Bus Rapid Transit ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS Open House June 23, 2015
Open House Meeting Agenda Agenda Introductions What is BRT? Project Goals Study Tasks Next steps Discussion
PVTA Bus Rapid Transit Study a Planning Partnership URS Team Partner Role Largest regional transit authority in the state; lead partner in the study City of Springfield Primary stakeholder in the study; key participant for planning, traffic analysis and policy decisions Statewide transportation agency; technical support; funding agency Consultant technical lead for the study
What is BRT?
Bus Rapid Transit BRT is a cost-effective approach to transit service which blends the positive features of rail with the flexibility of bus transit to make riding the bus a higher-end transit service alternative.
BRT Key Elements 1) Running Ways 2) Stations 3) Vehicles 4) Improved Service 5) Fare Collection 6) Branding 7) Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Study Tasks
Study Tasks Task 1: Civic Engagement Stakeholder Outreach Project Coordination Public Informational Meetings Website Task 2: Refinement of Alternatives and Site Visit Define Study Area BRT Site Visit Refinement of Alternatives Fleet Analysis Station Stop Locations Task 3: Alternatives Analysis Operational Ridership Traffic Bicycle & Pedestrian Environmental Analyses Evaluation of Alternatives Selection of Preferred Alternatives
Project Goals
Project Goals 1 Provide an attractive, unique, and cost effective service to the corridor 2 3 4 5 Enhance station areas to support economic development Integrate service with PVTA to increase local transit operations Improve bus reliability and frequency Connect riders to key destinations along the corridor 6 Set the standard for future BRT corridors in the state
Highlights of the Study Area
Key Intersections
Corridor Ridership
Corridor Accidents at key intersections (2010 2012)
Project Coordination ONGOING PROJECTS: Union Station MGM Casino I-91 Viaduct Deck Replacement Boston Road Reconstruction Knowledge Corridor Springfield Pedestrian & Bike Plan PVTA Comprehensive Service New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Union Station Construction Boston Road Construction BRT Corridor
Refinement of Alternatives and BRT Site Visit
Data Collection Ridership Data Accident Data Traffic Volumes Vehicle and Pedestrian Counts Turning Movement Counts Route Operational Data PVTA Fleet Information Land use Parking information
BRT Site Visit: HealthLine Cleveland, OH PVTA Bus Rapid Transit Alternatives Analysis 19
PVTA Bus Rapid Transit Alternatives Analysis 20
PVTA Bus Rapid Transit Alternatives Analysis 21
Lessons learned from the project Strong support from the business community and Economic Development Team Vehicles and stations incorporate safety and security elements Gateway concept Route efficiency is improved Zoning changes to support BRT development PVTA Bus Rapid Transit Alternatives Analysis 22
Civic Engagement
Stakeholder Outreach NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS Key Topics Raised to date: System Safety for children and young persons Will fares change? Where will stops be? Will I lose Service? How will fare collection change? Station enhancements should be designed with neighborhood input? Will access change for disabled persons?
PVTA BRT Project Website PVTA Bus Rapid Transit Alternatives Analysis 26
Alternatives Analysis
General Bus is in motion only 50% of the time. Travel times vary by time of day. Goal: Assess different route options, lane alignments, and levels of investments. Develop a bus system that is faster, more reliable, and more convenient. Increase % of time bus is in motion by reducing time bus is stopped in traffic, at red lights and stops. Stopped in Traffic and at Red Lights
Alternatives Development Input Stakeholder and Community Input Community Needs Operational Constraints Results from data collection and analysis: Passenger Volumes and Transfers Traffic Volumes and Delays Crash and Parking Data Example: Flushing Jamaica Corridor, New York BRT Best Practices Technical Tour Field Visit Cleveland, OH Experience From Other Projects Field Visit Cleveland, OH
Alternatives Development Develop route alternatives Base: existing route Consider changes at termini, stops, route deviations, etc. Develop concept design alternatives to include BRT elements, such as: Bus lanes, ROW and intersection improvements, including traffic signaling Fare collection Stations Service changes
Economic Development Travel Time and Cost Impacts Reduces travel time Decreases travel costs (fuel, insurance) Reduces travel safety costs (fewer accidents) Access Impacts Expands job market access Connects employers to key employment centers Spending Impacts Stimulates local economy Creates local jobs Other Economic Impacts Increases local property values Before BRT After BRT
Next Steps
Next Steps Summer 2015 Complete data collection Attend remaining Neighborhood Council meetings Develop corridor alternatives Fall 2015 Finalize corridor alternatives Work with businesses, colleges, and institutions along corridor Complete analysis
Discussion
How can you help? Give us your feedback: Questionnaire Comment form Visit the PVTA BRT Project Site PVTA Bus Rapid Transit Alternatives Analysis
Thank you. Questions?