HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem A: Joint Meeting with LTD Board
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: Joint Meeting with Lane Transit District Board of Directors
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007 Agenda Item Number: B
Department: Public Works/ City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Kurt Corey/ Brenda Wilson
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5241/682-8441
ISSUE STATEMENT
The City Council meets every year with the Lane Transit District (LTD) Board of Directors. The topics
for this year’s discussion will be:
1.West Eugene Transportation
2.Franklin Boulevard Project/Walnut Station Mixed Use Center
3.Transit Ridership and Service Performance Update
4.Commuter Solutions Program
BACKGROUND
West Eugene Transportation
Both LTD and the City have initiated transportation studies in West Eugene that are linked, but separate.
This fall, LTD and the Federal Transit Administration initiated the process for the development of an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the West Eugene EmX Extension project. The first phase, or
scoping phase, focuses on establishing a purpose and need for the project and identifying a range of
alternative solutions for possible study. See Attachment A, West Eugene EmX Extension Status Report,
for more information.
The project Purpose and Need Statement is a required step in the federal National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) process and serves as the foundation for the development of criteria to be used to evaluate
the range of alternatives included in the Alternative Analysis/Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
The draft Purpose and Need Statement is included as part of Attachment A.
LTD recently met with Bus Rapid Transit design engineers and City staff to develop a proposed range of
alternative alignments that would be used as a starting point for the scoping phase. A map of the West
Eugene EmX Extension Project is included as part of Attachment A to this memo which illustrates the
results of this effort. LTD also held a second workshop with a broader group of City staff from multiple
departments in order to give staff an opportunity to learn about the overall planning process and to
identify any additional alternative alignments.
th
On October 9, 2006, the council voted to “Support a transportation corridor study of West 11 Avenue
and the City’s application for $150,000 of Federal Surface Transportation Program – Urban (STPU)
planning funds for the study.” The City was later awarded the STPU funds, and staff has been working
with LTD to incorporate the necessary technical work for this study into LTD’s scope for the West
F:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M071126\S071126B.doc
Eugene EmX Extension project. Besides supporting LTD’s work on the EmX extension, the other
th
objectives of the West 11 Avenue Transportation Corridor Study are to:
th
Increase safety and mobility for all modes of transportation along and adjacent to West 11
?
Avenue. Focus on low- to mid-cost projects that address safety, mobility, and access
management problems on West 11th.
th
Provide one or two design concepts for upgrading the section of West 11 between Terry
?
Street and Greenhill Road. The next step in the process to upgrade this section of road would
be for ODOT to conduct a NEPA study that incorporates these design alternatives.
Actively engage the broad range of stakeholders on the West Eugene Collaborative process
?
to assure overall project success. In order to provide the status of this effort, the Agenda
Item Summary from the October 4 workshop is included as Attachment B.
It is expected that data gathering for this study will begin before the end of the year.
Franklin Boulevard Project/Walnut Mixed-Use Center
Franklin Boulevard is a key transportation link that connects Eugene and Springfield and serves the
University of Oregon and other key activity centers. It also acts as a primary visitor entrance into
Eugene and Springfield. When considering the potential impacts of current City of Springfield, City of
Eugene and University of Oregon projects that affect Franklin Boulevard, there are a number of
potential positive benefits to the community. Taken together, these efforts will support economic
development, improve mobility for all modes of transportation, address safety concerns, and beautify a
major entrance into the community. Included is Attachment C, the Franklin Boulevard Redesign that is
a summary of current City of Eugene planning efforts related to Franklin Boulevard.
The Walnut Station Mixed Use Center project has provided a forum to discuss multi-way boulevard
concepts for Franklin Boulevard. The Eugene Planning Commission held several work sessions on this
topic in 2006 to discuss specific design elements of a proposed multi-way boulevard. This work
culminated in direction from the commission to proceed with mixed-use planning assuming a multi-way
boulevard concept for Franklin Boulevard. Staff has carried this direction forward as part of the formal
recommendation that has been developed on this topic, which reflects the critical importance of a multi-
way boulevard design to the future success of mixed-use development in the study area and also to the
creation of a human-scale, pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment. Attachment D is the Agenda
Item Summary from the November 19 Planning Commission on this topic.
