Stakeholder Presentation

Transcription

1 CORE Connections 2035 LRTP Stakeholder Presentation Developed for CORE MPO Presented by: Marlene Connor Wilbur Smith Associates March 4,

2 Project Setting How this study fits into other regional and CORE MPO public transportation initiatives Total Mobility Plan Savannah Streetcar Veolia/CAT Comprehensive Transportation Plan 2

3 Study Goals Develop a long term vision for public transportation in the region Identify and promote the development of a seamless system of coordinated public transportation services Create sustainable programs and processes through building federal, state, and local partnerships 3

4 Regional Setting Chatham County 12 Surrounding Counties 4

5 The Changing Landscape of Public Transportation US DOT s Livability Initiative guided by these six principles: i 1. Provide more transportation choices 2. Promote equitable, affordable housing 3. Enhance economic competitiveness 4. Support existing communities 5. Coordinate policies and leverage investment 6. Value communities and neighborhoods: Enhance the unique characteristics of all communities by investing in healthy, safe and walkable neighborhoods rural, urban or suburban 5

6 The Changing Landscape Formal partnership between USDOT, HUD, and EPA Result has been development of new funding tracks for public transportation TIGER Urban Circulator Bus Livability Sustainable Communities 6

7 Moving Forward with Authorization Initial review of DOT budgets foreshadow change in traditional silo ed programs State of good repair Livable communities Goal is for program to reflect the Administration's i i commitment to bring bi transit to a state of good repair, provide increased mobility and livability in local communities and protect the environment 7

8 Opportunities for Savannah Create a vision that best combines the strengths and attributes of the regional infrastructure, with the emerging federal policy directions blending thetopdown top with bottom up for a complete approach 8

9 How to Accomplish? Build off of existing planning and policy work: MPC studies CAT system analysis CRC implementation plan Palmetto Breeze studies City of Savannah ongoing project work Neighboring gcounty issues and input 9

10 How to Accomplish? (cont.) Complement with ongoing monitoring of federal and state activities: New programs proposed p for FY2011 budget Eventual authorization of new Surface Transportation Act Ongoing discussions about climate change, infrastructure bank, etc. Potential Georgia T SPLOST vote in

11 Public Transit Modes High Speed Rail Commuter Rail Heavy Rail (Subway) Light Rail (Tram)/Streetcar Bus Rapid Transit Commuter Bus Fixed Route/Local Bus Demand Response/Paratransit 11

12 Commuter Rail 12

13 Light Rail 13

14 Dual Fuel Trolley Bus 14

15 Modern Streetcar 15

16 No rth Ho lyw ood M No rth Ho lyw ood M No rth Ho lyw ood M No rth Ho lyw ood M Speed and Capacity by Mode 50 MPH Commuter Rail Operating Speed Range 40 MPH 30 MPH 20 MPH 10 MPH Heavy Rail Light Rail (Exclusive Right-Of-Way) Bus Rapid Transit Light Rail (Arterial) Rapid Bus 0 MPH 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 Peak Directional Capacity (Passengers per Hour) 16

17 What Makes a Good Transit System? Number of modes and services interacting in seamless manner Good communication and marketing of alternatives Partnering agencies collaborating Integrating all of the above into the community 17

18 Service Providers Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) Coastal Regional Commission Palmetto Breeze Others Greyhound, Amtrak 18

19 Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) Fixed route service within the special Transit District. Paratransitservice service throughout ChathamCounty County. Service is provided within the City of Savannah, Garden City, Whitemarsh Island, Thunderbolt, Skidaway Island, WilmingtonIsland Island, and parts of unincorporated Chatham County. Seven municipalities do not currently participate in the Transit District (CAT s service area) Bloomingdale, a portion of Garden City, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Thunderbolt, Tybee Island, and Vernonburg. 19

20 CAT System 20

21 Palmetto Breeze Services from 4:30 am to 8:00 pm 7 days week Services include: Fixed route commuter Demand response Job Access/Reverse Commute Contract Services Service to Allendale, Bamberg, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties Majority of routes end at Hilton Head Island FY2006 Ridership 230, Fixed route Peak Vehicles FY06 Operating Expenses $1,931,000 Funding Sources: FTA 5311 SCDOT Fares Local funding: 5 member counties Town of Hilton Head Island 21

22 CRC Transportation Programs Coastal Regional Coaches Coastal Regional Human Services Transportation Program Coastal Regional Commission Regional Vanpool Program 22

23 Empirical Data Which Informs Transit Investment Decisions Demographic Data Population/density Employment Seniors Other Environmental Justice factors Transit Supportive Data Affordable housing Sustainability More compact development areas Population/employment 23

24 Employment Travel Patterns 24

25 Base Demographic Data EmploymentTrends ( ) Source: 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan 25

26 Base Demographic Data Employment Trends ( ) = future employment growth Source: 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan 26

27 Savannah Core Opportunity Areas MLK Blvd. Corridor West Savannah Neighborhoods West River Street, near the old GA Power Substation Savannah River Landings, Savannah Gardens (on the eastside), and areas near the port 27

28 Observations from Stakeholder Discussions Diverse infrastructure: multi states, multi cities, multi counties, multi operators Marked differentiation between urban and rural areas Population and employment increasing in surrounding areasof Savannah Variety of needs: commute trips, access to medical services, downtown circulation Need for sustainable source of funding 28

29 Peer Analysis In the development of short and long term opportunities, review some peer areas and observe how transit has supported regional mobility Began by looking at similarly sized regions Then reviewed all cities over 100,000 population, but with similar characteristics such as geography, multiple jurisdictions, tourism, growing metropolitan areas San Antonio TX Wilmington NC Charleston SC Providence RI Monterey CA 29

30 Potential for Phased Implementation Find areas of congruence for short term Establish lines of communication for longer term Collaborate on discussions with potential partners and sponsoring agencies Build work plan for future years 30

31 Potential for Phased Implementation Existing Short Term Improved communication, preliminary service coordination, consider policies and opportunities consistent with livability and other initiatives Mid Term Opportunities for enhanced services and more seamless sustained connections, promote enhanced partnerships Long Term Infrastructure to sustain service investments and financial support, incorporate policies and partnerships into the planning process. 31

32 Refine peers Next Steps Identify framework goals for moving forward Develop short and long termmobility mobility options Discuss framework for institutional coordination Develop a menu of applicable transportation modes 32

33 Discussion Q Q&A Breakout groups Marlene Connor Wilbur Smith Associates 275 Southampton Rd Holyoke, MA MConnor@WilburSmith.com 33