridership, and because 32 routes either cross or touch Central Avenue, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project will bring about system wide improvements, said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE. ### ABQ RIDE is Albuquerque s principal form of public transportation. It boards 13 million passengers a year and logs a daily average of 160-Thousand Passenger Miles on its buses.

22 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rick De Reyes, Oct. 16, rd Round of Public Meetings Concludes Tonight for Central Avenue/Albuquerque Rapid Transit Project Sixth and Last Open House Set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Northeast Albuquerque Albuquerque, NM ABQ RIDE, Albuquerque s Transit Department, continues to share draft plans for the proposed, new Albuquerque Rapid Transit on Central Avenue. The final public meeting is set for tonight at Mesa Verde Community Center, 7900 Marquette NE. This meeting will be an open house, so people can come anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. These public meetings will have displays that show proposed plans for: 1. The alignment of bus-only lanes 2. Station locations, layout, and architectural concepts 3. Landscaping and streetscape plans 4. Access plans for side streets and businesses ABQ RIDE representatives will be available to answer questions and provide project details. Other information about the community, social, cultural and environmental investigations conducted for the project will also be available. The public is also invited to share comments and suggestions. This project has the potential to impact transportation along one of our busiest corridors, alleviating the traffic flow to the city s cultural and educational institutions, medical and business centers, and all the mom and pop shops in between, said Mayor Richard J. Berry. We continue to see how this model has been an economic driver for other cities and we look forward to hearing what our community thinks of Albuquerque Rapid Transit. The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) Central Avenue project includes design elements for more timely transit service. These elements include: 1. Boarding platforms level with the floor of the bus, easing and speeding the boarding process. 2. Off-bus fare collection enabling riders to purchase tickets outside the bus, reducing waiting time to get on the bus. 3. A smart signal system, allowing buses to communicate with traffic signals and reducing delays. If you cannot attend a meeting, you can review the displays and project plans online at We ask that any comments and suggestions about the project be sent no later than November 1, 2014 to centralcorridorbrt@cabq.gov or mailed to: Albuquerque Rapid Transit st St SW Albuquerque, NM, To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accommodations for this meeting contact ABQ RIDE at (505) 243-RIDE (7433) or TTY 711.

23 Para más información, llame (505) (RIDE) o visite Because Central Avenue commands almost half of Transit s ridership, and because 32 routes either cross or touch Central Avenue, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project will bring about system wide improvements, said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE. ### ABQ RIDE is Albuquerque s principal form of public transportation. It boards 13 million passengers a year and logs a daily average of 160-Thousand Passenger Miles on its buses.

24 Appendix 3. Meeting Materials 7

25 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT: QUICK, SIMPLE, SAFE, FIRST CLASS ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A.R.T. ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

26 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT WHY ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT (ART)? IT S NOT A BUS... IT S NOT A TRAIN... IT S THE FUTURE ART WILL: 13 MILLION TRIPS A YEAR ON ABQ RIDE ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

27 STATION - OPTION 1 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT WAVE CANOPY DRIVING LANE ART LANE CANOPY DESIGN ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

28 STATION - OPTION 2 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT RIBBON CANOPY DRIVING LANE ART LANE CANOPY DESIGN ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

29 STATION - OPTION 3 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT CABLE CANOPY DRIVING LANE ART LANE CANOPY DESIGN ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

30 EXAMPLES OF STATION ELEMENTS DRIVING LANE ART LANE BOARDING RAMP BULB OUT ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT ART LANE DRIVING LANE TICKET KIOSK LANDSCAPE ICONIC SIGN SITE FURNISHINGS LIGHTING SURFACES (BOARDING AREA) CROSSINGS CANOPY DESIGN ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

31 CONCEPTUAL PLAN SIDEWALK COLORED ART LANE PUBLIC ART IN MEDIAN PEDESTRIAN ACTIVATED CROSSING WITH REFUGE PLANTED MEDIAN ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A LANDSCAPE BUFFER IN MEDIAN PUBLIC ART IN MEDIAN STATION PLATFORM A SIDEWALK TRAVEL LANES ART LANE PEDESTRIAN BUFFER ART LANE TRAVEL LANES SIDEWALK LANDSCAPE ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

32 CONCEPTUAL PLAN PLANTED SIDEWALK BUFFER SIDEWALK ART LANE CURB COLORED ART LANE PLANTED SIDEWALK BUFFER PUBLIC ART IN MEDIAN A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT LANDSCAPE BUFFER AT SIDEWALKS A SIDEWALK PEDESTRIAN BUFFER ON-STREET PARKING TRAVEL LANE ART LANE ART LANE TRAVEL LANE ON-STREET PEDESTRIAN PARKING BUFFER 8 SIDEWALK LANDSCAPE ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

33 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: 98TH ST - VOLCANO RD ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 1A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

34 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: VOLCANO RD - AIRPORT DR UNM MEDICAL CLINIC UNSER TRANSIT CENTER ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT NEW LIBRARY A CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 1B ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

35 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: AIRPORT DR - 56TH ST ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 1C ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

36 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: 56TH ST - ATRISCO DR ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A B CROSS SECTION STATION CROSS SECTION AT ATRISCO LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A B SEGMENT 1D ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

37 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: ATRISCO DR - NEW YORK AVE ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 2A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

38 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: NEW YORK AVE - 15TH ST B ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A A CROSS SECTION CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A VARIES B SEGMENT 2B ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

39 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: 15TH ST - 10TH ST ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT B A STATION CROSS SECTION AT 15TH STREET CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A B SEGMENT 2C ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

40 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: 10TH ST - 1ST ST A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 3A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

41 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: 1ST ST - OAK ST ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A B STATION CROSS SECTION AT BROADWAY CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A B SEGMENT 3B ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

42 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: OAK ST - BUENA VISTA DR ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A B STATION CROSS SECTION AT CEDAR STATION CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A B SEGMENT 4A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

43 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: BUENA VISTA DR - BRYN MAWR DR ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A B STATION CROSS SECTION AT CORNELL STATION CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A B ART LANE ART LANE SEGMENT 4B ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

44 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: BRYN MAWR DR - ADAMS ST ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A STATION CROSS SECTION AT MORNINGSIDE LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 4C ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

45 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: ADAMS ST - VALENCIA DR ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A B CROSS SECTION STATION CROSS SECTION AT SAN MATEO STATION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A B SEGMENT 4D ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

46 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: VALENCIA DR - LOUISIANA BLVD ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A ART LANE ART LANE SEGMENT 5A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

47 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: LOUISIANA BLVD - UTAH ST ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 6A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

48 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: UTAH ST - ALTEZ ST ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A B STATION CROSS SECTION AT WYOMING CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A B SEGMENT 6B ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

49 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: ALTEZ ST - SHIRLEY ST ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 7A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

50 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: SHIRLEY ST - DORADO PL ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 7B ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

51 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTIONS: DORADO PL - TRAMWAY BLVD A ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT CROSS SECTION LEGEND ART LANE MIXED FLOW LANE STATION PLATFORM LANDSCAPE A CROSS SECTION A SEGMENT 7C ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

52 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT ACCESS SEGMENT 1C D D LEGEND Signalized Left-Turn D Signalized U-Turn Example Destination Example - U-turn Access to Destination Emergency Only Access SEGMENT 1D D D LEGEND Signalized Left-Turn D Signalized U-Turn Example Destination Example - U-turn Access to Destination ACCESS DISPLAY ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

53 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT ACCESS SEGMENT 2B D LEGEND Signalized Left-Turn D Signalized U-Turn Example Destination Example - U-turn Access to Destination SEGMENT 3B D D LEGEND Signalized Left-Turn D Signalized U-Turn Example Destination Example - U-turn Access to Destination ACCESS DISPLAY ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

54 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT ACCESS SEGMENT 4A D D LEGEND Signalized Left-Turn D Signalized U-Turn Example Destination Example - U-turn Access to Destination Emergency Only Access SEGMENT 4B D LEGEND Signalized Left-Turn D Signalized U-Turn Example Destination Example - U-turn Access to Destination ACCESS DISPLAY ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

55 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT ACCESS SEGMENT 4B-4C D D LEGEND Signalized Left-Turn D Signalized U-Turn Example Destination Example - U-turn Access to Destination SEGMENT 5A D D LEGEND Signalized Left-Turn D Signalized U-Turn Example Destination Example - U-turn Access to Destination ACCESS DISPLAY ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

56 MEDIAN SIMULATION - 1 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A.R.T. PERSPECTIVES ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

57 MEDIAN SIMULATION - 2 ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT A.R.T. PERSPECTIVES ALBUQUERQUE RAPID TRANSIT OCTOBER, 2014

58 Appendix 4. Comments and Responses 8

59 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Topic Sub-Topic Comment Response Access Business Impacts Left turns may be sticky - not with him but with other businesses "won't do it another way" (Munro) Access Business Impacts Left turn lanes will limit access to business. Access Central/Rio Grande Free right w to N at Rio Grande Access Central/Rio Grande Do not close or restrict north/south movements at Rio Grande Access Central/Rio Grande and Rio Grande/Central concerns on closing off Rio Grande Central/Rio and Central blocking off north and southbound traffic Grande/Lomas Access Access Central/Rio Grande and San Pasquale access - problem crossing three lanes of Central/Rio traffic from Central to Rio Grande northbound Grande/Lomas Central/Rio Grande and Central/Rio Grande/Lomas Adamant about not closing access to south. In favor but worries about through travel. Consolidated Response: The project team will coordinate closely with businesses for whom left turn access will be restricted. Signalized u-turns will be allowed in affected areas to maintain reasonable access. Consolidated Response: The proposed Rio Grande/Central Ave. and Central Ave./San Pasquale/Lomas intersection reconfiguration is a separate project by the City of Albuquerque Department of Municipal Development; however, the project teams are coordinating and sharing information to collaboratively address existing and future traffic circulation at this intersection following construction and implementation of ART lanes. As a part of the ART project, right-of-way impacts restrict the ability to construct a free right from westbound Central Avenue to northbound Rio Grande. access Girard to Stanford is kind of long without a left turn Comment noted. access U-turns will be dangerous for pedestrians. Comment noted. access Cars will block the ART lane when doing U-turns; Comment noted. because of traffic, they ll get stuck in the middle of the intersection and will block the ART lanes. access Left turns: I m sure we d get used to this, but it s similar to the concern above. If it s just going to be Traffic: At a general level, because of Central's importance as a transit corridor now (over 5 million a hindrance when you do have to drive, it s going to passenger trips per year - up to about 20% of people cause problems. 4. Pedestrians: I would just want traveling on Central in some areas) and in the future, to make sure that adequate thought is put into the City/County Comprehensive Plan identifies Central as a "Major Transit Corridor" - one of only a few in the pedestrian access all the way around seems like City. Nonetheless, we recognize the importance of you have to since using the BRT has to assume traffic concerns and so will be doing a detailed analysis some pedestrian traffic as well. There may be more, to see what the impacts of the project would be on but I have an over-arching question which is how traffic and what mitigation steps we might want to can neighborhood associations or individuals stay consider. The analysis will take into consideration the involved in the decision making process on these changes to left turns. questions? Or how will we be informed when decisions are made? I understand that you can t please everyone including me! But I want to know that the best solution is arrived at through as much input as you can gather and at every stage possible. Access First hand knowledge of left turn problems Comment noted. Access Don t like restricted access. Comment noted. Access Would be good to have left turn signal for EB Central to NB Yucca. The City of Albuquerque's Department of Municipal Development is considering reconfiguration of this intersection as a separate project. Access Access Central and Monte Vista: EB left turns allowed to Monte Vista? To Girard? U-turns? Can Monte Vista turn SB on Girard? Don't want to use Silver. EB turns will be allowed from Central to Monte Vista and NB from Central to Girard. U-turns will be allowed at Central and Girard. Left turns are currently restricted from Monte Vista to Girard and it is anticipated that this turn restriction will remain in place after construction of the ART. Alignment Why not take the BRT lanes and put them on Lead/Coal Central Avenue has been designated as a high priority transit corridor. Alignment Tramway - why not loop around Tramway (behind Smiths) The existing Rapid Ride stop on Tramway is located to serve a certain radius that is achieved in the current area. Alignment Why can't Lomas and MLK be used between Washington and Broadway? Central Avenue has been designated as a high priority transit corridor. Alignment Are changes planned for the traffic circle at Central/8th? The size of the traffic circle is not set up well for buses using it whether they are 40' or 60' vehicles. Without changes, this spot will likely have an unacceptable number of vehicle conflicts as well as heavy wear-andtear on both the buses and the pavement. No changes are planned for this area. Eastbound ART vehicles will operate through the southwest portion of the traffic circle like they do today. Eastbound ART vehicles will not traverse any portion of the traffic circle 12/17/2014 1