Transit Ridership and Service Performance Update
Transit ridership trends are evaluated and reported monthly and analyzed annually in an effort to better
understand significant trends affecting system performance. The trends are then used to evaluate
changes that allow LTD to better serve the community. According to the trends, ridership has increased
over the last year. Along with this increase come challenges. Customer capacity during peak travel
times is being exceeded in some cases, while in other cases standing loads have become the norm.
Traffic congestion affects on-time performance as busses are stopping more frequently and bus travel
time increases, causing some to miss key transfer connections. Lastly, the ability to meet the increasing
demand is limited by a lack of available operating revenue, a shortage in bus operators, and a shortage in
buses. The Transit Ridership and Service Performance Summary Update along with the EmX Green
Line Performance Summary, 2006-2007 Performance Summary, Historical Ridership Chart, and
RideSource Cost Chart are included as Attachment E.
F:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M071126\S071126B.doc
Commuter Solutions Program
The Commuter Solutions Program has supplied the region with transportation management strategies
since 1995. A number of businesses have taken advantage of this program because of its benefits to the
community. The Group Pass Program and the Student Transit Pass Program participants total over
73,000. A chart is included as part of Attachment F showing the comparison in group pass participants
and the average annual growth rate.
The Congestion Mitigation Program (CMP) started with the I-105 overlay project and provides a range
of outreach efforts on the project and information on alternative ways to travel during construction. A
list of congestion mitigation projects is included in Attachment F as a list of future opportunities
currently being explored by Commuter Solutions.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
The Eugene-Springfield Transportation System Plan (TransPlan) contains the following relevant
directives:
Goal 1: Provide an integrated transportation and land use system that supports choices in modes of
travel and development patterns that will reduce reliance on the auto and enhance livability,
economic opportunity, and the quality of life.
Land Use Policy 3: Provide for transit-supportive land use patterns and development, including
higher intensity, transit-oriented development along major transit corridors and near transit stations;
medium and high-density residential development within one-quarter mile of transit stations, major
transit corridors, employment centers, and downtown areas; and development and redevelopment in
designated areas that are, or could be, well served by existing or planned transit.
Transit Policy 1: Improve transit service and facilities to increase the system’s accessibility,
attractiveness, and convenience for all users, including the transportation disadvantaged population.
Transit Policy 2: Establish a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system composed of frequent, fast transit
service along major corridors and neighborhood feeder service that connects with the corridor
service and with activity centers, if the system is shown to increase transit mode split along BRT
corridors, if local governments demonstrate support, and if financing for the system is feasible.
The City of Eugene’s Growth Management policies include the following:
Policy 10: Encourage the creation of transportation-efficient land use patterns and
implementation of nodal development concepts.
Policy 11: Increase the use of alternative modes of transportation by improving the capacity,
design, safety, and convenience of the transit, bicycle, and pedestrian transportation
systems.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
This is an informational meeting; therefore, there are no options for the council to consider.
F:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M071126\S071126B.doc
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
None.
SUGGESTED MOTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
A. West Eugene EmX Extension Status Report
B. Eugene City Council AIS, 10/4/07, Workshop: West Eugene Collaborative
C. Franklin Boulevard Redesign
D. Eugene Planning Commission AIS, 11/19/07, Update on Walnut Station Mixed Use Development
Plan and Design Review Options.
