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HomeMy Public PortalAbout09 September 20, 2004 Technical AdvisoryTIME: DATE: LOCATION: TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMIT' MEETING AGENDA* 10:00 A.M. September 20, 2004 Riverside County Transportation Commission Riverside County Regional Complex 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA Conference Room A, 3rd Floor *By request, agenda and minutes may be available in alternative format; i.e. large print, tape. COMMITTEE MEMBERS John Andoh, PVVTA Dave Barakian, City of Palm Springs Bill Bayne, City of Cathedral City Tom Boyd, City of Riverside Bill Brunet, City of Blythe Mike Gow, City of Hemet Mark Greenwood, City of Palm Desert Keith Haan, City of Calimesa Bruce Harry, City of Rancho Mirage Bill Hughes, City of Temecula George Johnson, County of Riverside Tim Jonasson, City of LaQuinta Jim Kinley, City of Murrieta Eldon Lee, City of Coachella Cis Leroy, SunLine Transit Wendy Li, Caltrans District 08 Amir Modarressi, City of Indio Habib Motlagh, Cities of Perris, San Jacinto, Canyon Lake Craig Neustaedter, City of Moreno Valley Kahono Oei, City of Banning Anne Palatino, RTA Dan Patneaude, City of Desert Hot Springs Juan Perez, County of Riverside Amad Qattan, City of Corona Joe Schenk, City of Norco Ken Seumalo, City of Lake Elsinore Ruthanne Taylor Berger, WRCOG Allyn Waggle, CVAG Tim Wassil, City of Indian Wells John Wilder, City of Beaumont Cathy Bechtel, Director Transportation Planning & Policy Development RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTA TION COMMISSION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA* *Actions may be taken on any item listed on the agenda. TIME: 10:00 A.M. DATE: September 20, 2004 LOCATION: County of Riverside Administrative Center 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside Conference Room A, 3rd Floor In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and government Code Section 54954.2, if you need special assistance to participate in a Committee meeting, please contact Riverside County Transportation Commission at (951) 787-7141. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to meeting time will assist staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility at the meeting. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. SELF -INTRODUCTION 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — July 19, 2004 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS (This is for comments on items not listed on agenda. Comments relating to an item on the agenda will be taken when the item is before the Committee. 5. MULTI -COUNTY GOODS MOVEMENT ACTION PLAN 6. RTA DESIGN GUIDELINES 7. DEVELOPMENT OF STP REHABILITATION CALL FOR PROJECTS 8. WESTERN COUNTY TUMF UPDATE (Attachment) 9. 2004 STIP ADOPTION (Attachment) 10. AB 1012 "USE IT OR LOSE IT" CYCLE 5 Technical Advisory Committee Meeting September 20, 2004 Page 2 11. RTIP/FTIP UPDATE (Attachment) 12. PROJECT STATUS REPORTING TO COMMISSION (Attachment) 13. CETAP UPDATE '14. SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS 15. OTHER BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 16. ADJOURNMENT (The next meeting will be October 18, 2004 in Banning.) MINUTES TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 19, 2004 1. CaII to Order The meeting of the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was called to order .at 10:00 a.m., at Riverside County Transportation Commission, 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA. 2. Self -Introductions Members Present: Dave Barakian, City of Palm Springs Bill Bayne, City of Cathedral City Tom Boyd, City of Riverside Bill Brunet, City of Blythe Mark Greenwood, City of Palm Desert Keith Haan, City of Calimesa Bruce Harry, City of Rancho Mirage Bill Hughes, City of Temecula Tim Jonasson, City of LaQuinta Eldon Lee, City of Coachella Wendy Li, Caltrans District 08 Amir Modarressi, City of Indio Habib Motlagh, Cities of Perris, San Jacinto, Canyon Lake Craig Neustaedter, City of Moreno Valley Kahono Oei, City of Banning Dan Patneaude, City of Desert Hot Springs Juan Perez, County of Riverside Amad Qattan, City of Corona Ken Seumalo, City of Lake Elsinore Others Present: Shirley Gooding, RCTC Eric Haley, RCTC Ken Lobeck, RCTC Shirley Medina, RCTC Alaedin Moubayed, W. Koo & Associates Jerry Rivera, RCTC Paul Rodriguez, Urban Crossroads Marilyn Williams, RCTC Technical Advisory Committee Meeting July 19, 2004 Page 2 3. Approval of Minutes Bill Hughes, City of Temecula, requested that the June 21, 2004 minutes be changed to reflect that he was not, in fact, in attendance. 4. Public Comments There were no public comments. 5. STATUS OF TUMF CALL FOR PROJECTS Marilyn Williams, RCTC, announced that applications for the TUMF call for projects have come in and that project rating will be July 29, commencing at 8:00 A.M. She said there are 29 projects, many from the County. The total value of the submitted projects is about $230M. Darren Henderson, WRCOG consultant staff, will begin the technical evaluation process. Results from that evaluation will be presented on the 29`h Eric Haley, RCTC, indicated that it is likely that the Commission will look at its previous actions on TUMF as a basis for local matching questions. He said that local match has to matter since there is $31 M on hand and there are projects worth $448M. He clarified RCTC TUMF and non-RCTC TUMF match. 6. STATUS OF SB 821 CALL FOR PROJECTS Jerry Rivera, RCTC, indicated that 27 projects were funded this year and awarded $1.2M. Letters are going out today and agencies have 2 years to claim the funds. 