Title
Status Update for the Downtown Transit Station Study
Presenter:
Brian Vitulli, Transit Services Planning Supervisor
Body
Summary:
The Transit Services Division is conducting a study to identify Downtown locations appropriate for a new multimodal transit station. Transit Services staff and our consultant, RNL, will present the approach of the study, the status of the project, and provide a summary of remaining tasks.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The City’s transit system, operated as Mountain Metropolitan Transit, provides bus and complementary ADA paratransit service to the community. The current Downtown Transit Terminal is located on the ground floor of the parking structure at the southwest corner of Kiowa Street and Nevada Avenue, and has functioned in that capacity since 1976.
Six studies have been conducted in the last 18 years to identify a new Downtown transit station location, yet this year marks the 40th anniversary in its current location. The needs for finding a new location have not changed and are more prevalent today. The existing transit terminal has various limitations that cannot be overcome. A new downtown transit station is needed to improve operations, safety, and the customer experience, as well as enhance downtown redevelopment opportunities. More specifically, the existing downtown terminal is at capacity and cannot be expanded, bus maneuvering is difficult, while mixed vehicle/pedestrian traffic is unsafe, and the current design limits first responder access, multimodal connections, and results in a challenging boarding and unloading environment. The study seeks to enable the next generation of Colorado Springs by creating a community asset that meets the needs of both our existing customers and new riders. The project’s goals are to:
• Improve system-wide transit operations, safety, ridership and accessibility
• Enhance customer experience and connections with other modes of transportation
• Create a community asset that fits the region’s long-term vision
• Stimulate downtown revitalization and transit oriented development.
The Downtown Transit Station Relocation Study kickoff meeting was held on March 10. Two days of stakeholder focus group meetings were also held in late March and early April. A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and Stakeholder Working Advisory Group (SWAG) have been formed to advise the project team and both have been meeting since late April. The first study open house was held on June 22.
Site selection criteria were finalized and the initial screening (Level 1) of approximately 30 sites resulted in 12 sites being retained for a comparative Level 2 screening. The study is expected to be complete by September 2016 with a preferred new Downtown Transit Station site(s) identified. Details of the study can be found on the project website: www.coloradosprings.gov/MetroStation.
This project supports the City’s strategic goal pertaining to Investing in Infrastructure. This project is engaging citizens regarding infrastructure needs and solutions and invests in multi-use infrastructure incorporating smart growth solutions to maximize efficiency and improve the attractiveness of our infrastructure.
Transit Services staff and our consultant will present the approach of the study, the status of the project, and provide a summary of remaining tasks.
Financial Implications:
N/A at this time
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The stakeholder process to date is noted above
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
N/A
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A