E. Transit Ridership and Service Performance Update
F. Transportation Demand Management
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Kurt Corey or Brenda Wilson
Telephone: 682-5241or 682-8441
Staff E-Mail: kurt.a.corey@ci.eugene.or.us
brenda.s.wilson@ci.eugene.or.us
F:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M071126\S071126B.doc
Franklin Boulevard Redesign
Franklin Boulevard is a key transportation link that connects Eugene and Springfield and
serves the University of Oregon and other key activity centers. It also acts as a primary
visitor entrance into Eugene and Springfield.
Project Scope
This project involves the redesign and reconstruction of Franklin Boulevard between the
Springfield Bridge and the Ferry Street Bridge (note that Franklin Boulevard becomes
East Broadway west of Hilyard Street). Elements of the redesign include the following:
Consideration of a multi-way boulevard in certain sections
Creation of wider sidewalks to enhance pedestrian movement
Addition of bike lanes
Installation of double EmX lanes between the Springfield Bridge and the
th
intersection of 11 and Franklin
Improved aesthetics (landscaping, undergrounding of utilities)
Benefits of the Franklin Redesign
A redesign of Franklin Boulevard can provide a number of benefits to the community.
The project will support economic development efforts, improve the mobility for all
modes of transportation, address safety concerns, and beautify a major entrance into
our community.
Support for Economic Development
While there is potential for redevelopment along the entire length of this section of
Franklin Boulevard, there are several major redevelopment efforts currently underway:
Glenwood Redevelopment: Glenwood is viewed as a key redevelopment
opportunity in the Eugene-Springfield area. A redesigned Franklin Boulevard is a
critical element in plans to redevelop Glenwood. Franklin Boulevard through
Glenwood does not have continuous sidewalks, bike lanes, or EmX lanes, all of
which would benefit new development. In addition, a multi-way boulevard
concept could be used in this section, especially for development on the north
side of Franklin.
Walnut Station Mixed Use Area: The City of Eugene has identified the area near
the Walnut EmX Station as a priority mixed-use area. There is considerable
redevelopment potential in this area, with several vacant or underused parcels of
land. Planning efforts for the mixed-use area have been underway for two years.
Improvements to Franklin Boulevard can make this area more pedestrian
friendly, which is a key element in making a mixed-use area successful.
UO Arena: The University of Oregon is expected to pursue construction of a new
university arena to be located southwest of the Franklin and Villard intersection
(at the former site of William’s Bakery). The arena would replace Mac Court as
the home of the University’s basketball teams. It would also be a key venue for
other events. Franklin Boulevard is the key transportation facility serving the
new arena.
EWEB/Federal Courthouse: The new Federal Courthouse and the Eugene
Water and Electric Board property are very close to downtown Eugene, but
difficult to access due to the barrier created by Broadway Street where it joins the
thth
Ferry Street on-ramps and 6/7 Avenues. The new Federal Courthouse has the
potential to encourage nearby redevelopment. EWEB is planning to relocate,
making their large tract of riverfront property available for redevelopment. A
redesign of Broadway (which is part of this project) would greatly improve access
to this riverfront area and support the redevelopment.
Improved Mobility
The current design of Franklin Boulevard works fairly well for automobile use and has
undergone some transit improvements, but is woefully lacking in accommodating other
transportation modes. The proposed redesign would significantly improve facilities for
alternative transportation modes while continuing to provide for convenient auto access
and use.
Pedestrian Facilities: There are many sections of Franklin Boulevard that do not
have sidewalks, and the sections that have sidewalks are often of minimal width
and adjacent to traffic. The Franklin Boulevard reconstruction would create
continuous sidewalks along the length of the corridor. The sidewalks would be
wider than minimum width and designed to provide for a comfortable pedestrian
environment, including a separation from higher speed traffic. The project could
also realign offset intersections across Franklin Boulevard, creating more
opportunities to safely cross the street. Pedestrian facilities are especially
important given the high current pedestrian use in some areas, such as the
University, and the expected high pedestrian use in the redeveloped areas.