7. CALTRANS LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cathy Bechtel, RCTC, introduced Wendy Li, Chief of Local Assistance. Bill Mosby, Planning Local Assistance Deputy, Caltrans District 08, said he and Wendy Li reviewed the concerns of some of the agencies and he indicated that changes will be made. He further stated that the goal of Caltrans Local Assistance is to deliver projects. Wendy Li told the TAC a little of her background, including her 5 previous years at Caltrans, 3 of which were spent in project management. Technical Advisory Committee Meeting July 19, 2004 Page 3 Shirley Medina, RCTC, requested that Ms. Li give a synopsis of Local Assistance duties at the next TAC meeting. Bill Mosby conveyed that Local Assistance discussions have indicated the need for monthly status meetings in conjunction with or following the TAC meetings where agencies will be able to go over all their projects with Caltrans. He said they will do the same with SANBAG. 8. STIP UPDATE — IMPACT OF STATE BUDGET Shirley Medina, RCTC, provided the STIP recommendations from the CTC. Most of what was submitted remains in tact with few changes. She detailed some of the other projects listed on the document she provided. Cathy Bechtel indicated that with all the recent changes in the last month ($200M was taken from the transportation budget), it looks like allocations will be on hold until after the November election. Eric Haley reported that the CTC changed their December, 2004 meeting location from Sacramento to Riverside. RCTC will host the meeting and he suggested that agencies attend the meeting. 9. PROJECT MILESTONES — JULY UPDATE Ken Lobeck, RCTC, said he sent Project Milestones reports out Friday and he asked that agencies update the estimates and schedules by July 30. 10. FTIP UPDATE Mr. Lobeck said that FHWA has questions about the TIP financial plan regarding financial constraint of the region. Ms. Medina stated that regarding Transportation Control Measures (TCMs), there are project schedule delays (mainly in the Los Angeles County) and it is not known if an October conformity finding may be made on TCM implementation and on financial constraint due to the state budget and its impact on the STIP. Mr. Haley indicated that Mark Pisano is putting together a meeting of all the Chairs and Executive Officers of the Commissions to prioritize projects in the TIP, if projects need to be reprogrammed or removed to demonstrate conformity. Technical Advisory Committee Meeting July 19, 2004 Page 4 11. CETAP UPDATE Cathy Bechtel announced that public pre-scoping meetings are being scheduled for the Cajalco/Ramona Corridor. That Corridor will now be known as the Mid -County Parkway because not all the alternatives are on Cajalco or Ramona. Public pre-scoping meetings will be scheduled in the third week of September, one near Ramona and Route 79; one near Cajalco/Ramona at the 1-215; one on the west end near Citrus Heritage Park or in the Corona area. The environmental process will commence in the October/November timeframe. Work on the Riverside County to Orange County Corridor has started. Monthly development team meetings are in progress. The next meeting will be at the Corona Library, August 4, 10:00 A.M. Meetings are scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00 with the location rotating between Riverside County and Orange County. Public meetings for that corridor will be held in September. Tier One of the Winchester to Temecula CETAP Corridor has been completed. Caltrans is working on the PSR and is expected to be completed about December of next year. The fourth corridor is the Moreno Valley to San Bernardino CETAP Corridor. There is concern regarding the alignment for the new facility in the Loma Linda/Redlands area. Once the alignment has been agreed to, more will be done on that corridor. 12. JULY 14, 2004 COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS Cathy Bechtel stated that the additional $5M of CMAQ funds was approved by RCTC for the 60 HOV lane from Valley Way to 1-15. Caltrans indicated. that an additional $5M will be needed due to increase in costs. That project has $13M of STIP funds. There is also $21M of CMAQ funds to backfill the traffic congestion relief program funds. The issues relating to SunLine Transit Agency have been followed very closely. An outside audit firm was hired and the Commission approved a follow up review. SunLine has made many positive changes, including hiring a new General Manager and a new Chief Financial Officer. Shirley Me Ina Technical Advisory Committee Meeting July 19, 2004 Page 5 The Commission approved the new Transit Policy Committee which will focus on RCTC's transit oversight roles and responsibilities. 13. OTHER BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Reminder that the STP Rehab TAC Subcommittee will convene immediately following the July 19 TAC meeting at RCTC. Ken Lobeck provided information regarding a two-day course on October 13 and 14, 2004, on air quality conformity. It will be at Caltrans District 08 Local Assistance. Those interested should e-mail Ken Lobeck (klobeck@rctc.org) and he will reserve the seat. Mr. Haley stated that the Plans and Programs and the Budget and Implementation Committee meetings have been cancelled in July. He further stated that the Commission meeting will be dark in August. The start time of the Budget and Implementation Committee meetings has been permanently changed to 10:00 A.M. The TAC agreed to cancel the August TAC meeting. It was further agreed that if a meeting was deemed necessary, one would be rescheduled. (M/S/C Harry/Perez to cancel the August TAC meeting.) 