60 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Bicycles No biking on Central Avenue! Comment noted. Bicycles Check out bike lanes on Zuni and bike lane locations Comment noted. Bicycles East end bikeway as designated safety zone. Comment noted. Bicycles Protected bike lanes on Lomas would be a nice compliment to this project. Comment noted. Improvements to parallel corridors are out of the scope of this project but may be considered in the future as part of the regional transportation network. There is an existing bike route on Marquette and a proposed route on Copper. Bicycle Good plan, but bike lanes should be included on central Comment noted. between Broadway and 1st. There's a lack of bike infrastructure there and it's hard to zigzag and go around. With this plan I'll ride on the street like I already do but it will slow cars as there will be no way for them to go around. Otherwise the alternative leaving downtown is the coal overpass which also lacks bike lanes and feels very dangerous. Include bike lanes and I'll be behind it 100%!! Bicycles Concern about biking/safety. Comment noted. Bicycles No bikes on Central need to protect Silver as the Bike Comment noted. Boulevard. Bicycles Will bike lanes be eliminated across the river crossing with BRT going down the middle of the road? Bike lanes will be maintained at the river crossing; however, east of the river, bicycles will be directed to a bike route between New York Avenue and San Pasquale. Bicycles Concern about where bikes will go without a bike lane on Central. Bicycles will be directed to bike facilities designated as part of the MRCOG's Long Range Bikeway System. Bicycles Some neighbors expressed the need for bicycle access Comment noted. to Central Ave and saw potential space for a bike path. (Concerns: increasing sidewalk use by bikers and skateboarders, need for signage to discourage riding on the sidewalks). Bicycles Place a curb cut at Vassar for bikes Comment noted. Bicycles Add bike lanes Comment noted. bicycles Keep the bike lanes Comment noted. Bicycles Do not see any bike access Bicycles will be directed to bike facilities designated as part of the MRCOG's Long Range Bikeway System. bicycles bicycles bicycles Bike Boulevard would work much better if it went under Comment noted. interstate Complete Streets recommends bikes, and there should Comment noted. be more accommodations for them Need to bring bicycles to the front doors of businesses, Comment noted. which means they have to be on Central bicycles Silver is the designated bicycle boulevard, but it is too narrow, especially with parking on both sides Comment noted. bicycles I hope you seriously consider bicycle routes as you plan Comment noted. for the ART. I would like to see a dedicated bicycle route that runs parallel to Central - ideally cars would not be allowed or only exist as "guests" on this street. Please take a look at the following article that examines why cycling is so popular in the Netherlands - a big reason is the infrastructure and street planning: Vehicles Bicycles Make room for more bikes on the buses. Rail runner has Consolidated Response: The vehicles will have spaces bays for more bikes. for bikes inside the vehicle. Vehicles Bicycles Happy with the ideal of accommodating bikes inside the BRT. Lots of bikes. We are progressing and it s good to see. Bicycles Can you accommodate bicycles? Maybe instead of landscaping? Parallel roads have been identified as designated bicycle routes as a part of the MRCOG's Long Range Bikeway System plan. Generally, Central Avenue is not a designated bicycle route. 12/17/2014 2

61 Bicycles Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses For safety purposes, we need a traffic light at Elizabeth and Central. Major bike route to Sandia. General signalization is outside the scope of this project but the comment will be forwarded to the Department of Municipal Development for considerations. Bicycles Bicycles Bicycles Bicycles/Pedestrians Bicycle/pedestrian Bicycles/pedestrians El Vado may make it difficult for bikes to go through from New York. Figure out bike alignment around El Vado. How can you build a safe bicycle path on Central in order for bicyclists to catch the bus safely? I am for transit options in ABQ since our community has been built around a old fashioned sprawl/car culture model. Due to high pedestrian/bicyclist deaths, we need a safer and healthier transit model in order to live a safe and quality life. I would prefer to see a light rail system be put in instead of a gas consuming transit option, but I understand the infrastructure is set up right now for buses/cars. After reviewing the website information around the new ART project my questions are as follows: 1. What are you going to do to provide bicyclists a safe biking lane along Central in order to provide access to bus stops along Central? 2. Will there be wide sidewalks for pedestrians along Central to walk safely to catch the bus? Consolidated response: A bike route will follow a road that will be vacated near El Vado. Any bike lanes added to Central Avenue as part of the ART project will be installed in accordance with industry standards. Wants bike lanes and wide sidewalks Bike lanes are provided where feasible and in I'm concerned mainly about pedestrian and bike safety. accordance with MRCOG's Long Range Bikeway System My hope is that there would be ample room for bike plan. Width of sidewalks will depend on available ROW lanes along Central, and that lane widths throughout and system configuration. Central, but especially downtown, would be reduced to 10 or 11 feet at most to reduce motor vehicle speeds. Bicycles/Pedestrians Silver is an 18mph street with many deaths. There can't be an increase of cars on Silver. Make it bike/ped only. Students on bikes wanting to cross constantly. Consolidated response: Converting Silver to a bike route only is out of the scope of this project. The City has a separate project evaluating traffic on Silver. Bicycles/Pedestrians Don't do anything to Silver. Get rid of all cars on Silver - bikes/peds only, especially near UNM. Bicycles/Pedestrians Multi-modal environment Comment noted. Bicycles/Pedestrians Multiple crosswalks Comment noted. Business Impacts need to get the word out to the businesses in the area Comment noted. Business Impacts Many businesses had hardships during Lead/Coal? Comment noted. Business Impacts This will kill my business Comment noted. Business Impacts Why should I have to take out a micro-loan to keep an Comment noted. established business going? Business Impacts Business support Business Impacts What will the impacts be to businesses losing parking? Have they been consulted? Business Impacts Disruption to businesses a major concern. Construction Rolling construction - two weeks Construction History of Euclid construction phase. Rolling Construction. construction What is going to become of Central Avenue during construction, will the construction be done in phases? Consolidated response: ABQ Ride is working closely with businesses to mitigate impacts related to parking, construction, and access. Consolidated response: Construction phasing has not been determined at this time. Rolling construction is an option. construction Construction Crime Crime So how do you build it? Tear it all up forever; build it sequentially? I was told construction would be rolling and would not last longer than three months in front of individual buildings. Is this true? Crime at stations Consolidated Response: Comment noted. Security Central and 60th stoop prostitutes, etc. at that stop, in cameras and emergency call buttons are under particular. Police attention or bike police? consideration as a safety feature at each station. crime Panhandling at Stations huge concern crime I would ride but don t feel Central busses are safe. 12/17/2014 3

62 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses crime Will not use Central buses, bus shelters are graffiti filled and dirty crime ART Stations will be vandalized, unless this is well managed Security crime Security is a must crime Need security guards on buses, need on all 66 s crime Concern about safety crime Concern about the safety of using the bus at night doesn t feel safe now. Crime Station security (APR/BCSO/private security) at stations particularly Coors, San Mateo, Louisiana, and Wyoming? Current Rapid Ride stops very unsafe! Crime Crime Security/safety is an issue. People don t ride bus because they are afraid. Security necessary at all stops patrol or cameras. They will get into fare boxes and paint graffiti every where. People don t ride the bus because of safety. Crime Central bus lines are scary prisoners, addicts, homeless, prostitutes. Crime Heard that it's not safe to ride the bus. Harassment, getting mugged, etc. Design Bulb outs need to be more obvious for safety. Comment noted. Environmental Justice Please provide more detail on the Title VI and ADA compliance as well as environmental justice. The project design will be ADA compliant. A environmental justice report will be prepared and submitted as an attachment to the Categorical Exclusion document. Fares fares fares fares Fares Fares Fares Fares Frequency/schedule What will the cost be to ride the ART? Consolidated response: Fares have not been determined On top of all this, the prices for the public at this time. transportation system and Rapid Ride are steadily increasing for the people using this method of transportation Will there be an extra fare for the BRT route; will the fare go up in price? Will the BRT be a premium service? the Rapid Ride buses have become run down (data on buses have been in rapid decline) What would fares be? Would these be an honored citizen day pass? Wondering what the fare structure looks like. Fare structure? Should take cash; make lowest amount possible/free. Bus passes bought at ART bus stop kiosks should be Comment noted. usable on all bus routes. For the next bond issue: purchase standard size buses. Thanks for your and your interest in the A.R.T. Designate for Rapid Ride. REDUCE THE AVERAGE WAIT project. We ll take your suggestions into consideration. TIME TO 10 MINUTES. At any stop, on average, fewer Note that the capital cost to buy buses is only one people would be boarding and getting off reducing time component of the cost to provide service; operating the bus is standing. This reduced time accumulates. On costs are generally a much higher cost over the life of a average, fewer people on board each bus. Standard bus. Therefore, part of our interest in this project is to buses are much cheaper, eh! Signal priority is a good provide as frequent service as possible with as few idea. There is a potential safety problem with people buses as possible. The A.R.T. project would replace (not boarding and getting off in a median of a very busy add to) the current Rapid Ride routes on Central. On street. People will have to wait for the signal to change your question about the safety of median platforms: before and after riding. How will you reduce this Currently passengers have to cross the entire street potential danger? This danger does not exist when (often without the benefit of a median) for one boarding or getting off at a sidewalk. direction of travel on the bus and do not have to cross at all for the other direction. With median platforms, passengers will have to cross only one direction of traffic for each trip. Overall, there is no more crossing of traffic with the median platforms, but there is the increased safety of a median refuge and only having to cross one direction of traffic at a time. Frequency/Schedule Frequency/Schedule How often will ART operate? Frequency, days, etc. Are we doubling down and running yet another bus system on the same street? Consolidated response: The proposed ART service will operate at approximate 5 to 10 minute headways depending on time of day. The operating plan has not yet been finalized, but is expected to be from 5:00 am 12/17/2014 4

