Short Range Transit Improvement Plan CITY OF HIGH POINT Sounding Board/Steering Committee Meeting Service Recommendations January 13, 2015

Agenda Review of Recent Project Activities – Revision of initial service recommendations – Development of SRTP Fixed-Route Service Recommendations – Revised service recommendations Demand-Responsive Service Recommendations Transit Infrastructure Recommendations

Goals and Objectives Exceed customer expectations Improve service for workers Provide better access to job centers Emphasize safety Improve reliability Meet existing and future demand Reduce travel time Expand coverage Attract new riders Service populations most in need

Service Development Scenarios Promote key transit corridors Reduce duplicative service Eliminate unproductive services Improve connection opportunities between routes Connect housing locations with activity centers Encourage the use of fixed-route service rather than demand-responsive service

Service Span Coverage Frequency Service Planning Puzzle

Fixed-Route Recommendations Creation of a Service Hierarchy – Routes 10, 11, 16 – Key Local Bus Routes – Warrant extended spans and higher frequencies Re-designate Route 17 as a crosstown route on Lexington Avenue Palladium/Deep River Circulator – Does not connect with downtown, but allows for more service in this region – Transfer center between PART/Hi-tran services

Service Modifications RouteService ModificationRecommendation(s) 10YesDesignate as trunk route; enhance service span 11YesDesignate as trunk route; enhance service span 12YesSuggest elimination of route; reinvest savings into system 13YesReplace Route 17 service south of Montlieu Avenue 14YesMinor route adjustment at Juanita Hills terminus 15 (Sat)YesSuggest elimination of route; reinvest savings into system 16NoDesignate as trunk route; enhance service span 17YesDesignate as crosstown route; realign service 18YesNew service on Russell Avenue, realign service on Kivett 19YesModify route to serve Prospect Street and south High Point 20YesModify route to serve Green Drive and south High Point 21YesSuggest elimination of route; reinvest savings into system 25YesModify route to serve Washington Drive and Gordon Street PDCNewNew service in Palladium/Deep River district

Fixed-Route Service Plan

Boardings by Stop Location

Wants, Needs, and Realities Total number of trips for most local routes decreased – Tradeoff for new service to Palladium/Deep River region, service adjustments to existing routes to cover cost of expansion Sufficient fleet available to satisfy service recommendations – Expansion of new services will require additional fleet – Average cost of a 35-foot bus: $500,000 Initial estimates suggest 2-5% bump in ridership (conservative assumption) Span of service is the critical need

Funding Biggest challenge Assumed a neutral funding scenario – No additional funding over the life of the SRTP – Conservative approach Inflation costs (3% annually) – Increased costs for fuel, spare parts, insurance, wages, etc. Consider various funding scenarios – Increased frequency – Increased span of service

Estimated Operating Costs DayFY13/FY14RecommendationsDifference Weekdays $2,285,100 $2,315,800 $30,700 Saturdays $129,300 $141,000 $11,700 Total $2,414,400 $2,456,800 $42,400 Cost Assumptions Operating Weekdays – 250 Operating Saturdays – 52 Cost per Hour – $39.42 Cost per Mile – $1.35 Overhead Factor – 1.24 Costs shown do not include fare revenues Assumes 30 minute peak period frequency, 60 minute off peak for most routes (exception is Route 25)

Future Funding Opportunities Fare increase Student transportation fees Employer partnerships Advertising revenues Federal funding programs – Section 5303 – Metropolitan Planning Program – Section 5307 – Urbanized Area Formula Program – Section 5310 – Elderly and Disabled Transportation Program

Demand-Responsive Service Recommendations Modify service eligibility requirements, particularly the passenger age requirement Institute a transit travel training program for seniors and persons with disabilities Establish a Community Service route to consolidate trips to common locations – Common cost-saving practice used by transit agencies – Identify similar trip patterns, and create a special service that consolidates trips to a common destination Consider a free fare policy on fixed-route services for qualified demand-responsive participants

Demand-Responsive Service Recommendations Schedule non-essential trips during low-volume periods Create a bus stop improvement program for improved bus stop accessibility Consider a functional assessment test as part of demand eligibility determination Establish a supplemental service agreement with area taxi providers Shorten pre-scheduled trip booking period

Transit Infrastructure Fixed-route vehicle fleet replacement – Vehicle procurement contract awarded – Rebranding opportunity Passenger facilities and amenities – Sheltered stops at high boarding/alighting locations – Continue to invest in bus stop benches, concrete pads, sidewalks – Placement of stops and amenities near social service organizations Upgrades to the operations and maintenance center – Vehicle lifts, expansion of facility for fleet growth Intelligent transportation systems solutions – Pilot project on Centennial, East Green, or Westchester

Existing Bus Stops

Additional Recommendations Conduct full bus stop inventory – Review warrants for bus stop sizing, spacing, design standards Consider consolidation of stops – Increases ridership with faster service – Fewer stops result in easier to understand route maps – Lowers operating and capital costs Collect updated data on boardings by location – Prioritize bus shelter and other investments based on boardings Consider capital infrastructure improvement fund – Sidewalks, lighting, street furniture

THANK YOU