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business for consideration by the Technical Advisory Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 A.M. The next meeting is scheduled for September 20, 2004, 10:00 A.M., Riverside County Transportation Commission office. Respectfully submitted, irkeit,;4 Program Manager AGENDA ITEM 5 A presentation will be made but there is no attachment to the agenda for item 5. Fall 2004 FACT SHEET Southern California Multi -County Goods Movement Action Plan WHY: The movement of goods through Southern California - projected to increase dramatically over the next 20 years - is critical to the nation and provides significant economic benefits to the region. But it also places disproportionate burdens on many communities and key transportation corridors. WHAT: A consensus strategy and implementation plan for the Southern California goods movement system. Action Plan Mission: To partner with the private sector in the development of a strategy and implementation plan for an improved regional goods movement system that: d• Ensures the efficiency and reliability of freight movement ❖ Complements local and regional economic goals • Balances the regional and national benefits of goods movement with the more localized burdens placed on impacted communities and the environment •S Includes innovative funding strategies, and ❖ Encourages coordination and cooperation among the implementing agencies, both public and private. Specific objectives: • Document existing freight movement systems and constraints • Identify projected goods movement growth and trends, and possible private sector responses • Identify optimal short-term and long-term infrastructure and operational strategies • Identify private- and public -sector roles in implementation, and funding sources • Identify strategies to lessen community and environmental impacts • Identify partnership opportunities for implementation and needed public -private institutional arrangements WHO (Initial Partners): • Five County Transportation Commissions: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) • Caltrans: Districts 7, 8, 11, and 12 • Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) WHEN: Develop consensus strategy and implementation plan by Spring 2006. HOW (Process): • Administrative Lead: LACMTA • Steering Committee meets approximately monthly • Technical Advisory Committee meets approximately biweekly • Will build on and connect with private sector initiatives already in progress • Will coordinate with existing forums (e.g., SCAG Goods Movement Task Force) • Regular updates will be provided and input obtained from a broad range of agency stakeholders For further information, please contact Michelle Smith of LACMTA at SmithMi@metro.net or 213-922- 3057. MCGM Fa1.DOC 9/20/2004 AGENDA ITEM 6 A presentation will be made but there is no attachment to the agenda for item 6. rim Mtn MI Riverside Transit Agency Design Guidelines For Bus Transit How to Make Bus Transit Effective in Your Community A Guide for • Planners • Engineers • Developers • Decision Makers Working with Local Jurisdictions Riverside Transit Agency • 1825 Third St • Riverside CA 92507 Phone (951) 565-5000 • Fax 951.565.5001 Mailing Address: PO Box 59968, Riverside CA 92517-1968 Internet: www.RiversideTransit.com 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction 5 11. Development Review by RTA 10 111. RTA Rolling Stock 15 IV. Bus Transit Planning for On the Street 23 V. Bus Transit Planning for At the Curb 35 VI. Bus Transit Planning for Adjoining Properties 51 66 VII. Appendices* * Including a glossary, representative sample lists of Transit Advocacy Groups and Trade Associations, plus a HANDY Transit Compatibility Checklist. Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 2 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Description INTRODUCTION Page 1. Commuters aboard a typical paratransit van 5 2. Typical fare box used on contemporary transit 6 3. Southern California Freeway congestion 8 4. The transit alternative — CommuterLink buses 8 5. Interior of RTA CommuterLink bus being readied for service 9 RTA ROLLING STOCK 6. Typical RTA bus at the agency Operations Center 15 7. Typical large transit bus: The RTA "Flag Bus" 16 8. RTA CommuterLink bus at Metrolink commuter rail station 17 9. Small bus category illustration 17 10. Dimensions of a typical large transit bus 19 11. Commuter Link bus and specifications 20 12. RTA Trolley and specifications 21 13. Paratransit vehicle and specifications 22 ON THE STREET 14. Turning radii for large buses 24 15. Dimensions for concrete bus pad 25 16. Typical On -center curb design for large buses 27 17. Typical Two -Center curb design for large buses 28 18. Location of an on -street stop at a free right turn intersection 29 19. Placement of on -street bus stops 29 20. Typical Bus Stop spacing 30 21. Preferred far side locations for bus stops 31 22. Dimensions for on -street bus stops 32 23. RTA bus meets Metrolink commuter train 33 24. Special consideration in the placement of bus stops 34 AT THE CURB 25. Wheel chair boarding of an RTA bus 35 26. Bus stop sign placement criteria 36 27. Attractive bus stop environment 38 28. Typical pedestrian accessway between sidewalk and curb at bus stop 39 29. Clear zone necessary for bus wheelchair lift operation 39 30. Photo of typical