63 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Frequency/Schedule Frequency/Schedule Frequency/Schedule Frequency/Schedule Frequency/Schedule Frequency/Schedule Frequency/Schedule Buses stop running too early. Buses don t run often until midnight. The ART will work within the framework enough. of the overall system to expand service. While specific No bus service on holidays schedules and transfers are still to be determined, My initial though tis that this will be a waste of money. comments on system wide service are acknowledged It will only work if the entire system is expanded so that and will be considered in addition to this project. ART the people of all socio-economic classes can use it. will replace, not add to the existing Rapid Ride routes on Expand late night service for the entire week so that Central. workers getting off late (11p, 12a, etc.) can use public transit to get to AND from work. Don t shut down the system on holidays so (once again) people who work night and weekends can use transit. Buses stop running too early on Sundays People who work swing and night shifts have no way of getting to or from work on those shifts. 6-9 pm Saturday; 6:30 to 6:30 Sunday. There needs to be overnight bus service starting with the #66 route and beginning Monday through Friday. Also there needs to be bus service on Memorial, Independence, and Labor Days (even if it's on a Saturday schedule) NOT just because there's people in this city who have transportation issues who have to work those 3 holidays, but it will increase sales for retail outlets who have specials on those 3 days, but will even boost attendance at the Isotopes home games during those times as well. The Juan Tabo and Wyoming routes need to run every 30minutes both north and south during the midday hours, as well. It will not just stimulate the local economy and create more jobs, it will greatly reduce crime. The Sunday hours need to be increased asap. I would deeply appreciate it if you'd take my suggesting into consideration. Gracias. Funding/Cost Process/Timeline Is the project funded and ready to get started? Consolidated response: The cost of the project is being Funding/Cost Vehicles The projected cost of the project is $ millions and developed. The City is evaluating the potential to seek it matters not where the money comes from. That's a funding through the FTA Small Starts program which lot of taxpayer money spent to reduce by a few minutes could fund up to 80% of the total capital cost of the the travel time from Louisiana to 1st Street and the west side terminus to 1st Street. Purchase of sufficient buses to reduce the wait time to 10 minutes or so with project. If FTA funds are sought local funds will be required and the City of Albuquerque will decide if local funds will be provided. equivalent savings in time to the ART could not possibly approach $ millions in anyone's lifetime! Your point about pedestrian safety is well taken. Thanks for that. Funding/Cost Priorities for money - roads are crumbing, is this project necessary? Funding/Cost What are the funding sources? Funding/Cost Cost Funding/Cost What will the budget be? Funding/Cost Why are my property taxes spent here? Funding/Cost It would be alright if the property owners along Central were taxed for it Funding/Cost Put the cost on the people who live and work here Funding/Cost Cost /Benefit Relationship Funding/Cost What is the cost? Phased project? How much federal funds? Funding/Cost What is the total cost ABQ will have to put up to complete the project? Funding/Cost After it is built, how much more on an annual basis will the system cost than currently? Funding/Cost Prefer public ownership and operations. Comment noted. General Process Please put me back on your mailing list. I was on it last year and submitted comments, but received no notice of the public meetings last week in Nob Hill. Our neighborhood is very interested in this project, and we were not informed of the meeting. Commenter added to mailing list. 12/17/2014 5

64 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses General My comments on ART primarily relate to the section between Yale and Girard, as that is the area I frequent. I am on the board of the University Heights Neighborhood Association. I have attached a pdf that has a portion of one of the boards, with comments which I will elaborate on below. General I really wonder is the Bus Rapid Transit (brt) is practical for ABQ. If installed, it will reduce the traffic capacity of Central Ave. Central Ave. will have to be rebuilt at a large cost, and it will destroy the nice landscaped Thanks for your additional comments. We obviously believe the ART is practical but appreciate your concerns and will keep them in mind. You're correct that the project would require some reconstruction of medians. The brt bus stops and route alignment will be Central Avenue, although it would not, by itself, require permanent once installed. There will be no versatility for moving bus stops to accommodate future business or passenger trends. What really needs help is the route #66 Central Ave. bus. Most passengers use this route because of the many convenient bus stops, and each bus is always filled to standing room only. I think that we should keep the present Rapid Ride system but incorporate some of the brt features into the current system, such as: Off bus fare purchases Rapid Ride signal priority. And is there any way to speed up wheelchair boarding? It takes the bus drivers a long time to secure the wheelchairs. There must be some type of automatic quick latching device. The #66 route frequency should be increased from every 15 minutes to every 10 minutes, even if more buses have to be purchased and more bus drivers hired. that the street be entirely rebuilt. (Since some portions already need repaving, we may incorporate a "mill and inlay" resurfacing so the final product is smooth and ready for more years of use but not a full rebuild.) We're working to minimize the impact on landscaping as much as possible. As you'll see in the plans online (here - just in case you haven't seen them) we're trying to maintain or replace medians in some areas like eastern Nob Hill, and we're looking at alternatives for preserving some more medians in other areas. The permanence of the ART is, of course, a commitment, but that commitment is desirable in the long run for maintaining a high level of transit service (travel times and reliability) and can be an asset for economic development. The stable and shorter travel times are an important long-term consideration from a system perspective. Adding service to the existing 66 or Rapid Rides could be a short-term improvement in service, but longer-term growth in the metro area is projected to create much worse congestion. That congestion combined with increasing ridership will continually slow the routes down, requiring us to add buses and drivers General Consider using neon Nob Hill demarcation borders as j t t i t i th Comment noted. f i it ld k cross-over pedestrian/bicycle bridge General Use the complete streets design Comment noted. General Need to control what we have now before adding new Comment noted. BRT project General Risk failure like 4 th Street downtown Comment noted. General But hard to split up real estate Comment noted. General If work can t be done immediately, then paint in the Comment noted. future sidewalk extent General How does this benefit me? General Isn t this like a build it and they will come: mentality? Comment noted. General Your film clips just show successful systems Comment noted. General Is there somewhere where BRT hasn t worked? Areas where BRT has been underutilized or have not operated as expected were specifically where features that increase efficiency were eliminated from the project. ABQ Ride is aware of those issues and taking measures to ensure success. General Different people impacted in different ways No response required. General Where can we mail a physical letter Comment noted. General The corridor needs more density No response required. General It needs more visitors No response required. General Need better utilization of asset Comment noted. General We can manage the urbanization Comment noted. General Needs to prioritize people in their activates get them Comment noted. access to what they need General looking better No response required. General Are changes planned for the traffic circle at Central/8th? The size of the traffic circle is not set up well for buses using it whether they are 40' or 60' vehicles. Without changes, this spot will likely have an unacceptable number of vehicle conflicts as well as heavy wear-andtear on both the buses and the pavement. Our current plan to use Copper westbound and Gold eastbound (like the current Rapid Rides) means that the ART vehicles will only go through the traffic circle eastbound, as the Red Line Rapid Ride does today. We have not planned any changes to the traffic circle at this point. 12/17/2014 6

65 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses General Process Your website previously shower that there is a public meeting tonight Oct. 14 at Alamosa(?). Today your website has deleted that listing. Is it cancelled? Why is there no mention of the meetings last week on your website? What is the purpose of deleting this information? (Jim Barrera) Public meeting was not cancelled. Website contained information on each upcoming meeting. General Process Thanks for your response. Unfortunately I am sick this week and unable to attend these meetings. I didn't know about the ones last week (in my neighborhood no less), otherwise I would have attend the one in Nob Hill. No response required. General Old Town neighborhood and Huning Castle N.A. No response required. General Central Carlisle No response required. General Flower guy in Phoenix - movie? No response required. General Can't get through on Silver - too narrow. Improvements to the Silver Ave. roadway are outside the scope of this project. General Mainstreet No response required. General Carlisle/Washington/Sierra/Graceland No response required. General Thanks for all the information. Good luck with the project. I appreciate that you solicit public comment. One comment that I already made but will repeat. It would be so nice if the seats on the buses weren t so dirty. Service on Central is quite good now. Thanks for your efforts to improve it further. Comment noted. General Overheard a woman (70-80 y.o.) say I m not getting Comment noted. out of my car to ride a ratty bus! This demographic may be difficult to convince. General Something within reach water with screw on caps. No response required. General Seattle, Chihuahua have very sophisticated systems. Denver is behind the times and very expensive. Comment noted. General Why not light rail? Cost? Light rail is expensive and requires additional capital to build infrastructure. BRT systems are affordable solutions with similar implementation to light rail. General Add she can update Bike ABQ Facebook. Add to Added to list. Vanessa s list. Ann@bikeabq.org (Ann Overstreet) General Flagstaff has a great system. Comment noted. General I'd like to be kept informed of new and upcoming events Added to list. - mpittela@gmail.com. I am interested to help with community outreach since I have 5+ experience in this area. General Not sure of public value of upgrade from Rapid Ride to Comment noted. ART. General Buses create mark. No response required. General Corner of Gloria and Central No response required. General Training drivers to make U-turns and get out of through Comment noted. cars is going to be tough. General Need explanation of mixed flow at east end. Reviewed with commenter at public meeting. General Blue Lines No response required. General What is the problem you are trying to solve and why can't the current infrastructure be improved to solve that problem? General How does this work any better than the Rapid Ride? It seems to simply replace it. Consolidated response: The purpose of the proposed project is to improve transit service along Central Avenue, and to improve access to major activity and employment centers located within the project area. Ridership is expected to increase, particularly in and around the major activity centers. The ART system is similar to Rapid Ride but will improve service in terms of capacity, frequency, timeliness, and accessibility within the high ridership corridor. General I am curious how many members of your planning team No response required. live in our neighborhood? General Where and when are the meetings? Next round of meetings are yet to be scheduled. General I was not able to attend any of the public meeting, so my feedback on the proposed ART system is based mostly on the PDFs provided on brtabq.com. No response required. 12/17/2014 7

66 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Land Use East Nob Hill land use - Carlisle to San Mateo No response required. land use The whole idea is wrong because it conflicts with plans for other corridors like recently completed Lead/Coal and new study of Bike Boulevard on Silver. ABQ Ride has coordinated with CABQ DMD and Planning to determine compliance with existing plans. Land Use Landgraph - 20 million dollar project. Morningside to Graceland - Initial capital outlay. Landscaping Pedestrians I was just looking at the drawing again, and it looks like there's no "landscape" section between Richmond and Wellesley, which is a section cross heavily on foot currently in Nob Hill. I like that there's a landscape segment between Wellesley and Carlisle, and think another like this on the other half of the Nob Hill strip would improve safety for pedestrians. No response required. Comment noted. Landscaping Landscaping landscaping Scrimping on landscaping in Nob Hill Nob Hill Association - Landscaping will be skimped. I was just looking at the drawing again, and it looks like there's no "landscape" section between Richmond and Wellesley, which is a section cross heavily on foot currently in Nob Hill. I like that there's a landscape segment between Wellesley and Carlisle, and think another like this on the other half of the Nob Hill strip would improve safety for pedestrians. Also, is there a reason why these proposals now show ART lanes vs mixed lanes for most of central? In previous versions there were mixed lane concepts, which I think appealed to local businesses who are scared that one lane of traffic will kill their businesses Consolidated response: Any trees removed will be replaced at a 1:1 ratio. Existing landscaping will be preserved where possible. Landscaping Pedestrians Maximize the greenscape! Retain and expand the landscape buffer on the medians as much as possible. Use the sidewalk landscaping buffer in areas where medians are not feasible. Neighbors see little value in the sidewalk landscape buffer option, unless the existing sidewalks are widened and repaired also. Concerns: pedestrian mobility and safety crossing Central without medians, trees blocking business signs). Landscaping Nob Hill residents are most concerned about the greenscape and will appreciate any effort to retain existing mature healthy trees and increase the amount of landscaping we have now. I know that Nob Hill Main Street is advocating for landscape buffer along the sidewalks. This option may be more suited for Upper Nob Hill (east end) where building heights can be up to four stories for new development and pedestrian traffic across Central is not as frequent. Also, the sidewalk landscape option is most advantageous to restaurant/bar businesses that can use it for outdoor seating and Lower Nob Hill (west end) has been inundated with new restaurants over the past five years, to the point that parking has become a serious issue and we really don t need more incentives for that particular industry. Part of the unique culture of Lower Nob Hill is the single story historic byway and small shop owner signs that may be hidden from the street by landscaping along the sidewalk. If reducing the regular traffic lanes on Central to one each way can help to calm traffic in the community then I support that option. Landscaping Pedestrians Move landscaping to sidewalks and widen sidewalks Landscaping Landscaping But more important trees be on the side cars don t need shade Put less landscaping in the median, more on the outside. 12/17/2014 8

