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PC 2014/05/19-ARC PC UpdatePlanning Commission Update May 19, 2014 1 Project S - Transit Extensions to Metrolink Metrolink removes the equivalent of one lane of traffic on the I-5 everyday Orange County’s Metrolink service is increasing in frequency and it is essential that passengers have a way to get to their final destination after getting off a train Project S provides funding to connect people between a Metrolink station and activity and employment centers throughout the county Alternatives Analysis (AA) Overview Starting point: “Long List” of alignments and technologies Initial Screening: Based on Purpose and Need/Goals and Objectives Final Screening: Technical and feasibility assessment of the following options: No Build Enhanced Bus Streetcar Elevated Fixed-Guideway Project Study Area Streetcar Selected as Locally Preferred Alternative All within five square miles and at the doorstep of the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) 25 million visitors annually 51,000 employees 25,000 residents Fueling Future Mobility and Transit-Oriented Development 31 million visitors annually 75,000 employees 41,000 residents TODAY 2035 Anaheim Rapid Connection (ARC) Project Study Area Study Area Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) Hotel owners in The Anaheim Resort and Platinum Triangle Areas agreed to an assessment in 2010 to fund marketing efforts to promote local tourism and convention business and transportation improvements 25% set aside for transportation/transit Currently $3 million annually is generated that could be dedicated for Operations and Maintenance Costs of ARC Over the last decade, the City of Anaheim has set the stage for long-term growth. In order to realize the full potential of this growth, a permanent transit solution is required that will: Take cars off congested freeways and streets Increase mobility throughout the region which will enhance transit- oriented development Provide an attractive, high-capacity, frequent and easy to use “last mile” connection between regional rail and bus service at ARTIC and key destinations in the study area Improve transit service for short trips within the project study area, allowing those who arrive by car to park once and circulate by transit Support the development of livable urban and sustainable communities Project Objectives Project Objectives Offering an attractive new service that is convenient, frequent and easy to navigate would: Attract additional riders to transit Support planned growth Enhance livability within the study area, Anaheim, Orange County, and Southern California Encourage the 25 million annual visitors to connect to the rest of Orange County and the region Connecting Destinations STREETCAR – CENTER PLATFORM Clementine Street STREETCAR – SIDE ALIGNED Katella Avenue Streetcar Elements ARC Will Generate Increased Ridership* -4,168 projected daily riders pre high-speed rail ridership (7,700 post HSR ridership) -Projected to have approximately 22 percent overall higher ridership than bus -Draws 30 percent more riders than a bus for internal trips to and from destinations in the ARC corridor -Attracts 52 percent more Metrolink riders and 31 percent more Amtrak riders than the bus * Based upon ridership projections from ARC Travel Demand Forecasting Report prepared by RSG, Inc. in association with Atkins and in consultation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Streetcars Carry More Passengers Than Buses -120 passengers per streetcar vs. 90-100 passengers per bus -Up to 1,500 passengers per hour per direction for streetcar vs. 1,000 for bus Easier Accessibility for Wheelchairs, Strollers, and Luggage -Low-floor streetcar vehicles make boarding easier and faster Streetcars Maximize Ridership and Transit-Oriented Development Similar Systems Have Resulted in Better Than Expected Ridership Results -Portland: 2,800 projected daily riders/10,000 actual daily -Seattle: 1,000 projected weekday riders/3,000 actual Streetcars Maximize Ridership and Transit-Oriented Development Provides Certainty for Visitors and Businesses -Encourages broader use of transit if seen as easy, reliable, and permanent -Generates increased investment and expansion from businesses Generates Fewer Emissions -Increased ridership of streetcars results in more vehicles off roads and freeways -Meets goals of Southern California Association of Governments Regional Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy -Utilizes electricity/battery vs. natural gas for buses Results in Transit-Oriented Development -Increases in property value and development densities -Generates additional investment and spending Promotes Livable Communities -Encourages compact, walk/bike/transit-friendly development Streetcars Maximize Ridership and Transit-Oriented Development * Year of expenditure (2018) Cost Estimate Opening Date Track Miles Stations Vehicles 2018 6.4 7 (1 interim) 10 Key Facts: Cost Breakdown (Millions): Vehicles $44.9 Right-of-Way $36.1 Construction $137.9 Engineering and Professional Services $44.7 SUBTOTAL $263.6 Unallocated Contingency/Finance Charges $55.1 TOTAL $318.7 Preliminary Cost Estimate Capital Federal Funding State and local transit funds Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) Operating (Estimated $4.3 Million) ATID Sponsorship Advertising Retail Farebox No General Funds for Project Potential Funding Sources 2013 - 2014 Project Development/ Engineering 2015 Begin Final Design 2016 Begin Construction 2018 System in Operation 2013 – 2015: Project Development (Environmental Clearance)/ Engineering 2016: Begin Final Design 2017: Begin Construction 2018: System in Operation Key Project Dates CEQA EIR Lead Agency City of Anaheim NEPA EA Lead Agency Federal Transit Administration Dec 12, 2013 to Jan 27, 2014 Public Input Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Environmental Assessment (EA) Process Notice of Preparation (45 days)/Public Scoping Prepare Draft EIR/EA Circulate Draft EIR/EA (45 days) Prepare Final EIR/EA Hold Public Hearings City Council, OCTA, and FTA Decision •Aesthetics •Biological Resources •Air Quality •Cultural and Historic Resources •Energy •Geology and Soils •Greenhouse Gas Emissions •Hazards and Hazardous Materials •Hydrology/Water Quality •Land Use and Planning •Noise and Vibration •Utilities/Service Systems •Transportation/Traffic •Land Acquisitions, Displacement, and Relocation •Community and Neighborhoods •Parks and Recreation Areas •Safety and Security •Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) Resources •Construction Impacts •Cumulative Impacts Topics to be Evaluated in the EIR/EA Include: General Plan Anaheim Resort Specific Plan Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Plan Anaheim Resort Identity Program Platinum Triangle Master Land Use Plan Anaheim Transit Master Plan Project actions include amendments to the following : Review Comments Received During Scoping Period Prepare Technical Studies and Draft EIR/EA Circulate Draft EIR/EA for Public Review Prepare Response to Comments and Final EIR/EA Hold Public Hearings (Planning Commission and City Council) City Council, OCTA and FTA Decisions Next Steps Connecting 25 Million Visitors to Orange County and the Region