bus turnout with bike lane 40 Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 3 Figure Description Page 31. Design parameters for large bus turnout 41 32. Design parameters for large bus turnout adjacent to a bike lane 41 33. Design parameters for a van turnout 42 34. Dimensions of a multiple berth bus turnout 42 35. Design standards for bus turnouts located after free right turn 43 36. Typical occupied bus bench, photo 43 37. Typical bus bench design 44 38. Bus shelter, RTA service area 44 39. Bus shelter in Pasadena CA 45 40. Typical bus shelter design 45 41. Summary of dimensions for bus and passenger amenities 46 42. Electronic message board at bus stop 47 43. CommuterLink buses as precursors to future BRT equipment 49 44. BRT service in operation on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles 50 ON ADJOINING PROPERTIES 45. Pedestrian pathways link interior streets to the bus stop 51 46. Pedestrians and buses 53 47. RTA trolley enhances a pedestrian -friendly neighborhood 54 48. Cul-de-sac access to nearby streets 54 49. Path from interior streets out to bus stop 55 50. Transit station in historic district 55 51. Subdivision design considered burdensome to transit users 56 52. Subdivision design considered more convenient for transit users 57 53. Transit -friendly, multi -modal bus and rail facility in Pomona CA 58 54. Transit stop serving a mixed -use project 59 55. Mixed use (retail and offices) served by transit 60 56. Seniors housing served by transit 60 57. Transit center at retail -residential interface 61 58. Typical transit center design, with shared -use parking 62 59. Effective transit center in Pomona, CA 62 60. Domed transit gateway architectural feature in Ontario CA 63 61. Typical design of permanent Park -N -Ride facility 63 62. Typical design of jointly -operated Park -N -Ride facility 63 63. Example of agency -supported Park -N -Ride in another state 64 64. Having it all - Multi -mode mobility options in No San Diego County 65 LIST OF TABLES 1. Density Characteristics and Design Criteria 31 2. Bus Amenities Warrant Chart 38 3. Checklist for Development Compatibility with Bus Transit 66 4. RTA Planning staff contacts 67 Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 4 PART I INTRODUCTION RTA MISSION STATEMENT The Riverside Transit Agency, Western Riverside County's multi -modal transportation provider, shall provide for a variety of transportation needs in a cost effective and efficient manner, for all the residents of our member communities. The Agency is committed to providing safe, reliable, courteous, accessible, and user-friendly transit services to our customers. WHO IS RTA? Fig. 1 - Commuters aboard a typical paratransit van With a region spanning 2,500 square miles, RTA maintains one of the largest bus transit service areas in the nation... and its growing popula- tion. As the service area growth rises towards 1.3 million persons, RTA continues to establish new routes and services to suit the region's changing needs. The service area is centered on the City of Riverside, located in the heart of Inland Southern California, about 60 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles. Formed in 1977, RTA is the authorized public transit agency for Western River - Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 5 side County. As a quasi -public agency, RTA is governed by a Board of Directors, under a Joint Powers Agreement (or JPA) among the County and 14 cities. The Board of Directors normally holds its monthly public meeting at 2pm on the fourth Thursday of the month at the RTA offices in Riverside. Each participating city has an elected council member serving on the RTA Board, with 4 of 5 County Supervisors also serving. Several specialized Board committees meet monthly to consider agency finances, operations, and other administrative matters. The current Board Chairperson (2004) is Jon Winningham, appointed from the City of Calimesa. The Clerk of the Board is Maricela Hernandez. *** Some FAST FACTS and FIGURES about RTA: Vehicle fleet: 228 buses, vans or trolleys • RTA's entire 124 -vehicle full-size bus fleet operates on clean natural gas rather than the more polluting diesel or gasoline Number of bus routes: 48, including commuter and trolley routes • The agency also operates 14 intercity dial -a -ride or special service routes for persons with disabilities Ridership, Fiscal year 2002-03: 7.2 million boardings Bus miles traveled, 2002-03: 8.9 million miles Revenue acquired, 2002-03: $32.5 million • Official RTA data from www.riversidetransit.com Buses' portion of all trips in Riverside County: 1.9% • According to figures provided by regional planning agency SCAG Vehicles removed from the road by a full large bus: 40 Figure 2 Typical electronic fare box used on contemporary transit Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 6 PURPOSE OF THESE GUIDELINES The stated purpose of this document is to educate local planners, developers and decision -makers about transit's needs and offer them clear and uniform guidance for the design and placement of bus -related facilities and amenities. These Guidelines are intended to identify transit -specific design considerations applying only to trip generating and attracting locations and projects. RTA advises that the final design and placement of transit amenities should be conducted concurrently with ongoing street improvements or within proposed developments in a timely fashion that is compatible with these Guidelines and the local jurisdiction's usual design