Reinventing Union Station

Transcription

1 Reinventing Union Station Come see for yourself on May 9 A new city within a city is being constructed in LoDo and it s never been a more exciting time to be in downtown Denver. What used to be a rarely used rail yard is now a bustling urban environment, bursting with new businesses, new buildings, and new transportation options. The heart of this urban transformation is RTD s Union Station Transit Center, providing more transportation services, better connections, and easier access than ever before. A complete transit experience, and significant architectural icon, Union Station offers light rail, a new 22-gate bus concourse, the new Free MetroRide, Amtrak and, in 2016, commuter rail under one roof. Union Station Transit Center Years of planning and building have gone into creating a world-class transportation hub, and a new epicenter for downtown travel, commerce, and entertainment. We re reinventing Union Station with a whole lot of new: new transit facilities, new public spaces, new restaurants, and a new hotel. New underground bus concourse The new 22-gate underground bus concourse will replace Market Street Station as the LoDo bus hub, providing riders with a sleek, more efficient facility that offers easy connections to light rail and commuter rail (opening in 2016). Free MetroRide A brand new commuter option, the Free MetroRide will provide fast and frequent service through the bus concourse, connecting Union Station and Civic Center Station by way of 18th and 19th Street at 13 uniquely branded stops. It s the perfect rush hour alternative to the 16th Street Free MallRide. Commuter rail tracks Though not opening until 2016, we re preparing for commuter rail with 8 new tracks. In 2016, lines will run between Union Station and Denver International Airport, Arvada/Wheat Ridge, and Westminster, making Denver s transit system even more global and accessible. Retail, offices, and apartments galore Union Station will truly become an urban lifestyle center. More than 100,000 square feet of new retail, including restaurants, boutiques, and a brand new King Soopers, 750,000 square feet of office space, 2,000 new apartments, and 400 new hotel rooms are being constructed within or around the station areas by various partners. This includes the luxurious Crawford Hotel in the historic Union Station building, opening July 12. In addition, we re building more than 15 acres of plazas, parks, and public spaces to better connect all of the elements in a pedestrian-friendly environment.

2 Union Station Bus Concourse As a part of the world-class Union Station Transit Center, the Union Station Bus Concourse is a brand new 22-gate underground bus facility that will serve 16 distinct bus routes, and the new Free MetroRide, providing easy connections to all the transportation options available downtown. The Union Station Bus Concourse is a sleek and modern transit facility that stretches nearly 1,000 feet underground beneath 17th Street, between Chestnut Place and Wewatta Street. The new facility was built with an eye towards sustainability and is in the process of being certified as a LEED Silver building. By 2030, the Union Station Transit Center, including the bus concourse and the new train hall, is projected to serve 200,000 passengers in and out of the station, with 500 trains per day. Bus concourse facts and figures 22 bus bays More than double the amount at the bus facility located at Market Street 12 bays dedicated to Regional and Express buses 8 bays dedicated to the new Free MetroRide 2 bays available for other commercial services 1,000 feet Length of the entire bus concourse, including the drive lanes 800 feet Length of the pedestrian concourse, inside the bus concourse 1,113 Number of buses scheduled to run through the bus concourse on an average weekday 428 Number of buses that will enter/exit through the Chestnut Street entrance 427 Number of buses that will enter/exit through the 18th and Wynkoop Street entrance 267 Number of buses that will enter/exit on the HOV lane Bus routes in the concourse There are 16 bus routes that will pass through the Union Station Bus Concourse. Easy connections can be made to light rail, the Free MallRide, and the Free MetroRide. AF to the airport 86X to Westminster 0 local service south 31X to Federal Heights 104X to Commerce City on Broadway 40X to Thornton 120X to Thornton 20 local service east to 55X to Olde Town Arvada B to Boulder Anschutz Medical Campus 72X to Arvada West L to Longmont 32 to City Park 80X to Arvada North S to east Boulder Free MetroRide Closing of Market Street Station With the grand opening of the new Union Station Bus Concourse on May 9, the current downtown bus facility at Market Street Station will close. All buses that currently route through Market Street Station will utilize Union Station instead. Market Street Station will no longer be in operation as of May 11, 2014.