Bicycle Facilities: There are very few sections of Franklin Boulevard that have
bicycle lanes. While there is a parallel bicycle facility in certain parts of the
corridor, it is not continuous and is not close enough to serve destinations on
Franklin. This project would create a safe, convenient, continuous bicycle facility
along Franklin Boulevard.
Transit (EmX) Facilities: LTD’s first EmX line is located on Franklin Boulevard.
The new service has been very well received by the public and has had
exceptional ridership. EmX facilities along Franklin Boulevard consist of a
combination of double EmX lanes, single (bi-directional) EmX lanes, and travel in
mixed traffic (mostly in Glenwood). The single, bi-directional lanes create some
delay when an EmX vehicle must wait for a vehicle traveling in the opposite
direction to clear the single-lane section. This problem will become more
significant if the frequency of the service increases. The mixed traffic sections
have the potential for delay from traffic congestion, which will become a bigger
problem as the community grows and as this corridor redevelops. The Franklin
Boulevard project would include double EmX lanes along Franklin.
Automobile Facilities: Franklin Boulevard generally works well for automobile
trips along the corridor. The Franklin Boulevard redesign will attempt to retain
existing traffic capacity, while also improving automobile access to development
along the corridor. One method to accomplish this is a multi-way boulevard,
which separates “through traffic” flow from traffic that is accessing businesses.
Improved Safety
The new bicycle and pedestrian facilities constructed as part of the Franklin Boulevard
project would greatly improve the safety of users of those modes of travel. In addition,
the project will create more pedestrian crossing opportunities, which will eliminate some
of the mid-block crossings that are pervasive near the University of Oregon. The
realignment of off-set intersections crossing Franklin will improve also improve
automobile safety.
Improved Aesthetics
Franklin Boulevard is not only a heavily used transportation corridor linking Eugene and
Springfield, it is a primary entrance into the community for visitors. The Franklin
Boulevard and Glenwood Boulevard exits from Interstate 5 route automobiles onto
Franklin Boulevard. Virtually every visitor to the University of Oregon uses Franklin
Boulevard to access the campus. With the addition of landscaping and undergrounding
the above-ground utilities on the corridor, this project would improve the aesthetics of
Franklin Boulevard. The project would also include improved signage and consistent
and attractive street lighting.
Potential Participating Agencies
City of Eugene
City of Springfield
Lane County
Lane Transit District
Oregon Department of Transportation
University of Oregon
Cost/Funding
It is very difficult to estimate a cost at this preliminary stage of discussion. However, it is
safe to say that this will be an expensive project. There are some potential funding
sources. Federal sources, including the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the
Federal Highway Administration, could help fund portions of the project. Given the size
of the project, this federal request would most appropriately be made as part of
reauthorization of the Transportation Bill. State funding for economic development,
perhaps using lottery funds, is another option.
Q:\Reference\Board Packet\2007\11\Special Mtg Joint LTD-Eugene CC 11-26-07\Franklin Boulevard Redesign.doc
ATTACHMENT D
Planning Division
City of Eugene
th
99 West 10 Avenue
M
Eugene, Oregon 7401
EMORANDUM
(541) 682-5562
(541) 682-5572 FAX
www.eugene.or.gov
DATE: November 19, 2007
TO: Eugene Planning Commission
FROM: Jason Dedrick, Planning and Development Department
ITEM TITLE: Update on Walnut Station Mixed Use Development Plan and Design
Review Options
ACTION REQUESTED:
Endorsement of the Preferred Alternative for the Walnut Station
Mixed Use Center project.
BRIEFING STATEMENT:
Phase One of the Walnut Station Mixed Use Development Plan
resulted in an “emerging vision” consisting of design elements that had broad support. Phase
One also produced a list of twelve key issues (since condensed to eleven) that were presented in
the form of a “preferred alternative” to the Planning Commission on March 20 and May 8, 2006.