standards and planning process or calendar. Why does RTA document these standards? The guidance for providing and designing transit facilities and amenities is based on the following assumptions: • Adherence to industry -standard bus operations and safety requirements; • Relevance to current engineering practices in Riverside County; • Compatibility with standards used by other transit operators in the Western United States; • Provide amenities necessary for attracting and maintaining transit patronage; • Identify anticipated mobility benefits to developers and local agencies in providing transit service for their future residents, tenants, and customers. • Ensure compatibility of the transit amenities with other roadway uses. These Guidelines define criteria, dimensions, space, requirements, typical layouts, and designs for the following transit facilities and amenities: • Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Ways connecting with transit; • Bus Stops; • Bus Stop `Hardware': Benches, Shelters, Lighting and Trash Receptacles; • Bus Stop Signs and Electronic Information Systems; • Park -and -Ride Facilities; • Transit Centers Since the size of transit vehicles, from the large buses to the mid -size commuter buses & paratransit vehicles used by RTA are different from other vehicles using the streets or highways, the following information is provided: • Vehicle Characteristics • Bus Turning Radii • Road Grades Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 7 The engineering specifications and planning portions of the Guidelines have been divided into four distinct and easy -to -use venues. This is the `heart' of the Design Guidelines for transit. They are: 1. RTA's Rolling Stock: Dimensions and specs of typical RTA buses; 2. On the Street: Bus roadway needs, turning radii, where to locate bus stops and how to dimension bus turnouts; 3. At the Curb: Bus stop architecture, accessibility, the waiting area, benches, shelters, signage and other amenities; 4. On Adjoining Properties: Partnering with developers and other agencies to construct transit -friendly, attractive projects that better integrate bus service into entire neighborhoods. A helpful glossary of pertinent transit terms is included at the end of the Guidelines. Fig 3. Southern California freeway congestion Fig 4. The transit alternative THE MOBILITY CHALLENGE As population and vehicle miles traveled increase during this era of explosive growth in the region, "alternative transportation" such as public transit is being challenged with carrying a growing portion of mobility needs. Because bus fares make up less than 20% of the operating expenses, they alone cannot pay for an effective network of routes. Therefore RTA relies on additional funding support from State and Federal programs and grants. As political winds change, such funding may not always be available to maintain a fleet that adequately serves an acceptable coverage area. RTA constantly monitors the bus system in light of variability in financial resources, safety, customer demands, and changing development patterns in its service area. The agency strives to serve the most people, over the quickest routes and in the most efficient and economic manner. These factors are coalescing around an emerging level of unprecedented demand upon our transportation systems. Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 8 To make transit friendlier and more accessible in the days ahead, especially to new riders who chose the bus over a personal vehicle, the RTA Planning staff has been directed to work with local governments to encourage provision of "transit amenities", or design features and community infrastructure that make finding, waiting for and boarding a bus to be a safe, accessible, convenient and relatively pleasant experience. Transit amenities, briefly, usually include: • Bus turnouts or "bays" instead of a curb stop; • Accessible and convenient pathways from commercial buildings or institutions to the bus stop; • Shorter routes from residential developments to the bus stop; • Bus benches, shelters, signage and other information; • Design of large projects to "automatically" include the above features; • Good multi -modal connectivity, i.e. bike -to -bus and bus -to -train conveniences, often at a designated "transit node". Because RTA has no direct enforcement power, such as cities and counties have, that requires developers to comply with adopted planning principles, RTA can only encourage and recommend local governments to consider transit amenities and their eventual installation. Most cities recognize there is a nexus between development review and transit facilities and are therefore supportive, in theory, of bus amenities. In day-to-day practice, however, often due to a lack of established lines of communication between RTA staff, developers, and local planners, these subtle features may not always be included on plans. In light of the ongoing mobility challenge, however, a change is in order. These guidelines will strive to remedy that situation through interagency partnership and cooperation. Fig. 5 - Interior of RTA CommuterLink bus being readied for service Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 9 PART II DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BY RTA PROJECT DATA NEEDED BY RTA TO PERFORM THE REVIEW Although the process of locating and designing bus stops and other transit amenities may appear fairly simple to the casual observer, an optimal design requires the consideration and consolidation