67 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Landscaping I wanted to register some support for and some concern about the BRT project. I think in general it is an exciting idea. My family lives in the Nob Hill neighborhood and spend much of our time there, walking and often use the Rapid Ride. I think the potential for increasing the usability of public transportation could have a positive effect on the surrounding neighborhoods and the surrounding economy. However, there are several aspects that give me concern that I wanted to provide an opinion on. 1. Trees: I know this is probably last on anyone s list, but there are a number of trees that exist on the medians today that would be a shame to lose. I have seen the plans and recognize that landscaping is a part of much of it esp in the Nob Hill area. However, I would request that existing trees be preserved if possible. Landscaping Any way to preserve existing large trees in median? Landscaping Likes idea of tree for tree replacement. Landscaping Landscape shrubbery can t let it block visibility. Landscaping Keep trees. Landscaping Will the full-grown trees in the median be saved or torn down? Landscaping Some shrubbery is needed curbside or median. Don t detract from UNM it s a flagship. Landscaping Simulation 1 - with shade plants Comment noted. Landscaping In lieu of landscaping in small or difficult to maintain Comment noted. areas, consider decorative hardscape and art that can accent the corridor. Landscaping Likes buffer landscaping next to sidewalk instead of Comment noted. landscaping in median. Lanes East Nob Hill - Building codes not the issue; lots of scrape and build. Create something. San Mateo/ Washington /Carlisle on east- Carlisle to San Mateo - Copper/Morningside to Washington. SLB Grant - $1, Plans for this section are still being evaluated. However, it is anticipated that the current westbound bus and right turn lane will wither converted into a regular traffic lane or into a parking and right turn lane. Lanes Business Impacts Also, is there a reason why these proposals now show ART lanes vs mixed lanes for most of central? In previous versions there were mixed lane concepts, which I think appealed to local businesses who are scared that one lane of traffic will kill their businesses. Lanes Maintenance Finally, how will ART lanes and driving lanes be differentiated from each other? Will they be separated by a special color for the ART lanes, or will they be physically separated by curbs? If the ART lanes are painted, how will the city and the transit department insure that the painting will be maintained so that it remains clear in the future that they are ART lanes and so that the paint remains aesthetically pleasing. One of the primary problems with operating the existing Rapid Ride service on schedule is the fact that it runs in mixed traffic. The City has determined that if it is going to fund and build the ART project, it is critical that a majority of the system be build in exclusive lanes. ART lanes will be a different color that the rest of the roadway. The design team will take maintenance into consideration when recommending materials. Lanes Lanes Lanes Lanes Neighborhood Impacts Additionally, eliminating the westbound left turn lanes will push and funnel traffic into some streets in the neighborhood. I'd advocate studying the effects of the proposed elimination before proceeding with the plan. Neighborhood Impacts One concern is that in the Knob [sic] Hill area, traffic may move onto bike streets. Perhaps more room can be found if parking is reduced on Central. Neighborhood Impacts Can Central handle having just one lane of traffic in each direction? Or is that part of the goal to create congestion along Central, thereby moving traffic away from it, or even better, onto the system. This will only work with a complete overhaul of how the system works now. Neighborhood Impacts Losing a lane will be tough. Consolidated response: Traffic models will predict the effects of traffic on neighboring areas and will be considered as part of the design. 12/17/2014 9

68 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Lanes Lanes Lanes Neighborhood Impacts With only 1 driving lane for each direction in the Nob Hill area, how will car and bicycle traffic be handled. With reduced capacity, traffic (and maybe especially local traffic) will likely spill over onto Copper and Silver since they run parallel to Central in this area. Are there any plans to mitigate the issues of increased traffic on these 2 streets and of the potential of increased bicycle/car conflicts on Silver? Neighborhood Impacts Through traffic can move to Lead/Silver. Neighborhood Impacts Neighbors who attended the outreach support reducing the existing traffic lanes to accommodate dedicated bus lanes. Five neighbors, who did not attend, voiced opposition via . (Concerns: impact on Lead/Coal and surrounding neighborhood, need for lower speed limit on Central Ave, need for median barrier on cross streets where left turns are prohibited, need to allow left turns from Central onto Girard). Some data-based information from the city on the potential impact of Central lane reduction on Lead/Coal might be helpful here. Lanes Neighborhood Impacts There will be behavioral changes. It would affect traffic on Lead/Coal. Would Coal be reassessed after this project? Lanes Traffic Also reducing the lanes in both directions will add to congestion. Traffic is so heavy in this area. Keep the 2 lanes in both directions. Lanes Why is the project in the median in the constricted areas (i.e., Nob Hill and UNM) but mixed flow in the wide open areas with plenty of ROW and no quality of life (east of Louisiana)? Lanes Get rid of more traffic lane near UNM and happy to get rid of traffic lanes lanes Lanes Lanes Some sections of the bus rapid transit (brt) route have a dedicated ART lane and only one other traffic lane for regular traffic. In these areas, non-art traffic will be slow going, especially if stuck behind a #66 bus. And what will happen if there is an accident, blocking the non-art traffic lane? In the draft plan I recommend changing the dedicated ART lane to an ART/passing lane, where non-art traffic can use the ART lane for passing as needed. Can ART buses use regular bus stops when on detour? Central Ave sometimes closes due to special events or police activity. When the ART buses are diverted to Lomas Blvd, can they service regular curb bus stops? And during special events when Central Ave is closed, the brt system should continue to operate on Central Ave so that bus riders can have bus service to the closed area. Bus passes bought at ART bus stop kiosks should be usable on all bus routes. Is the project funded and ready to get started? Because brt in-service date is a long 3 years away, in the interim please reactivate Rapid Ride Signal Priority along Central Ave. It used to work so well holding the light green for an extra 6 seconds, and providing an earlier green when the light is red. But this service disappeared when the new traffic signal controls were installed a few year ago. Now the light turns red just as the bus reaches the intersection and we come to a panic stop, or we have to wait a long time when stuck at a red light. The Rapid Rid t i t h f t th th #66 C t l One lane each direction is great Would like the lanes to be teal (like NM lic. Plate or turquoise or the red from Zia flag. Want median and left turn continuous; dedicated lane causes speed. Bidirectional? How would pedestrians cross? Bi-directional would be preferable. Consolidated response: Several factors are taken into consideration when determining whether lanes should be dedicated or mixed flow, including public input, land use, pedestrian crossings, ridership, cost, traffic models, and transit-oriented development opportunities. Dedicated lanes were selected in areas that would derive the most benefit for the cost. 12/17/

69 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Lanes Lanes Lanes Lanes Lanes Lanes Lanes Lanes Wider lanes generally encourage faster speeds less safe downtown area. Narrow lanes to slow traffic down. Mixed flow in Nob Hill. Minimize left turn storage bays in Nob Hill to maximize medians. Twelve to thirteen foot travel lanes are absolutely unacceptable. This width has a design speed of MPH. If we want to encourage quality, walkable economic development, we need to reduce vehicle speeds. The best way to do this is by narrowing automobile and ART lanes and widening sidewalks. I don't like dedicated lanes, especially one full lane each direction. Perhaps one lane with sidings like a train? Should not reduce overall traffic throughout. Espouses Phoenix. Bus has to take pedestrians. Has to go down the middle. It's safer. There is nothing separating BRT lane from driving lanes. I attend the 10/8 meeting at the Albuquerque Museum and wanted to add one comment. I was wondering if the vehicle (not ART) lanes could be reduced from 12' to 11' or 10'? 12' may be too generous, especially given the relatively lower speeds along Central Ave. when compared to other urban arterials. Giving up this extra lane width in key locations with constrained right-ofway might go a long way towards improving the pedestrian and/or aesthetic appeal of the corridor. No response needed--merely a suggestion. Lanes The plans show that a spot at Central/Lomas/San This area is complicated, and another City project has Pasaquale where the bus will be in a mixed flow lane for proposed several different designs possibilities for the a short distance. Because this occurs before the signal, intersections. We're working with that team to come how will the bus merge with heavy traffic? I think that up with the best solution for both the ART needs and signage should be used that informs other drivers that the existing intersection challenges. If possible, we're the bus should be given priority, but this would likely hoping to refine the design shown in the plans to avoid require an unpopular change in traffic laws. I think that requiring the ART vehicles to make multiple lane it should also be clear how the reversible lanes work. I changes in this area. The plan for the reversible lane is assume that the buses traveling east will use the lane in as you suspected - eastbound in the AM and westbound the morning with the westbound buses in a regular in the PM. The details for how that will be traffic lane and the opposite occurring the evenings. controlled/communicated to the drivers has not How will these hours be determined, and how will been designed yet. We are not planning to use curbs to people be assured that buses traveling in opposite separate the ART lanes from the mixed flow lanes. directions will not try to use the same lane at the same time? If this occurs, how will one of the buses change lanes if curbs are used to differentiate art lanes from mixed flow lanes? Lanes Lanes In the UNM area, it is not clear what will happen to the current westbound lane that is supposed to be used only for right turns and buses. Will it become a normal driving lane? Finally, how will ART lanes and driving lanes be differentiated from each other? Will they be separated by a special color for the ART lanes, or will they be physically separated by curbs? If the ART lanes are painted, how will the city and the transit department insure that the painting will be maintained so that it remains clear in the future that they are ART lanes and so that the paint remains aesthetically pleasing. The current proposal would turn that westbound lane into a general traffic lane; the westbound ART would essentially use the current left lane. We're proposing that the ART lanes will be reconstructed with concrete, both to differentiate them from regular driving lanes and to improve the longevity of the pavement with frequent bus use. Striping and signage would also be used to differentiate the ART lanes, but we do not plan to use curbs. Emergency vehicles would also be able to use the ART lanes. 12/17/

70 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Lanes The plans show that a spot at Central/Lomas/San The design for this intersection will be coordinated with Pasaquale where the bus will be in a mixed flow lane for the City's project to improve the San a short distance. Because this occurs before the signal, Pasquale/Lomas/Central intersection and all how will the bus merge with heavy traffic? I think that appropriate precautions will be taken to ensure the signage should be used that informs other drivers that safety of thru traveling public. the bus should be given priority, but this would likely require an unpopular change in traffic laws. I think that it should also be clear how the reversible lanes work. I assume that the buses traveling east will use the lane in the morning with the westbound buses in a regular traffic lane and the opposite occurring the evenings. How will these hours be determined, and how will people be assured that buses traveling in opposite directions will not try to use the same lane at the same time? If this occurs, how will one of the buses change lanes if curbs are used to differentiate art lanes from mixed flow lanes? Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance maintenance Maintenance Maintenance over long term. Social/Cultural rules don't apply. Won't be any enforcement. Inept at dealing with social issues. Will be very hard to keep clean. City won t be able to manage/maintain current bus stops because of the graffiti and trash at bus stops now Who will take care of trash and trash pickup? San Mateo and Central is always overflowing with trash. Consolidated response: ABQ Ride, CABQ Solid Waste, and Department of Municipal Development will all be responsible for the maintenance of ART facilities. Specific responsibilities and protocols are yet to be determined. Median Aesthetics/Landscaping Likes the idea of median and vegetation. Comment noted. median access The area of Central bordering UNM presents unique situations, as this stretch has a large amount of northsouth bike and pedestrian traffic, as well as business. My main concerns and comments are: 1. A landscaped central median needs to remain. This median can be shared with station platforms, but they must still serve as a refuge for pedestrians and bikes crossing Central. This is important to accommodate large volumes of people crossing, people who cannot cross the entire street within the allotted time (due to health issues or starting a late crossing) and those jaywalking. 2. Eliminating left hand turns poses serious issues for bordering neighborhoods. By eliminating left hand turns at Cornell (home of many restaurants, including the Frontier) and Harvard (the Bricklight District) westbound drivers will either need to make a U-turn at Yale or turn into the neighborhood at the remaining access point. Drivers who don't want to make a U-turn will likely turn into the neighborhood at either Girard or Stanford. This would direct additional traffic through the neighborhood on Silver, a designated bike boulevard. The intersections of Girard/Silver and Stanford/Silver are particularly dangerous, both are twoway stops (North-South traffic does not stop) and have no crosswalks. If ART eliminates turns at major destinations it's construction needs to be paired with traffic mitigation in adjacent streets. In our area this h ld i l d ddi t i t li ht l Medians Bicycles/Pedestrians As I live along Central ave, the median is a very important pedestrian safety zone. It should be kept to maintain the beauty and safety of the area. Any changes to support bus traffic should come from the existing two lanes. There is plenty of room to make this work. Goal of any changes should include ways to make the area more pedestrian and bike friendly. Medians Landscaping Would much rather have you keep the median, with trees and landscaping, then to remove them. Thank you very much for your detailed comments. We appreciate your feedback and your interest in the project. Based on feedback like yours, we're doing some more detailed analysis of the Nob Hill and University areas to look for opportunities to maintain medians and to look at whether we can maintain left turn access to Cornell and/or Harvard. Likewise, we'll be doing a traffic analysis to look for impacts to neighboring streets and steps we could consider to mitigate any impacts. We are aware of and have shared ideas with the Complete Streets planning group and will continue to do so. As we move forward, we'll get into a much more detailed level of design and analysis than either the Complete Streets proposal or our initial conceptual designs so will be able to make more detailed proposals based on the space that's available. Consolidated Response: Comments acknowledged. Medians and landscaping areas will be provided in the Nob Hill area to the greatest extent possible, while allowing for dedicated ART lanes. Pedestrian crosswalks will be provided at approximately every xx feet to allow for safe crossing. Revised plans for the UNM area which include maintaining the medians are being evaluated. Median landscaping will harvest rainwater, where 12/17/