At these meetings, the commission declined to endorse the entire staff-recommended “preferred
alternative” given that several key design elements of the plan were not yet resolved. The
Planning Commission suggested that staff work to resolve each of the key issues, which was the
primary focus of Phase Two. While the Planning Commission has had discussion on several of
these issues (Franklin Boulevard, EmX), this report will provide a summary of the staff
recommendations for each of the key issues. Through a series of meetings with stakeholders and
a public open house on May 9, 2007, the City has received significant input toward development
of a staff recommendation.
thrd
The November 19 and December 3 Planning Commission meetings provide an opportunity to
review, discuss and take action on these recommendations and for staff to present an overall
vision for the Walnut Station Mixed Use Center. Staff recommends that the Planning
th
Commission focus its discussion on November 19 on issues that have been discussed
rd
previously (Issues 1-7) as well as the Design Review Options. The December 3 meeting will
provide an opportunity to focus discussion on remaining issues as needed in order for the project
to move into the next phase (Issues 8-11), which will flesh out the plan for pre-adoption public
review. Staff has also provided follow up information regarding design review options for the
form-based code (Attachment C), as requested at the May 8, 2006 Planning Commission
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Walnut Station Agenda November 2007 1
Item Summary
meeting. Staff recommends the Planning Commission also review and discuss design review
options to give staff direction as the draft form-based code is developed.
Staff has also provided a vision statement for the Walnut Station Mixed Use Center (Attachment
A). This document is intended to characterize the look and feel of the area and the overall
experience if the recommendations put forth are pursued and development follows the resulting
plan for the foreseeable future. It sets the tone and will serve as a way to measure success.
BACKGROUND:
The Metro Plan, TransPlan, and Eugene’s Growth Management Policies
strongly support the creation of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit-friendly mixed use centers
throughout the region. This 73-acre area was identified as a potential nodal development site in
TransPlan and remains a high priority of the City’s mixed use center program. In May 2005, the
City initiated a site-specific planning effort for the Walnut Station Mixed Use Center in
partnership with the State of Oregon and the University of Oregon. Phase One of the project
focused on the development of a vision and planning framework for the Walnut Station study
area and was completed in June 2006. Phase Two of the process has focused on plan
development and implementation. Through the state sponsors, the City has contracted with
David Evans & Associates, a Portland area planning and urban design firm, as the prime
consultant on Phase Two of the project.
Phase Two of the process continues and is pending approval of a scope amendment to the grant
funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Staff is prepared to move forward with
preparation of the draft development plan and to work with the consultant on the final technical
documents including draft code amendments, an illustrative plan and other graphics needed as
part of the draft plan.
SUMMARY OF STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
This section briefly summarizes the staff recommendations on each issue. Detailed background
and rationale are included in Attachment B.
1.Franklin Boulevard Design – Staff recommends that plan development incorporate a future
multi-way boulevard design concept for Franklin Boulevard. This is a continuation of the
direction provided by the Planning Commission, following several work sessions on the
various components of the specific design elements.
2.Franklin On-Street Parking – Staff recommends that this option be eliminated from further
consideration.
3.Phased Expansion Alternative – Staff recommends that this option be eliminated from further
consideration and it is effectively replaced by the Franklin Boulevard Design
recommendation in Section 1.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Walnut Station Agenda November 2007 2
Item Summary
4.Future EmX Lane – Staff recommends that the future redesign of Franklin Boulevard should
accommodate the potential for adding a second EmX lane. This is a continuation of the
policy direction provided by Planning Commission following several work sessions.
5.Bicycle Circulation – Staff recommends adoption of the bicycle circulation proposal that was
developed in Spring 2007.
th
6.Mid-Block Connection (14 Ave.) – Staff recommends a future pedestrian connection be
encouraged through these blocks in conjunction with future redevelopment and that this
connector should be limited to pedestrians and bicycle movements only. Vehicle access to
parking and truck access to retail stores would be provided separately. The specific alignment
of the future connection would be identified as part of plan development.
