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;
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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)
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