71 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Medians Lanes I understand the current design for the BRT system possible and practicable. eliminates the median and creates 72' of Central car and bus traffic in our area. NOT happy about that! medians Pedestrians Keep the median and the sidewalks Median I live and work in the UNM area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Nob Hill and the UNM area would lose a piece of its charm if the medians were removed. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Median I live in the UNM/Nob Hill area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Median I am a student living in the UNM area who commutes to school and around the city either by bicycle or foot and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Median medians medians medians I live and work in the UNM area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. If a median is recommended for the area east of Carlisle, where there is little pedestrian traffic, the median should be considered essential in the UNM area between Carlisle and University, where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Must have medians losing median is bad BRT should be on outside lanes Lives on Vassar; Central needs: decent sidewalk, bike lanes, and medians. Don t remove the medians! medians 8 foot as opposed to 20 foot median would be OK Medians Pedestrians The bus system should not only provide to those who depend on it but should aim to attract those who do not need to use it - that is the sign of 'sophisticated' city (I'm paraphrasing a certain mayor of Bogota who stated: "An advanced city is not a place where the poor move about in cars, rather it's where even the rich use public transportation"). The only way to make people switch from cars to public transit is not only that buses run little faster than cars - it is equally important to make driving less and less convenient. By giving cars their own lane (by eliminating the competition with buses), it will become easier for drivers to navigate on Central - and therefore counterproductive I believe the only way to solve this (at least for now) is to eliminate one driving lane and dedicating it only to buses, not adding a bus lane and eliminating a median - which serves as a kind of refuge for those who cross the street. People do cross the street on 'undesignated' crossings. To insist for pedestrians to cross on signaled intersections only is not only bad for businesses, but again one more thing how to make life easier for cars - we need to stop designing our streets for cars and give pedestrians precedence. We will not move away from car dependence by making buses faster but by making driving more and more miserable in areas, where there is a viable public transit option. 12/17/

72 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Medians Pedestrians Please do not remove the median on Central in the Nob Hill area. It will destroy the walk ability in this lovely area, what so many of us enjoy so about living in Nob Hill. Medians Pedestrians A median is the only island of safety for a pedestrian. Cars don't bleed out on the pavement, people do. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Medians Pedestrians My family and I have been residents of, and homeowners in, the University Heights Neighborhood living within two blocks of Central Avenue, for twenty seven years- so I speak to you from much personal experience of this area of town. It will be quite unsafe to remove the median from Central Avenue between the businesses and residences on one side of the street and the University on the other. We are a highly pedestrian neighborhood, with a lot of auto traffic too, at all hours of the day and night- and this activity extends through the Nob Hill area to the east and the Silver Hill neighborhood to the west. Medians Pedestrians If a median is recommended for the area east of Carlisle, where there is little pedestrian traffic, the median should be considered essential in the UNM area between Carlisle and University, where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic. Medians Safety I live in the UNM area, and I believe it is important to maintain the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Safety I live in the UNM area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Safety I recently learned that plans have been made to eliminate some of the Central Avenue Median. I live in this neighborhood and have a small child - it is critical for safety to keep the median and I strongly oppose any plans to eliminate it!! Medians Safety We live in the UNM area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Early versions of the redesign showed the median would be maintained. Why this has been changed is unclear. Medians Safety I live in the UNM area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue median from University to Yale. While I support what's being done elsewhere in the plan, especially at San Mateo, I believe the median around UNM should be maintained for safety, health, and traffic reasons. The median is a refuge for bicyclists and pedestrian crossers. Medians Safety I have heard that there are plans to possibly eliminate the median in stretches of Central Ave. Please know that there are many parents in this neighborhood, including myself, who are concerned about how this plan will compromise the safety of our children. I hope that you will consider other options that leave the median intact. Medians Safety I live in the UNM area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Safety Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Medians Safety I live in the UNM area, and I STRONGLY support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system! 12/17/

73 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Medians Safety I live in the Nob Hill area and am strongly opposed to any plans to get rid of the medians on Central. They are a great haven for my child and I when crossing central. Nob Hill business and restaurants are a great success and popular because of how it is currently laid out. Please don't change this. Medians Safety I am a lifetime member and current Neighborhood President, living & workng in the University Heights Area. I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Safety I live in the UNM/Nob Hill area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Safety I work on one side of Central but shop, get my lunch, coffee, etc, on the other side. When I cross Central every day, several times a day, the median is the only thing that keeps me safe. Medians Safety I live in the UNM area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Safety I live in the UNM area, and as a student of architecture, I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for pedestrian safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Safety Please do not remove the Central Avenue median from this area of town. It will not enhance the walkability of this area, making it much more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. We already have a significant safety problem on Silver Avenue, with several recent deaths of cyclists and pedestrians in the past year or two. Medians Safety I am a faculty member at UNM and the Dean of two colleges there. I do not own my own car so bike almost every day between my home near Ridgecrest and Carlisle and UNM (some days I walk). It has always been challenging to cross Central. I usually cross at Vassar, but as you know there is no corresponding curb cut on campus so I navigate through the median to the bus lane. On the way home I cross just west of Vassar, through a little alley east of the FedEx shop. I always see students and other people trying to cross Central in that general vicinity (between about Girard and Stanford). The lack of aligned curb cuts means that bicyclists must dismount (in traffic) haul their bikes over the median, wait for the other-direction traffic and cross again. Challenging, but not impossible. Now I see that the city might remove the only safe crossing zone, the median. I am all in favor of public transportation, but I am more in favor of safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. Without us, our air would be lower quality, or noise level higher, our parking scarcer and our citizens less healthy. Medians Safety I live in the UNM area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Safety I live and work in the UNM area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Safety I live in the UNM/Nob Hill area, and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. 12/17/

74 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Medians Safety I am a student living in the UNM area who commutes to school and around the city either by bicycle or foot and I strongly support maintaining the Central Avenue Median for safety, health, and traffic reasons. Medians Medians Medians Medians Would destroy ambiance and pedestrian availability. Must have medians all along. Opposed to losing median. Two lanes for BRT are ok and ok to take away another GP lane. Whatever happens will affect the neighborhoods to the south. Diversion to Stanford is bad (Girard project). Not conceptually opposed to BRT, but opposed to loss of medians. (Hancock) Don t like losing medians. Long term solution is to go in the air monorail. Doesn t want a band aid, wants a real solution. Residents of Nob Hill value the medians as islands of vegetation and trees that enhance the visual scene and alleviate the heat island effect of a 99 ft strip of asphalt and concrete. I encourage ART to view this project as an opportunity to do more for the city than just transportation namely an opportunity to enhance the urban landscape with more green than today. I view both the medians and landscape at the edge of the roadway positively I would like to keep or develop as many medians as possible and employ the roadway edge landscaping where medians are not possible Medians Medians Medians Will median landscaping harvest rain runoff? Don t lose medians, especially in University area and nob hill. I commute to work by bike or bus (Nob Hill to the North Valley). Being familiar with the bus system in town, I am too in favor of ART on Central - but not as is proposed in the current plans. Or at least the last plans I have seen. By eliminating the street medians, the streets will be pretty uninviting, uncrossable, and even unsafe. (as Central is east past Wyoming) The main argument for separating urban street uses for pedestrian safety is debatable (and mostly comes from traffic engineers) - the most successful, viable, and safest streets are those where pedestrians, cars, cyclist, and transit 'mingle together' on lower speeds. Medians Medians Medians Medians Medians Medians Neighborhood associations and residents near UNM are opposed to ART eliminating the existing median along Central near UNM. While that's been stated many times, it appears that the plans are to eliminate the median. Please revise the plans! Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system-- I believe there were earlier designs that maintained that median so this should be pretty easy to do. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Please change the design in the UNM area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. 12/17/

75 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Medians Medians Medians Medians Medians Medians Medians Medians YIKES! It is hard to understand that your think tank believes removing the median along Central is a benefit to the people. Positive, previous plans prove to work perfectly well with the progress of Albuquerque's public transit system. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. I believe that you collectively have healthy minds to justify the need to utilize plans that work and maintain the median along Central. (Joe Gallegos UHA president) Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Henry stearns Keep the Central median in the University area!!! Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Save the central median. Please. Thanks for hearing us! Medians Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Medians Central Median. It makes our neighorhoods! We don't need more unused rapid transit messes! Medians SAVE THE CENTRAL MEDIAN Medians Please change the design in this area to maintain the median as part of any Rapid Transit system. Neighborhood Impacts Traffic Concerns about angry cut through traffic in Nob Hill neighborhood. Already see it with Lead/Coal. Consolidated Response: Traffic models will predict the effects of traffic on neighboring areas and will be Neighborhood Impacts traffic This change will push more traffic into surrounding neighborhood. The amount traffic in the surrounding neighborhoods is currently to much. Our residential streets are congested and dangerous. This plan will only make the problems worse. considered as part of the design. neighborhood impacts Neighborhood Impacts I attended one of the comment sessions and had a nice conversation with someone involved in the project who is from Seattle. He seemed to have a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the advantages of this kind of traffic system, but didn't appear to be very informed about particular local conditions that will be affected, potentially negatively, by these proposed changes. I still have concerns that the limited access to our neighborhood south of central is going to cause a lot of congestion and danger to pedestrians and cyclists- on Silver, but also spilling over to increased traffic and danger on the one ways-lead and Coal- in our area. The Frontier Restaurant is an utterly unique and intensely busy establishment, and forcing people to pull u turns and circling around using Silver to access their parking is going to be problematic and potentially dangerous for our VERY pedestrian neighborhood. The business community in this area creates a very high volume use of cars that are already a danger to local residents on foot and on bikes. Diverting cars into the neighborhood and forcing them to circle around blocks off Central is not a solution to this. The gentleman I spoke with was unaware that you can't make a left turn off Monte Vista on to Girard. He thought that that intersection would provide access to areas south of Central. How do you intend to handle that five point intersection? He also seemed to feel that these proposed changes will "force" t d t t i th i h t t d H d 't This change will push more traffic into surrounding neighborhood. The amount traffic in the surrounding neighborhoods is currently to much. Our residential streets are congested and dangerous. This plan will only make the problems worse. 12/17/