7.Orchard Street Connection – Staff recommends that this option be eliminated from further
consideration and that the plan not propose a future connection of Orchard between Franklin
and Garden Avenue.
th
8.15 Avenue Edge - Staff recommends that medium-intensity mixed use development occur
th
throughout the area between Franklin and 15 and between Villard and the eastern project
boundary, with a general height limit of 50 feet. Staff notes that through the design review
th
process, additional controls on building height and placement on the north side of 15 Ave
are recommended in the form of building setbacks. Additional design controls on the north
side of 15th Avenue are recommended, including building massing and organization, height
setbacks, and frontage types. Specific details regarding the design controls will be specified
in the form-based code.
9.ODOT Site – Staff recommends that the entire site be designated for the full range and mix
of uses at higher intensities, with the notable exception that the portion of the site within 50
th
feet of 15 Ave should be designated for medium density residential development at R-2
th
density levels, thus creating a residential front to 15 Ave. Staff notes that this does not
limit R-2 uses to 50 feet in depth since R-2 is allowed in the remaining mixed use portion of
the site.
10.Millrace – Staff has divided recommendations into subcategories.
10.1 Revitalization as Public Open Space and Recreational Amenity - Staff recommends that
the Walnut Station Mixed Use Development Plan include a policy recommendation that the
City undertake as soon as possible a study of the entire Millrace, from intake to outfall, to
explore issues and options related to the Millrace's future. This effort should include further
discussion with Millrace property owners. In addition, staff recommends exploring the
formation of a public/private Millrace Partnership to help manage water levels and the
multiple Millrace objectives as described below. A partnership such as this could also guide
an interim planning period during which an agreement with the University of Oregon could
be explored to keep the pumps in operation until a Millrace study could be completed.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Walnut Station Agenda November 2007 3
Item Summary
10.2 Millrace Design Treatments - Staff recommends that policy guidance be included in the
plan indicating that the Millrace be designed as an urban development amenity on the south
side featuring a public access alley/bike path while acknowledging the limitations involved.
The north side of the Millrace should be enhanced for habitat values to the greatest extent
possible, while accommodating a 12-foot wide multi-use path that connects Autzen and
Knickerbocker bridges. The aforementioned Millrace study would provide further guidance
as to the eventual viability of this recommendation, however the overarching policy direction
should remain as guidance.
10.3 Development Intensities Along the Millrace - Staff recommends a maximum building
height for the Millrace edge of 50 feet. For remaining areas between Franklin Boulevard and
the Millrace, it is recommended that building heights be stepped back from the Millrace, with
a maximum height of 60 to 70 feet for development furthest from the Millrace edge. Staff
recommends that the 50 foot building height limit be applied to the area north of the Millrace
and to the first 20-50 feet from top of bank on south side.
10.4 Multi-Use Path - Staff recommends that a 12-foot wide bike path be located primarily
along the north side of the Millrace, with three crossings to the south side to publicly owned
parcels.
10.5 Habitat Enhancement - Staff recommends that habitat enhancement efforts include, at a
minimum, removal of invasive species and planting of native species and some provision for
on-going management of invasive species. In addition, habitat enhancement efforts should
be supported by regulations and programs aimed at improved treatment of stormwater before
it reaches the Millrace.
10.6 Stormwater - Staff recommends enhancement of water quality functions of the Millrace
itself. In addition, a combination of special design standards and the City's stormwater
standards should be applied within the Mixed Use Center area to achieve pre-treatment of
stormwater prior to its entry into the Millrace channel, through the use of vegetated swales,
eco-roofs, infiltration planters, and similar alternative treatment facilities. Opportunities for a
coordinated, area-wide approach to stormwater treatment should be explored, including
locating treatment facilities in right-of-way or park land, and re-designing portions of the
Millrace setback as vegetated stormwater treatment facilities to help maintain buildable areas
while providing habitat benefits.