of many factors. The ideal arrange- ment of bus stops seeks a balance of the needs of all roadway and bus users as well as property owners. The key to effective integration of the local planning process with long- range transit service goals is keeping RTA informed of upcoming projects in the local community. The easiest method is to simply include RTA on your Planning or Public Works Dept standard mailing list for new project submittals. First, all local jurisdictions are urged to notify RTA of its Planning review calendar or cycles, such as the dates, times and places of regular Pre -Submittal Conferences, Development Review Committee, Planning Commission and City Council meetings, plus special community outreach meetings or similar notices that could have an effect on transit. RTA encourages local planning or public works departments to orient staff, when possible, to become knowledgeable of transit interests. A regular 'liaison' or staff contact with RTA for development review purposes would be ideal. What types of local projects does RTA need to review? Residential, Commercial and Industrial Tentative Tract or Parcel Maps Using these, RTA can recommend best locations for bus stops, bus turnouts and review in detail the pedestrian access and circulation patterns of the project, before the development process has progressed too far. Commercial Centers — Regional Malls to Local Shopping Centers Because these projects are usually a trip generator for clients and employees located at potential community centers, activity or employment nodes and are placed on major arterial streets, it is highly likely transit routes and bus stops will be involved. Larger projects may warrant a transit center. Industrial Projects — Business or Office Parks These are also employment centers that can generate considerable transit use. Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 10 Institutional Uses — Schools, Public Buildings, Hospitals, etc Also employment centers, these kinds of projects tend to attract transit users and may require special treatment to promote pedestrian access and pathways between the bus stops and the building entrances. Plot Plans or Site Plans These plans allow RTA to review smaller but possibly significant projects at important intersections. Smaller projects located off arterials probably wouldn't be reviewed. Conditional Use Permits Since these planning actions cover a great variety of significant projects, RTA recommends that at least the accompanying site plan be sent to the agency for review. Street Improvement Plans — for arterial streets, primarily These projects often impact existing and proposed bus stops. RTA recommends that upgraded streets and arterials include general upgrade of transit facilities as well. This includes replacement of any bus stops that are impacted by street construction. Notices of Preparation, Draft Environmental Impact Reports or similar Although many of the above types of projects may require these documents, RTA prefers to review projects at this point, providing transit's input at the earliest possible stage. General Plans To ensure the Land Use, Circulation and Community Design elements are generally supportive of transit routes, transit centers and their connectivity to all modes of mobility. Specific Plans To employ Best Practices in locating potential transit centers and bus routes that provide the greatest opportunity for the public to have the option of using transit. Rule of Thumb: If in doubt, send it out... or call RTA's Planning Staff RTA staff can advise on any particular project's applicability to transit. Just call us. What to Include? First, RTA will generally accept what the local jurisdiction normally includes in its mail -outs or internet postings. Although some of the following listings may seem redundant, it will serve as a checklist for the RTA package. Periodic lists of the department's recently approved (over a two-year span) and of upcoming projects would also be helpful. KINDS OF SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS RTA NEEDS FOR ITS REVIEW: • Site plan, tract map or 'conceptual" is needed for nearly all projects; • Project Transmittal or Project Announcement notice, giving basic project information and the action's status in the planning process; • Project Description such as location, type of use and number of residential units or amount of square feet in a commercial project; Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 11 • Hardscape, landscape or parking plans indicating circulation patterns (ingress and egress) through the project; • Revised or modified plans to any of the above. What's NOT Needed: RTA normally does not require grading plans, building elevations, interior building plans, sign plans, structural or mechanical plans, elevation drawings or similar. Small -size photocopies of the development plans, rather than full-size "blueprints", diazos or plots are usually acceptable as long as the writing is legible. RTA strives to use only the usual mail -out format and materials employed by the local jurisdiction. Typical Small Projects NOT Reviewed: Even if a mail -out is received by the agency, RTA will not review certain small projects unless they could have a direct bearing on existing or proposed transit. If these are sent to RTA, they may be discarded after a cursory screening. Small projects would include: • Tract maps or parcel maps of 1 to 5 lots; • Lot splits or lot line adjustments, or second -unit residences; • Most zone changes; • Minor Conditional