76 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Neighborhood Impacts Bicycles Please consider the overflow access on to Silver Drive SE. also known as Bike Boulevard at 18 MPH speed Neighborhood Impacts Business Impacts This plan to change the bus system is supposed to enhance the economy, but in fact creating "dedicated bus lanes" will destroy already existing vibrant communities along the route... Highland, very damaging the Nob Hill & University areas, and areas to the west along Central. These are true pedestrian areas that largely depend on people freely moving around and across the main street (Central Ave) for their economy as well as livability. But the planned "dedicated bus lanes" will create literal barriers to such movement. This will destroy the vitality & economy of places like Nob Hill, & cause decline in the University area, dependent upon the UNM campus connection to businesses and homes across Central. The "bus lanes' will destroy millions of dollars of fairly developed median landscaping, replacing these aesthetically vital & functional medians with bleak concrete. I use the bus, support improving transit in ABQ, but oppose this outrageously expensive & damaging plan. Neighborhood Impacts Neighborhood Impacts Neighborhood Impacts Neighborhood Impacts Neighborhood Impacts Head to the freeway, do not come into our neighborhood. This project is not a good thing; it s screwing the neighborhood. Nob Hill NA - "no thoroughfare" - Nob Hill wants to be the destination Consider safety of neighboring residential streets. There aren't any side streets to the north at UNM - the neighborhood to the south can't absorb all the traffic. Neighborhood Impacts Diversions Neighborhood Impacts Evaluations Neighborhood Impacts Our area becomes one of the largest populated areas in our state when the learning institutions are in full swing. We would suffer the effects of such a drastic change. Please acknowledge the well being of our community. Neighborhood Impacts Drive through the university neighborhood - there is too much traffic. Operations and Maintenance Funding/Cost Who pays to run this? Consolidated response: ABQ Ride, CABQ Solid Waste, Operations and Maintenance What s the operational cost? Operations and Maintenance Will it also be clear who is responsible for each aspect of the system? Specifically, who is responsible for the landscaping and the pavement? Will the landscaping be maintained by ABQ Ride, or by the Parks Department? If ABQ Ride does not maintain it directly, are they still responsible for the costs of doing so? Currently, ABQ Ride is not responsible for the costs of maintaining the pavement in lanes where their buses travel, but will this still apply to the ART lanes? Will the budget of either the Transit Department or Municipal Development reflect the maintenance of lanes that are almost exclusively by transit vehicles? 12/17/

77 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Operations and Maintenance Will it also be clear who is responsible for each aspect of the system? Specifically, who is responsible for the landscaping and the pavement? Will the landscaping be maintained by ABQ Ride, or by the Parks Department? If ABQ Ride does not maintain it directly, are they still responsible for the costs of doing so? Currently, ABQ Ride is not responsible for the costs of maintaining the pavement in lanes where their buses travel, but will this still apply to the ART lanes? Will the budget of either the Transit Department or Municipal Development reflect the maintenance of lanes that are almost exclusively by transit vehicles? Operations and Maintenance Operations and Maintenance Operations and Maintenance Opposition Opposition Opposition Opposition On going maintenance is really important. Litter and graffiti. Who will maintain? Who will maintain? Trying to make a more efficient system for 205 of the Comment noted. population by making it worse for 80% of the population is simply illogical and more seeming an attempt to make people use public transportation. This plan was not considered emergency services or the western most part of Central. The current set up of Central works fine. You are wasting money for self service at the loss to the citizens of Albuquerque. Options 2, 3 & 4 are useless bone thrown to satisfy No response required. dissenters of Option 1. In example well you don t like it, we can ruin east bound traffic or we can ruin west bound traffic or better yet let s just ruin both. Then no one will want to drive on Central. This seems more an attempt to push Public Transit by No response required. crippling auto traffic. The public transit system for Central works as is. As it No response required. stands, more people travel Central every day by car and have to fight with the busses for a lesser lane time. The public transportation system does not make enough money on its own to warrant this major of a change to an old, well-traveled street Opposition Don t like any of the options Comment noted. Opposition Don t interrupt current good function of Central Comment noted. Opposition You need to sell it on its merits and you can t No response required. Opposition Is there any way to stop it? No response required. Opposition Service No Central rapid bus lane Comment noted. By providing ART service on Central Ave., some resources currently provided in this corridor may be utilized in other areas, improving the overall system. Opposition Traffic This is a totally misplaced idea and a waste of taxpayer dollars. While I am a big supporter of mass transit, I believe you need to think how to best get those living in the NE heights to Central and Downtown (including to the train stations quickly) before you add yet another set of buses to this already overserved corridor. Comment noted. Opposition Opposition Opposition I live in Nob Hill, and work at UNM. The proposed rapid bus lane down the middle of Central sounds like a horrible idea. It would make pedestrian traffic, already risky, an impossibility- not to mention the impact on traffic. I can t imagine how terrible it would be to drive down Central with this monstrosity that you are suggesting. Please don t do this! Please! I think the BRT is a bad idea. Central ave. is already established and congested, can't widen it. Pedestrean traffic will increase, as would pedrestean accentdents. The stations would attract even more crime It makes our neighorhoods! We don't need more unused rapid transit messes! Comment noted. Comment noted. Comment noted. 12/17/

78 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Opposition Message: I think the BRT is a bad idea. Central ave. is Comment noted. already established and congested, can't widen it. Pedestrean traffic will increase, as would pedrestean accentdents. The stations would attract even more crime. Opposition This is a car city and there is not enough ridership to Comment noted. support. It's a great idea but in reality, it will be another RailRunner. It works in state of the art downtowns, not Albuquerque. Opposition Would vote against for bond Comment noted. Opposition Would vote against this project if it came up for a bond Comment noted. vote. It's reducing quality of life in areas. Opposition Please don't do this! Please! Opposition Not for rapid transit. It s a historical street; leave it alone! At least between the river to San Mateo. Comment noted. Opposition Against project. Better ways to spend money. Comment noted. parking Will I lose my on-street parking along Central Avenue between Stanford and Girard Consolidated response: If parking spaces are impacted, the City will seek out opportunities to replace lost parking Remove EB on-street parking- not used a lot parking Get rid of on-street (parking) and use for traffic lane, so parking can be available on side street Parking Survey of on-street parking suggests it is not actually needed. Parking The argument that on-street parking is vital is probably wrong. Parking Parking on both sides Parking Inexpensive parking replacement by buying one or two lots behind businesses. At least 50 parking spaces to replace the few that would be lost on-street. Parking Parking Parking Parking pedestrians Don t lose any parking. I don t see the problem of parking in the University area addressed anywhere. What will happen to on-street parking and how is this going to affect the many businesses in the area if you eliminate it? Hard time finding parking. Parking on Silver in Nob Hill is essential for businesses. I respectfully submit the following comments on behalf Pedestrians: We agree that maintaining good of the New Mexico Chapter of the American Society of pedestrian facilities is important for safety, for the Landscape Architects (NMASLA). Central Avenue is character of Central Avenue in many areas, and for the Albuquerque s great street. Great streets around the success of the A.R.T. project. In many parts of Central, world serve as a cultural and economic backbone for figuring out how to get everything to "fit" is a challenge, their cities. The general opinion of NMASLA members is but the project would at least maintain current that a BRT line would be a welcome and progressive sidewalks and would add some additional signalized solution to the growing transportation issues along the crossings. We're also doing our best to figure out how corridor. Unfortunately, the current proposed sections to accommodate un-signalized pedestrian crossings appear to accommodate BRT and car traffic at the where possible. expense of other attributes of a great street, namely pedestrian facilities and amenities. A great street has street trees and wide sidewalks that allow economic activity to spill out into the public right of way. Trees encourage pedestrian activity, improve aesthetics, reduce temperatures and absorb harmful chemicals. They also visually narrow the street which slows traffic and improves safety. Several of the plans show a wide swath of asphalt with minimal sidewalks. If ridership increases to justify BRT, pedestrian traffic would also increase substantially and justify much wider sidewalks. The current medians are used as pedestrian refuges in areas near San Mateo and the University. How is pedestrian safety being accommodated? BRT could likely be the future of public transportation, but the proposed sidewalk design, pedestrian amenities and aesthetics appear to suffer as a result. 12/17/

79 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Pedestrians Safety I have personally seen a pedestrian hit by a car on Central, and watched the blood drain out of their skull as they lay on the pavement, their family members frantically calling for help. It was one of the most traumatic experiences I have ever witnessed. And it would have been prevented with more and safer crosswalks for pedestrians, and laws that require cars to stop for pedestrians. Consolidated response: Comments acknowledged. Pedestrian crossings will be provided where appropriate to ensure safe crossing. Pedestrian refuges and wider sidewalks will be provided where feasible to reduce the distance to cross. Pedestrians Business Impacts wider sidewalks are more retail friendly Pedestrians need decent sidewalks Pedestrians Could the gateways at either end be put to use as pedestrian bridges? Pedestrians Concentrate on pedestrians and re-connect the fabric Pedestrians Please send me current information on (1) the likely impact of ART on pedestrian traffic in Nob Hill and EDO-- for example, pedestrian access to crosswalks at each intersection on Central; (2) the ART evaluation process is incorporating the ideas of Nob Hill and Edo small businesses. Please also provide illustrations at the pedestrian level of crosswalks or other points of accessibility to both sides of Central in the Nob Hill area. My major concern is whether ART will disrupt or damage the uniqueness of Central as one of the few (perhaps the only) walkable district in Albuquerque, with stores, restaurants, theaters, markets, and performance venues in close proximity along both sides of Central. In other words, how does ART make Central better for pedestrians? Pedestrians Thank you for your quick reply. Those locations are bit out of my range now that it gets dark early. I trust you will consider safe crossings in your deliberations. Katie Krause Pedestrians Crossing more on Central at UNM Pedestrians Nob Hill - Pedestrian friendly neighborhood Medians Safety At Stanford, if don't press crosswalk, then no walk signal and half the time to cross. Pedestrians Concern about losing established medians, making pedestrian uses more dangerous. Pedestrians Nob Hill Pedestrian Friendly Pedestrians Safety Two neighborhoods - UNM and Nob Hill- too fast. Too hard to cross by pedestrians Pedestrians Safety Would destroy ambiance and pedestrian availability. Must have medians all along. Pedestrians Loss of pedestrian realm, lots of friction, visually tough. Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Will cause people to dart across the street. Concern about long wait times for pedestrians at Central and Rio Grande trying to cross. Walkability! Wider sidewalks with a landscape buffer between pedestrians and cars. At Saggios/Frontier, people have to be able to access. Cornell is a hugely pedestrian street and the primary access to UNM. It's loaded with cars all the time. Cornell pedestrian crossing - safety? Monte Vista/Dartmouth can be a dangerous area. Cars EB can't see people crossing. Put extra width in sidewalks. Refuge in Central; Question Monte Vista and Girard changes? What are you going to do to have the sidewalks on Central be pedestrian friendly in order to catch the bus safely? 12/17/