11.New Parks – Staff recommends the creation of a 1.5-acre park on a triangle of land on the
north side of the Millrace, east of Millrace Drive (Millrace Parcels Option). This will meet
the anticipated need for a neighborhood park facility and will complement other recreation
and open space recommendations along the Millrace and the South Bank Bike Path. It is
worth noting that other park and open space amenities could be created in association with
private development at some point in the future.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Walnut Station Agenda November 2007 4
Item Summary
ATTACHMENTS:
A.Vision for the Walnut Station Mixed Use Development
B.Preferred Alternative for Walnut Station Mixed Use Development Plan
C.Design Review Options for the Form-Based Code for Walnut Station Mixed Use
Center
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jason Dedrick
City of Eugene Planning Division
th
99 W 10 Ave.
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 682-5451
jason.p.dedrick@ci.eugene.or.us
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Walnut Station Agenda November 2007 5
Item Summary
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
DATE OF MEETING:
November 26, 2007
ITEM TITLE:
TRANSIT RIDERSHIP AND SERVICE PERFORMANCE UPDATE
PREPARED BY
: Andy Vobora, Director of Service Planning, Accessibility, and Marketing
ACTION REQUESTED:
None. Information only.
BACKGROUND:
Lane Transit District measures ridership and system performance through a
variety of measures. These measures are reported monthly and are
analyzed annually in an effort to understand significant trends affecting
system performance. These trends are used to evaluate system changes
that allow LTD to serve the community better, and these trends indicate that
ridership is steadily increasing. The system tallied more than 10 million
boardings over the past twelve months, with a single-month record of nearly
1.1 million boardings during the month of October 2007 (a 17.5 percent
increase over October 2006). In addition, EmX ridership recorded an all-
time high with 6,189 boardings tallied on October 1, 2007.
Ridership is growing rapidly, and this is very positive for the community.
However, this growth spurt began several years back and is now
beginning to pose numerous challenges, which come in a variety of
forms. First, customer capacity during peak travel times is being
exceeded in some cases, while standing loads have become the norm in
other cases. Second, on-time performance is being affected as buses
are stopping more frequently, and as traffic congestion continues to grow,
causing bus travel times to increase. This results in an increase in the
number of buses missing key transfer connections. Third, LTD’s ability to
meet increasing demand is limited due to a lack of available operating
revenue, a shortage of bus operators, and a shortage of buses.
In the paratransit arena LTD is facing yet another challenge. Ridership
demand is increasing rapidly while the cost for providing this service is
also accelerating. This federally mandated service comes with limited
funding through a state cigarette tax, but this resource has been flat for a
number of years. This means that the contribution from LTD’s general
fund must make up the $1.9 million difference. Continued double-digit
growth rates may mean a reduction in fixed-route bus service to balance
the budget. In light of the demand for fixed-route service, this challenge
is particularly daunting and will become a focal point for state funding
efforts during the 2009 legislative session.