Use Permits or Minor Development Review; • Variances; • Non -conforming use determinations; • Changes in use or ownership in a tenant space of a shopping center or office complex, including tenant improvements; • Utility relocation plans and cell -phone towers; • Extensions of time for planning cases; • Other projects deemed inconsequential to transit operations. Where to mail them: Send your development review materials to: Planning Department Riverside Transit Agency PO Box 59968 Riverside CA 92517-1968 TURN -AROUND TIME FOR ADEQUATE REVIEW & COMMENT BY RTA Timeliness: RTA advises that review packages be sent out to allow approximately 2 weeks from day of RTA's receipt of materials to the completion of review results Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 12 being sent back to local planners. However, this ideal can be impeded by the following time constraints: • Incomplete submittal to RTA (not enough information); • Time needed for mail to move thru the delivery system; • RTA or local agency staffs' work load or holidays; • Complexity of the project • Duration of the planning process cycle used by the local jurisdiction. RTA's review should be returned to the local agency prior to key dates such as "staff report due", EIR Comment Period closes", or "Planning Commission meeting". RTA' S RECOMMENDATIONS TO OVERSEEING AGENCIES RTA can only advise and recommend project modifications that would benefit the transit user. There are very few state or federal laws governing transit amenities or pedestrian circulation, especially on local streets or private property. RTA's progress in establishing its standards is reliant on the good will and cooperative spirit of local jurisdictions working toward the common goal of improved mobility, less congestion and air pollution in the region. For example, economies can be achieved by joint development that includes a transit component. Although support is generally good throughout the county, local support for transit amenities can vary over time. Some jurisdictions, staff and elected leadership, welcome RTA's input to the planning process, while others may, with reason, ignore or reject the agency's recommendations. There are up to four phases of the RTA development review process once all the pertinent documents are received from the local jurisdiction or its consultants: 1. Internal Staff Review. A professional planner analyzes the project with respect to transit operations and may forward a technical report to the Director of Planning for approval. The Internal Review reports on the project's likely impacts on existing or future transit routes and discusses possible alternatives. The basic result of the staff review is either "no impacts to transit" or "there are transit amenity, pedestrian access or other operational improvements or suggestions". 2. Agency Letter. Whatever the internal staff recommendation, a formal letter is prepared that transforms the Internal Staff Review into either an approval document or a set of recommendations for the local jurisdiction or private developer to consider. Because RTA has no enforcement power, the letter will speak of advisory "recommendations" rather than "requirements" for project modifications that are in the best interests of Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 13 public mobility. Additionally, the RTA staff will often suggest language for Conditions of Approval that may be inserted to the final project materials. 3. Local Boards of Review. In some cases, RTA will make a presentation before local Development Review Committees, Planning Commissions and City Councils. 4. Implementation. As projects move to the construction stage, RTA staff, local agencies and developer may confer regarding practical adjustments to the approved plans. During the development review process, RTA staff may occasionally make a field visit or confer in person, or by phone with local staff or project proponents to gather all pertinent facts or explain RTA's recommendation. Staff has found that, especially for complex projects, these meetings can identify issues and solutions at the earliest possible date, much to the benefit of all. HOW TO APPEAL AN RTA STAFF RECOMMENDATION Developers, lead agencies, local government staff and other interested parties are invited to contact RTA staff if there are questions about an RTA recommend- dation. For contact information please see Table 1 on a previous page. The agency welcomes alternative approaches and always strives toward a "win/win" policy when working with the builder community and with local jurisdictions. Additionally, any developer, public agency, or person, may of course speak at any public meeting or official hearing appropriate to the RTA-related matter in question. For example, if RTA has recommended that the site plan for a new Senior's apartment complex include a bus loop circle in front of its recreation building, the developer might oppose providing such an amenity or offer an alternative. RTA recognizes that its transit amenity requests are suitable topics for public discussion and modification through prescribed channels relative to local Planning Commissions, City Councils or Board of Supervisors and among RTA staff, elected officials, local agency staff and the public. Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 14 PART III RTA ROLLING STOCK Introduction to the Design Specifications portion of the Guidelines Disclaimer: These Design Guidelines are intended to provide accurate, authoritative direction for general situations. They are not intended to provide site -specific, detailed public transit, engineering, architectural, construction, legal or other information. The reader will need to adjust the information contained in the Guidelines to site -specific needs, constraints, and to all applicable laws, regulations and codes. Further, if the reader desires expert advice concerning any of the technical references contained in these Guidelines, the reader is encouraged to retain the services of appropriate expert(s). These Guidelines are provided with the understanding that the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) is not engaged in the rendering of any professional service. Figure 6 - Typical RTA transit bus at the Operations Center Why have Design Guidelines for the rolling stock? • To support basic bus operations and safety requirements; • To conform to most current standards used by other transit operators in Southern California; • To provide the amenities necessary for attracting and maintaining transit patronage; • To anticipate and support benefits to developers or local agencies in providing transit services to their future residents, tenants and customers; • To ensure transit's infrastructure is compatible with other roadway uses. Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 15 TRANSIT VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS IN GENERAL When designing roadways, intersections, bus stops and other transit facilities, vehicle characteristics should always be considered. Vehicle height, width, weight and turning radius are among the items that will factor into roadway, curb- side and transit facility design. Designing local infrastructure to accommodate transit vehicles will ensure efficient maneuverability and enhance passenger safety, convenience and comfort. Why coordinate roadway design to accommodate transit vehicles? • Its less costly to modify roadway design before construction occurs; • It minimizes bus encroachment into other lanes of traffic; • It reduces damage to property, vehicles and road pavement; • Makes travel times more efficient; • Improves passenger comfort, particularly during turning movements; The Guidelines provide illustrations and design parameters for three basic vehicle types, large, medium and small buses. Other vehicles, such as trolley car -like conversions are used on occasion but generally their characteristics are not critical in designing streets and facilities. 1) Large Bus Category: • "Standard" urban, intercity and suburban buses - typically 38 to 45 ft long and carries up to 50 passengers. Most large RTA buses are 40 ft long; Figure 7 - Typical large transit bus — RTA "Flag bus" in Downtown Riverside Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 16 2) Medium Bus Category: • Suburban transit buses, typically 25 to 35 feet long or less, and carry approximately 30 passengers and fit well within typical suburban neighborhoods of the RTA service area. Includes commuter buses. � '• ZS c9RWM Fig 8 - CommuterLink bus at the N Main Metrolink Station 3) Small Bus Category: • Small buses are van -sized passenger vehicles used for shorter fixed -route service or paratranist service for Seniors or persons with disabilities. These vehicles do not exceed 28 feet in length nor carry more than 12 to 17 passengers. Fig 9 — Small bus category A word about TRANSIT FUELING: In response to air quality concerns, and government regulation, the industry has been transitioning to alternative fuels. As a result of 1999 RTA Board policy, all large RTA buses have been transitioned to cleaner -running compressed natural gas (CNG). Some of the smaller paratransit- type vehicles continue to operate on conventional gasoline. Clean fuels allow buses to now be temporarily housed or parked in areas that would have caused health, cleanliness and odor annoyances in the past. The Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 17 clean -running bus, more than ever, is now considered a good neighbor to schools, restaurants, office park environments, transit centers and other locations where appearance and health effects are primary considerations. DETAILS FOR RTA BUS CONFIGURATIONS: As described above, RTA operates three major types of vehicles: • Large transit coaches (usually 40 ft long) • Mid -size transit vehicles (30 to 35 ft long) • Smaller passenger vans (28 ft long or less) Designing for transit begins with factoring bus size and maneuverability into street and site planning. The most important dimensions are: • Bus width between outside edges of the driver's side -view mirrors • Bumper -to -bumper length of bus • Height of bus above pavement to top of air conditioning or other units • Another obvious rule of thumb is: "space for a large bus can usually accommodate a small bus" Large Transit Buses: Traditionally used in urban transit service, RTA's large transit buses are 40 -feet long and seat approximately 43 to 50 passengers. Some buses, such as CommuterLink equipment, are slightly smaller (32 feet long) and seat 27 passengers. The Riverside Transit Agency uses large transit buses on most of its local and commuter services throughout Riverside County. All RTA buses are equipped with bicycle racks; either front or rear door wheel- chair lifts, or a front-end kneeling feature that reduces the step-up height for mobility -impaired patrons. Diagrams on the following pages illustrate the critical dimensions of RTA buses: (This space intentionally left blank) Riverside Transit Agency - Design Guidelines - August 2004 18