80 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Pedestrians Please don't advise me to just give up my "green" extremism and buy a car. Of course as a high-level administrator at UNM I could afford to. But I believe in communities that foster walkable neighborhoods (eg Nob Hill), safe places for children, and less emission/carbon. Process Community meetings schedule Process Try visualization and asking area in UNM with and without median. Process Business Impacts Why haven t the businesses been told (none of the businesses in the area have been talked to) Process Was the Planning Department and Department of Municipal Development consulted/included in the BRT process? process Don t think City will listen and is focused on 1 st option because got lots of feedback earlier and still proposed no median. Process As part of the plan, do you have to evaluate everything post-facto? Process We who live in this area deserve to have more opportunities for input. Process/Timeline I am guessing that a lot of the proposed data comes from what has been done in other metropolitan transit projects. Consolidated response: A fourth round of public meetings will be scheduled in late 2014 to review refined designs and visualizations. ABQ Ride has canvassed businesses to discuss this project and concerns. Yes Comment noted. Modeling and forecasts are used to predict effects prior to construction. Experiences with design, implementation, and operations of bus rapid transit systems in other similarly sized markets have been reviewed for information and comparison. Process/Timeline When will the BRT project start? Consolidated response: It is anticipated that process/timeline Is this project going to happen? construction could start in Spring 2016 and the first Process/Timeline When will the project be completed? section could be running in Fall Process/Timeline What is the time for completion? The MRCOG project currently planned to operate northsouth on University is about 2 years behind the ART project. Rail Safety Will MRCOG s project be done at the same time as the Comment noted. BRT? Redevelopment Message: I unfortunately cannot make evening meetings around the new ART bus project. My feedback from what I have read is as follows: I am for more transit options in ABQ. I feel ABQ is built around a car culture, and with a unacceptable high rate of pedestrian/bicyclist deaths, we need to start restructuring our streets for a safer and healthier community. It would be nice to start a light rail system in the middle of Central, rather than a gas consuming transit choice, but I understand there is already an infrastructure for the bus system. Comment noted. ridership ridership ridership ridership Ridership Ridership Ridership Safety Safety Ridership appears to be declining, how do you promote ridership? Impression is that many students use it. Are the current buses really running at capacity? Is a bus rider on the Rapids and sees them full only at rush hour and not any other time Education for ridership Dan Blankenship at RFTA. Ridership numbers and Karen Curbo. I am Interested in finding out what the calculated potential daily ridership figures are going to be. I have been unable to find this information on BRT website, the City Transit website, or any of the available materials. Thank you worry about current speed of buses/ reckless driving Not safe, especially Central/San Mateo and east A public outreach effort will address all aspects of ART, from purchasing tickets, to transfers, to driving patterns near the ART lanes. Ridership figures will be developed and submitted to the FTA as part of the Small Starts evaluation and rating process. The Small Starts evaluation and rating process is currently scheduled for submission to the FTA in August Project ridership estimates will be available in August 2015 if not sooner. 12/17/

81 ROW Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Concern that the typical won't fit within the existing ROW at Nob Hill The planned typical section fits within existing ROW at Nob Hill, with some ROW needs at a few intersections. Service Instead of the brt system, which I see as a bad idea, The ART will work within the framework of the overall expand the current system to cover more citizens. many system to expand service. While specific schedules and parts of the area is NOT served by public transit. many transfers are still to be determined, comments on more are underserved. With more service covering system wide service are acknowledged and will be more areas more often, and for more hours of the day considered in addition to this project. Resources such as (or night), it will create jobs, create less air pollution, some Rapid Ride buses that currently run on Central cause less traffic problems, and even cut back on DWI, Ave. will be reallocated to increase service in other as people would be less likely to drink and drive if there areas of the system. is a affordable alternate source of transportation. Service Service Service Service Mr. de Garmo, thank you for your response, below. What about the far NE Heights, e.g., Tramway, Juan Tabo, Paseo, Alameda -- methods to get commuters to the train or downtown or midtown or to the Jefferson business area. Have you considered that a lot of business people are adverse to riding the Central bus because of all the riff-raff that goes on, on the Central bus. Also, a lot of the people now riding the Central buses are not business people, and they will continue to ride those buses even if our City does not upgrade its Central Avenue service. However, what I hear is that people in the far northeast do not ride the bus because the frequency of service and the availability of service for the far northeast simply does not exist. Additionally, as I said, those business people are going to choose to drive rather than be routed to a Central bus and have to ride with the riff-raff. Perhaps the majority of the 40% you speak of below do not have cars and they will continue to ride the bus, but the business people do have cars and they will continue to drive rather than be subjected to inconvenient bus schedules that offer little to no flexibility and also throw them into a culture that is not conducive to graceful arrival at work. I'm sorry there is riff-raff, but there is - and perhaps you should take some rides and see for yourself, in case you haven't experienced it. Personally, I find it intimidating, and I am a daily commuter on the bus, but I avoid Central. I thi k if Cit ll t t bli Corridor already well served by bus service, particularly in UNM area Will this system be faster? Will existing service on 157 be increased if 766 is eliminated? Especially before 8 a.m. on weekends so Uptown residents/workers can get to jobs/school? Service Will existing lifeline service on 66, 157, 155, and 140/141 be adjusted/increased since ART eliminates 766/777? Service Will the 766 bus route from Uptown to UNM be affected by the Central Avenue BRT project? Service Need better service elsewhere Service When will Albuquerque have a more frequent and fluent public transportation system? So many people rely on the bus system to get to work which is 7 days a week. For a city that is trying to become more environmentally friendly this is a great option. Consolidated response: The ART will work within the framework of the overall system to expand service. While specific schedules and transfers are still to be determined, comments on system wide service are acknowledged and will be considered in addition to this project. Resources such as some Rapid Ride buses that currently run on Central Ave. will be reallocated to increase service in other areas of the system. Thanks for your , and we appreciate your comments and your support of expanding transit around the city. We agree that improving service elsewhere in the city is important. In recent years, for example, we added a new Rapid Ride route on the Westside (Blue Line from the Cottonwood area to downtown and UNM) in 2007 and expanded in 2008, added frequency to our Montgomery/Carlisle route in 2011 (which serves the NE Heights, UNM and downtown), added a new route on 98th Street in 2011, and increased the frequency of our Golf Course/Montaño-Montgomery/Louisiana route in 2012 (provides service to the Westside, Uptown and KAFB). Even with our improvements in service elsewhere, Central Avenue comprises over 40% of our ridership but gets 26% of our service resources. The high ridership stems from the large number destinations, connections to other transit routes, and the number of people living and working in the corridor many of them within easy walking distance of transit. As a result we have service reliability issues, and we've had to add resources to the corridor just to maintain the same frequency of service. As ridership and traffic increase, the buses take longer to travel their routes, providing slower service and periodically getting to the point where they can't get to the ends of their routes in time to provide the next trips - hence the need to add resources (buses/drivers) without really improving service. In summary, we see the A.R.T. project as part of a larger process of continuing to improve transit service around the city. Service Service Service Service Service Service Service Request for bus service on 8th between I-40 and Menaul or stop on Frontage Road at 7th. Buses running late on Central. Uses app to track. Hope that ART remedies that. Real time arrival is a must and cell phones not going to cut it. Need to improve system overall KARB/Sandia, in particular. Lomas improved system? RG Nature Center improve service. Would like more services in general. 12/17/

82 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Service Service Service Service Buses too crowded on Central now. Add more buses! How does this work with 66? Pick between the two. (ADG) Some or most all crosstown routes need to be updated. Please need a bus route on 6th street between the freeway and Menaul for weekdays, not just weekends. Or maybe have a stop on Frontage Road north side of freeway between 12th and 6th. Please. Service Look at sending #2 Eubank over to Innovation Parkway use signal at Eubank and curve to get back onto Eubank to continue on route. Service Need to move N/S bus stops to improve connections. Service Combine redline and Coors BRT? See attached ideas. Service Extent of planning for other systems? Service What about semi-on-demand service? Call; walk to take mini-bus to take to major lines. Service I am interested in which north-south routes are under consideration. Service Keep #66 for the local feeder. Service What happens to rapid ride? Is service to Uptown continued? Will it be modeled? Service Make better connections to other routes. Service Central as cross-town route - relation to Lead and Coal - what is cross traffic? Service What about connectivity to other areas? Service A exclusive lane down Juan Tabo and/ or Tramway to the Central route (that runs MORE than twice a day - ie the Academy Route), would add to the Central route ridership and get more NE/Far NE ridership. You should be more concerned with getting individual cars off the road and attracting new riders than with accommodating current riders. We in the NE would also like access to the Railrunner. Service Unfortunately I've been unable to make the presentations, but I had a couple more question. from what I can tell, the ART is designed to replace the 766 and 777 routes on Central Avenue. I wanted to know what will happen to the Rapid Ride buses, with some of them turning 10 years old this year, as well as the 766 route portion on Louisiana from Central to the Coronado/Uptown area. Will these buses still be used as replacements for the 66, will new routes be added where BRT isn't quite an option yet, but the corridor is heavily traveled (San Mateo or Montgomery for example)? I thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Have a good day! Service There are many options for bus riders on Central. Service What I hear about, notice, and experience is the poor service in the NE and NW quadrants. May we please improve those services before we spend more money on Central routes? Signals Safety Signal priority is a good idea. There is a potential safety problem with people boarding and getting off in a median of a very busy street. People will have to wait for the signal to change before and after riding. How will you reduce this potential danger? This danger does not exist when boarding or getting off at a sidewalk. Signals Signal phasing No response required. Signals Would prefer not to have signals at Buena Vista and Comment noted. Princeton The stations will provide refuge for people to wait to cross. In addition, the distance to cross regular traffic lanes is shortened due to the dedicated ART lanes and only needing to cross one side of the roadway at a time. 12/17/

83 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Signals Because brt in-service date is a long 3 years away, in the Comment noted. interim please reactivate Rapid Ride Signal Priority along Central Ave. It used to work so well - holding the light green for an extra 6 seconds, and providing an earlier green when the light is red. But this service disappeared when the new traffic signal controls were installed a few year ago. Now the light turns red just as the bus reaches the intersection and we come to a panic stop, or we have to wait a long time when stuck at a red light. The Rapid Ride system is not much faster than the #66 Central bus. Station Aesthetics High street for new signal? Don t know if Walter or High Comment noted. would be best. Station Aesthetics No zebra stripes! Comment noted. Station Aesthetics What materials will be used for the station canopies? At this time, it is anticipated the canopies will be a type of canvas. Station Aesthetics Option three cable canopy aesthetic shade is uber Comment noted. important. Station Aesthetics Prefers Option 1 station design the canopies are pretty but kids will get drunk and climb on them. Comment noted. Station Aesthetics Likes ribbon design. Great idea. Comment noted. Station Features Ribbon canopy is too flimsy. Rain would soak people. The cable/sails would be a problem in the wind. The wave is a good choice and solar power should be used. Comment noted. Station Features Will there be level loading? There will be level loading. Station Features many don t have cell phones, keep verbal Comment noted. annunciations at stations Station Features Look into putting shelter and trash cans at Central and Comment noted. 60th, EB by the church. Station Features Have a map on the bus for each route to see what bus Comment noted. stops to use. Station Features San Franciso Tram (Oceanside) level stops. Comment noted. station locations safety I also would like to see how people will be protected The plans for this station - and pedestrian access to it - from vehicles at the stop near Old Coors and Yucca. The will be developed in more detail as we move from fact that the station will just fit in between 2 intersections brings up concerns about traffic flow and conceptual design into preliminary engineering. We wanted to get public feedback before devoting more how people will be able to access the station. Also, what resources to detailed design. However, with about 120' is the length of the station area here? Will people attempting to cross between the curb and the station be able to while a bus is pulled up to the station? If not, it is likely that people will still try to cross and will be at even greater risk than normal due to the configuration between Yucca and Old Coors, the conceptual design phase indicated that there is enough room for a standard station (about 65' long and 14' wide - the vehicles themselves are about 60' long) in this area, including signalized crosswalks at either or both ends. of the street here. station locations The plans show a station at Central/98th, but do not show where the buses will turn around. I think that it should be clear how this will be done, and I think a better plan would be for the bus to use a single station/layover stop with a loop like the Eastern terminus. I also think that both ends of the system should also have amenities for drivers because these spots are the logical place for drivers to be able to secure their vehicles in order to use the restroom or otherwise take short breaks. In our current draft operating plan, both current Central Rapid Ride routes would be "upgraded" to ART routes. Their eastern termini would remain the same; the Green Line would be extended from its current terminus in downtown to Central & Unser. However, we're still considering the possibility of extending the routes to 98th Street, in which case they would make a loop similar to the loop that the Green Line uses at Tramway. Thanks for your comments about driver facilities. station locations The plans also show the buses making a loop through the Unser/Central transit center, but do not show a station there. I assume that the buses will stop here for passengers, so why is this not reflected? As above, the current plan is to end at the Central & Unser Transit Center. 12/17/

