2017 SCORT Conference Washington, DC Rail Plan Review The background image is a placeholder. 2017 SCORT Conference Washington, DC
Current Rail Impact to Virginia
Rail Plan: Approach Data Collection Chapter Development Outreach Passenger Ridership Freight Commodity Flows Class I / III Profiles Socioeconomic Chapter Development Draft Chapter 1: FRA Role of Rail Draft Chapter 2: FRA Existing Conditions In Development: Chapter 3 & 4 Unconstrained Project List Outreach Rail Plan Website (varailplan.org) SYIP Public Meetings Public Survey Stakeholder Workshop
Stakeholder Workshop 1: Outreach Results Stakeholder Responses How should Virginia prioritize future freight rail service decisions? Increased speed/reliability to existing distributors Increased access to new distributors Alleviate network bottlenecks Expanded incentive programs Construction of new routes to accommodate economic growth
Virginia Railroad Association Sidings and Storage Update Guidelines Improve Split/Clawback Lack Connectivity with General Public Would Use Economic Analysis Data Improve Highway Operations Improve Rail Operations Increase Rail Preservation Handle Size/Type of Class I Volume Bridges Grade Separated Crossings Industrial Access Public Profile
Public Survey Public Survey: Outreach Results - Less than 1 min. - Promote Plan - 50+ Respondents - 87% Urban Crescent - 1,000 people “reached”
Outreach Results Last Mile Connections Increased Frequency on Existing Lines Improved Reliability on Existing Lines Policies that Promote Operational Efficiency Increased Funding Programs Alleviate Chokepoints Develop Third-Party Policy Guidance Goals
Statewide Economic Analysis
Statewide Economic Analysis
Rail Plan: Going further Context in Virginia Goals Economic Impact Policies Document Structure Data Analysis Federal Funding 2017 Virginia Rail Plan Minimum Requirements
2017 VA Rail Plan – Moving Forward Defining VA Investment Priorities Freight vs Passenger Incremental vs Corridor Development Defining VA Policies Station Development Modal Connectivity Inter-State Cooperation Public Ownership Return on Investment Defining VA Goals Existing vs New Service Speed vs Reliability Operation vs Capacity Rail vs Other Modes
Rail Plan: Going further Economic Impact Analysis - Regional Base Economic Analysis - Defining Regional Industries Conducive to Rail - Defining Investments to Serve Businesses - Projecting Economic Impact Continued Outreach - One-on-One Interviews - Public Meeting - Additional Public Surveys - Additional Stakeholder Workshop Executive Summary - Primary Source of Information - Marketing Document - Context in Virginia
Regional Economic Analysis Baseline Demand Assessment Business Sectors & Locations Volume & Commodity Type Existing Network Demand Trend Data Projected Volume & Commodity Type Population & Employment Projections Labor Market Trends & Initiatives Improvement Scenario Data Potential Rail Diversion Scenario Benefits Based on Mode Shift
Regional Economic Analysis
Regional Economic Analysis *2012 Data
Regional Economic Analysis
Regional Economic Analysis Scenario Analysis Characterize rail investment types with potential to capture additional rail travel (i.e. sidings, industrial spur, etc.) Evaluate economic benefits of freight diversion (i.e. vmt diversion, jobs, output, etc.)
Thank You Questions?