Agenda Item Summary—Transit Ridership and Service PerformanceUpdate Page 2
ATTACHMENTS:
EmX Green Line Performance Summary
2006-07 Performance Summary
Historical Ridership Chart
RideSource Cost Chart
PROPOSED MOTION:
None
Q:\Reference\Board Packet\2007\11\Special Mtg Joint LTD-Eugene CC 11-26-07\Ridership summary.doc
EmX Green Line
Route Operations and Performance Summary
Route Description
Connects downtown Eugene and downtown Springfield
Four miles in length
Approximately 60 percent in exclusive right-of-way (either single or double-lane)
Cost approximately $24 million, including vehicles ($6 million per mile)
Service started January 14, 2007
Ridership
Ridership has exceeded 20-year projections
Ridership has been increasing since the service was implemented
Approximately 10 to 15 percent of riders are actual “free fare” riders
Travel Time
Average round-trip travel time is 31.1 minutes (projected to be 32 minutes)
Rider Opinions
Before and After Surveys of riders (Before on #11; After on EmX) shows that ratings of
the following items improved more than 10 percent:
Dependability of the bus Quality of shelters/stops
Travel time on the bus Cost of riding the bus
Cleanliness of shelters Availability of passenger
Amenities at stations information
Also showing significant improvement (5 to 10 percent):
Frequency of the service Smoothness of ride
Personal safety at stops Cleanliness of buses
Ease of getting on and off
vehicles
Accidents
There have been eight collision accidents in 10 months of service
Accident rate improving (only one accident during last five months)
No accidents involving pedestrians
Other driver (not LTD) was at fault in all accidents
Signage has been added to improve safety
Q:\Reference\Board Packet\2007\11\Special Mtg Joint LTD-Eugene CC 11-26-07\EmX Green Line summary.doc
Lane Transit District
Ridership, Service, and Service Area Population
Last Twenty Years
12,000,000500,000
450,000
10,000,000
400,000
350,000
8,000,000
300,000
6,000,000250,000
200,000
4,000,000
150,000
100,000
2,000,000
50,000
--
BoardingsPopulationService Hours
Lane Transit District
Ride Resources and Miles
Source
FY 2002-2003 Through FY 2007-2008
$3,500,0001,000,000
900,000
$3,000,000
800,000
$2,500,000
700,000
600,000
$2,000,000
500,000
$1,500,000
400,000
300,000
$1,000,000
200,000
$500,000
100,000
$0-
FY 2002-2003FY 2003-2004FY 2004-2005FY 2005-2006FY 2006-2007FY 2007-2008
EstimatedProposed
ResourcesLTD General FundVehicle Miles
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
DATE OF MEETING:
November 26, 2007
ITEM TITLE:
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
(COMMUTER SOLUTIONS)
PREPARED BY:
Tom Schwetz, Director of Planning and Development
ACTION REQUESTED:
None. Information only.
BACKGROUND:
Commuter Solutions Program
Since its inception in 1995, the Commuter Solutions Program has
supplied the region with transportation management strategies that have
been endorsed and coordinated with local and state agencies.
Programs and Services implementing these strategies are offered to
businesses, agencies, educational institutions, and individuals. The
attached brochure, “Transportation Options; Programs and Services,”
lists services offered to local businesses, organizations, and employees.
The positive growth rate in the number of businesses that have taken
advantage of Commuter Solutions services illustrates its success in
helping manage many of the region’s transportation challenges and
proves that transportation benefit programs are a good business choice.
The Group Pass Program is a good example of the growth in Commuter
Solutions services. The combination of business-based Group Pass
Program participants and Student Transit Pass Program participants
totals more than 73,000. A chart showing a comparison of the growth in
group pass participants and other factors is attached.
Another successful Commuter Solutions program has been the
Congestion Mitigation Program (CMP). This program started with the
I-105 overlay project, providing a range of outreach efforts on the project
and information on alternative ways of travel during construction. A list of
Congestion Mitigation projects is attached.
Commuter Solutions is an integral part of regional transportation
planning and, as such, will continue to play an important role in providing
choices for our citizens and creating innovative, community-based
programs to help manage the growth in automobile travel in our region.
A list of future opportunities currently being explored by Commuter
Solutions is attached.
Agenda Item Summary—Transportation Demand Management (Commuter Solutions) Page 2
An Overview of Commuter Solutions program funding is provided below.
2007- 2008 COMMUTER SOLUTIONS FUNDING
ODOT STIP $100,000
STP-U $340,000 (estimate)
Partner Agencies* $ 20,000
LTD $5,000
Lane Co. $5,000
Eugene $5,000
Springfield $5,000
PROPOSED MOTION:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Transportation Options Brochure
2. Group Pass Growth Comparison Chart
3. Commuter Solutions Future Opportunities
4. Congestion Mitigation Program (CMP) Highlights
Q:\Reference\Board Packet\2007\11\Special Mtg Joint LTD-Eugene CC 11-26-07\BOD CoverMemo 4.26.07.doc