84 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses station locations It appears that westbound buses will stop at a median This station will likely require a "queue jump" signal to station at 1st. It seems like this spot would be better allow the westbound buses to cross other westbound served with a curbside station because the bus will have traffic to make its right turn onto 1st/Copper. Since this fewer conflicts with traffic and will be better able to stop gets a lot of use from passengers going to/from the make the right-hand turn immediately after this stop. It Alvarado Transportation Center, the main reason for the is also not clear in these plans how the proposed ART station to be in the median is to allow people to make system will work with the plan to raise the pedestrian this connection by only crossing one direction of traffic crossing so that people are crossing level with the instead of both. The proposal to raise the pedestrian tracks. crossing would not change the slope of the roadway, and the sidewalks would rejoin the current elevations at the intersection, so we do not anticipate conflicts between that proposal and the proposed station location. Station Locations Safety Need 2nd shelter at Juan Tabo. Comment noted. Station Locations Station Features I also would like to see how people will be protected Access to all of the proposed stations will be developed from vehicles at the stop near Old Coors and Yucca. The during the preliminary engineering phase of the project fact that the station will just fit in between 2 intersections brings up concerns about traffic flow and and is scheduled to be complete in March ABQ RIDE will schedule public meetings to share the how people will be able to access the station. Also, what preliminary designs with the public in is the length of the station area here? Will people attempting to cross between the curb and the station be able to while a bus is pulled up to the station? If not, it is likely that people will still try to cross and will be at even greater risk than normal due to the configuration of the street here. Station Locations Traffic The plans show a station at Central/98th, but do not show where the buses will turn around. I think that it should be clear how this will be done, and I think a better plan would be for the bus to use a single station/layover stop with a loop like the Eastern terminus. I also think that both ends of the system should also have amenities for drivers because these spots are the logical place for drivers to be able to secure their vehicles in order to use the restroom or otherwise take short breaks. Comment noted. Station Locations It appears that westbound buses will stop at a median The station at First Street will be a curbside station with station at 1st. It seems like this spot would be better steps and an ADA-compliant ramp leading up to served with a curbside station because the bus will have boarding level. fewer conflicts with traffic and will be better able to make the right-hand turn immediately after this stop. It is also not clear in these plans how the proposed ART system will work with the plan to raise the pedestrian crossing so that people are crossing level with the tracks. Station Locations Stations - San Mateo, Washington, Carlisle - No response required. North/South Station Locations No San Pedro - put extra one in Nob Hill. Keep Comment noted. Richmond, move Morningside. Station Locations Likes Morningside and Richmond locations Comment noted. Station Locations Two stops are too close on Copper Comment noted. Station Locations No proposed station at San Mateo or Louisiana. Comment noted. Station Locations The area between San Mateo should have additional rapid ride stops at Pennsylvania and San Pedro Streets. Comment noted. Station Locations My family frequently uses the Carlisle 766 stop. Please Comment noted. don t move it. Station Locations Move Morningside stop to Carlisle? Future north south Comment noted. Carlisle rout coming. Station Locations Move Richmond close to Girard. Comment noted. Station Locations Old Coors definitely add station! Comment noted. Station Locations To benefit Nob Hill merchants, you will need one or two Comment noted. more stops. 12/17/

85 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Support Support The plans also show the buses making a loop through the Unser/Central transit center, but do not show a station there. I assume that the buses will stop here for passengers, so why is this not reflected? NHNA REPORT ON ART/BRT OUTREACH Comment noted. A majority of our neighbors believe that ART will be valuable to Albuquerque, as a whole, for various reasons. Most understand that specific outside funding is available now, that may not be available in the future when our need for improvement is greater. Neighbors also indicated that ART could be valuable to the Nob Hill neighborhood if the pedestrian experience on Central is enhanced in the following ways, (ideas and concerns are listed in order of importance to the most people (i.e. more people requested or mentioned it). A stop is not shown in the Unser transit Center because buses will stop at an existing stop. The plans show areas of planned construction. Support Likes alternative 2! Comment noted. Support Needs better transit and fewer cars Comment noted. Support I am in favor of the ABQ. Rapid Transit. As a concerned citizen I would hope that considering the opportunity to redevelop the corridor, plans would include an alignment that would leave room for the following: Comment noted. -Complete Streets; better and wider sidewalks and perhaps protected bike lanes in some areas. -A road diet with pedestrian and bicycle buffers. -Green infrastructure. -Mid block crossings and safety measures considering that many cyclists and pedestrians are hit and killed by cars on this corridor. I really believe that this is a fantastic opportunity to turn Central into a real main street again and that car capacity shouldn't be of main concern. support I support the pursuit of an efficient, effective, and Comment noted. connected mass transit system supported by linked pedestrian and bike routes. Dedicated bus lanes, where feasible, make sense for a system that should strive to emulate BRT programs in places like Curitiba, Brazil. Support Like this better than streetcar. Comment noted. Support Enthusiastic Comment noted. Support Very good idea within the limits of Central. Comment noted. Support Nashville s biggest failure was nixing their BRT plan Comment noted. let s not make the same mistake! Support Seattle: People get upset about losing traffic lanes likes idea but worries about alienating drivers. Need their support and votes. But really likes idea. Comment noted. Support This project looks fantastic! I look forward to it. I Comment noted. personally prefer canopy option 3 but each design is good. Support Great event. Keep up the good work. Comment noted. Support Likes the project. Comment noted. Support Phoenix works beautifully; part behind businesses, Comment noted. other streets for bikes. It works in other cities. Businesses prosper, there is more money. It is needed. Might be inconvenient for a year or two but then people will find it fantastic and will transfer to bikes and bus instead of cars. Tickets Overall, I'm excited to see this project come together. Great job! Comment noted. 12/17/

86 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Tickets Will the fare box system be similar to San Francisco? The fare box system will be similar, with the ability to take credit and debit cards for fare. The final specification of the off board fare machines will be developed in It is anticipated that the machines will take both cash and credit cards. Tickets Not everyone has credit cards so need to take cash. Tickets will be available for purchase online. Traffic Having any less than two lanes for drivers is ludicrous, because the traffic on Central is hard enough as it is, especially in the Nob Hill/University area of town at any time of the day Comment noted. Traffic Traffic If anything, Option 1 is the least invasive, but all other options are going to ruin traffic flow in either direction The one lane in each direction is problematic. If a car breaks down, it will create a log jam and congestion Comment noted. Comment noted. Traffic Cars will use the dedicated lanes, guaranteed Comment noted. Traffic one lane would be terrible Comment noted. Traffic Concerns about traffic volumes and whether 1 lane on Comment noted. Central can handle the volumes. Thinks there s too much traffic. Traffic Slow everything down (25mph) as this gives drivers Comment noted. more ability to see what is in the environment, especially storefronts Traffic Have you studied traffic equally as hard as you ve Comment noted. studied buses? Traffic Making room for buses will just ruin traffic Comment noted. Traffic With only 1 driving lane for each direction in the Nob Hill area, how will car and bicycle traffic be handled. With reduced capacity, traffic (and maybe especially local traffic) will likely spill over onto Copper and Silver since they run parallel to Central in this area. Are there any plans to mitigate the issues of increased traffic on these 2 streets and of the potential of increased bicycle/car conflicts on Silver? Comment noted. Traffic Please consider not displacing a significant volume of surface street traffic off of Central onto Lead/Coal or Zuni, given both are having their own capacity reduced due to lane reductions. Please ensure Central Ave continues to maintain the capacity for present and future automobile traffic even with increased users of CABQ public transit. Comment noted. Traffic Single lanes of traffic: I m of two minds on this. I m in Comment noted. favor of the spirit of the notion, which I m assuming is that by making the public transport more viable, the need for cars will be fewer. As a casual observer I m not sure that this is true in the case of the Central corridor. That is, are most of the drivers start and beginning within a short distance from Central so that they could use the BRT? Maybe there is data from traffic analysis that shows that, but I wonder. Even though we walk and bus often, we do still have to drive on Central often. If this turned traffic there to a crawl it would not be a benefit to us or anyone. Traffic Want to be able to buy tickets online. Comment noted. Traffic Lead/Coal - increase in traffic Comment noted. Traffic Increased traffic on Lean and Coal. Comment noted. Traffic Can we get rid of one driving lane in UNM area? Slow down, large median. The revised plans allow for a median in the University area and a reduction of only one lane near UNM. Traffic Lanes Traffic-calming measures in Nob Hill would be preferable (one lane of traffic both ways). Comment noted. 12/17/

87 Central Avenue Corridor ART Public Meeting Round 3 Comments and Responses Traffic Pedestrians Some sections of the bus rapid transit (brt) route have a dedicated ART lane and only one other traffic lane for regular traffic. In these areas, non-art traffic will be slow going, especially if stuck behind a #66 bus. And what will happen if there is an accident, blocking the non-art traffic lane? In the draft plan I recommend changing the dedicated ART lane to an ART/passing lane, where non-art traffic can use the ART lane for passing as needed. The ART lane will be available for use to general traffic in the event of an accident or an emergency. The ART lanes will not be available to general traffic for passing purposes in order to avoid conflicts with ART vehicles, especially in areas where ART lanes are bi-directional. Traffic Traffic Traffic Traffic I live in Nob Hill, and work at UNM. The proposed rapid bus lane down the middle of Central sounds like a horrible idea. It would make pedestrian traffic, already risky, an impossibility- not to mention the impact on traffic. I can't imagine how terrible it would be to drive down Central with this monstrosity that you are suggesting. Don't lose lanes on Central near the University. Downtown is not a concern but in the UNM area, the traffic lanes are necessary. Need to slow traffic near UNM - one lane in each direction. Assumption that bus will increase car traffic or does is decrease traffic? Existing traffic will move into one access? Comment noted. Revised plans for the UNM area include retaining the median and reducing only one lane of traffic. Comment noted. Ridership forecasts will be developed for the project n Once the ridership forecasts are developed the project will know if the number of vehicles on the road is forecasted to increase or decrease. Traffic Traffic Traffic Traffic Rio Grande/San Pasquale - long wait times from neighborhood to cross into Central and backs up at RR stops. The merge at Lomas and Central is an awful area. It backs up and takes over five minutes to clear. Do these projects reduce or increase the number of cars on roads? UNM area is a problem to begin with. Don't make it any worse. Vehicles Frequency/Service Cars will still use the dedicated lane. There will have to be a change in driving behavior. Vehicles Safety : For the next bond issue: purchase standard size buses. Designate for Rapid Ride. REDUCE THE AVERAGE WAIT TIME TO 10 MINUTES. At any stop, on average, fewer people would be boarding and getting off reducing time the bus is standing. This reduced time accumulates. On average, fewer people on board each bus. Standard buses are much cheaper, eh! Vehicles Service Large buses make the situation even more dangerous; their bulk blocks line of sight. More buses mean even more danger as pedestrians try to dash across multiple lanes of traffic, hoping they have timed things right. Comment noted. Comment noted. Enforcement will be necessary. Implementation of BRT will help to cost effectively reduce average wait time and increase mobility within the corridor. The stations will provide refuge for people to wait to cross. In addition, the distance to cross regular traffic lanes is shortened due to the dedicated ART lanes and only needing to cross one side of the roadway at a time. ART vehicles will not use regular bus stops due to level boarding. In the event of a detour, regular buses could be used. ABQ Ride will work with other City departments in the event of a closure for special events to maintain appropriate service. Vehicles Can ART buses use regular bus stops when on detour? Comment noted. Vehicles will likely be diesel or diesel Central Ave sometimes closes due to special events or hybrid vehicles, depending on cost. police activity. When the ART buses are diverted to Lomas Blvd, can they service regular curb bus stops? And during special events when Central Ave is closed, the brt system should continue to operate on Central Ave so that bus riders can have bus service to the closed area. Vehicles Please consider electric vehicles Comment noted. Zoning Make it art! Wrap bus with artwork on a revolving basis Comment noted. featuring local artists. zoning Complete Streets design has both medians and sidewalks Comment noted. 12/17/

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