3 Chestnut Pl Free MetroRide With limited stops between the new Union Station Bus Concourse and Civic Center Station along 18th and 19th streets, the Free MetroRide is the perfect option for downtown commuters. This free bus service will run during weekday rush hours (M-F, 6-9 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.) and will provide convenient connections to bus, light rail and future commuter rail lines. The Free MetroRide is a fast, reliable alternative and convenient companion service to the 16th Street Free MallRide. The Free MetroRide will be easy to pick out on the street because of its distinctive color scheme. The teal and silver color palette will distinguish the Free MetroRide from other RTD buses that may run along 18th Street, 19th Street, and through Union Station. Schedule The Free MetroRide will provide frequent service during morning and evening rush hours only. Service to run Monday Friday, between 6:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Stops Union Station to Civic Center Station Union Station Bus Concourse 19th St & Blake St 19th St & Lawrence St 19th St & Curtis St 19th St & Stout St Broadway & 18th St 16th Ave & Broadway Civic Center Station to Union Station Lincoln St & 17th Ave 18th St & Glenarm Pl 18th St & California St 18th St & Curtis St 18th St & Lawrence St 18th & Market St (future) 18th St & Wazee St 20th St Broadway D 19th St Wewatta St Coors Field 18th St 19th St 19th St 18th St Sherman St Lincoln St 19th Ave 18th Ave Grant St 17th Ave E C W UNION STATION Wynkoop St Wazee St Blake St Market St Larimer St Lawrence St Arapahoe St 17th St 16th St Curtis St Champa St Stout St California St Welton St Glenarm Pl Tremont Pl 16th Ave Cherry Creek Free MetroRide Free MetroRide, underground Free MallRide MetroRide stop Bus station Speer Blvd Larimer Square Skyline Park 15th St 14th St Denver Performing Arts Complex 13th St H F D H F D Colorado Convention Center Denver Pavilions Court Pl Cleveland Pl CIVIC CENTER STATION Civic Center Light rail station e Future stop

4 The Free MetroRide Bus Length: 61 ft. Height: 10 ft, 6 in Weight: 42,000 lbs (empty) Maximum speed: 65 m.p.h. Fleet: 12 vehicles Bus Capacity: 95 (including seated and standing passengers) Seats: 47 Wheelchair spaces: 2 Engine type: Ultra-low emission diesel History 2004 RTD approves plan for a downtown circulator bus to relieve projected congestion on the Free MallRide due to incoming rail lines as a part of RTD FasTracks program 2005 City and County of Denver Downtown Multi-modal Access Plan (DMAP) identified the 18th/19th Street route for the service 2010 RTD completed a study further defining the route, stop locations, and operating details 2012 RTD announced that the downtown circulator project will open as a peak period only service 2013 RTD breaks ground at 17th Ave and Lincoln 2014 Free MetroRide opens on May Free MetroRide will accommodate additional downtown ridership demands based on the opening of the East Rail Line, Gold Line, and Northwest Rail Line operating out of Union Station

5 Commuter Rail at Union Station Coming in 2016 Completion of the Union Station Transit Center is the first step toward bringing commuter rail to the RTD system. In 2016, the East Rail Line will open and begin running trains through Union Station to Denver International Airport. The Gold Line to Arvada/Wheat Ridge and Northwest Rail Line to Westminster also open at this time with stops at Union Station, expanding the RTD service area, and creating important connections with bus, light rail, and DIA. To the west of the historic Union Station sits the iconic train hall with the bold arching white canopy. The train canopy is designed with a stunning oculus in the center to maintain the view down 17th Street and of the historic Union Station building. The train hall includes eight ground level tracks to accommodate passenger rail service, and Amtrak trains, which began operating within the train hall in March The train hall sits above the brand new underground bus concourse, with 22 bus gates and service plans to accommodate RTD s local, regional, and express bus system passing through downtown. About commuter rail tracks Passengers will be able to walk directly from the platform onto the commuter rail trains without climbing stairs. This is made possible by sinking the commuter rail tracks deeper into the ground at the station platform. Each entrance to the train will be accessible by wheelchair, with no ramp necessary. Passengers cannot step across these deeper commuter rail tracks as they do with the light rail. To gain access to another train platform, passengers will need to walk around the end of the tracks, use the underground bus concourse, or use the pedestrian bridge located at the north side of the train hall. Union Station commuter rail track assignments: Platforms 1, 2, 3: East Rail Line to DIA (open in 2016) and North Metro to 124th Avenue (open in 2018) Platforms 4, 5: Platforms 6, 7, 8: Amtrak (now open) Gold Line to Arvada/Wheat Ridge (open in 2016) and Northwest Rail Line to Westminster (open in 2016)

6 Facts and figures: RTD purchased 66 commuter rail vehicles to service the East Rail Line, Northwest Rail Line, Gold Line and North Metro Rail Line The commuter rail cars were manufactured at Hyundai Rotem s plant in South Korea, then assembled at the company s U.S. plant in Philadelphia 500 trains per day are projected to travel through Union Station in 2030 Commuter rail train car specifications RTD s commuter rail vehicles are heavier than light rail vehicles, but operate in a similar way. The vehicle is powered by an overhead electrical system and each vehicle is equipped with traction motors. These vehicles are designed to move at faster speeds, travel longer distances, and have fewer stops. Commuter rail vehicles will provide a comfortable ride with larger seats, overhead storage, luggage towers, and bicycle racks. Length: Height: Weight: Maximum speed: 85 ft. 15 ft. 1,400 tons (empty) 79 m.p.h. (operational) Seats: 91 Total capacity: 209 (including standees) Wheelchair spaces: 2 Motor power rating: Power source: Turning radius: Commuter rail steel: 620 horsepower per commuter rail vehicle 25,000 volts alternating current on an overhead electrical system 250 ft. (minimum) 115 lbs. per yard

7 Union Station historic building Denver s Union Station is a well-loved historic building and great care has been taken to preserve the iconic design, architecturally significant elements, and historic transit elements while transforming the space into a modern, mixed-use, transit-oriented hub. The historic building and all the elements within are scheduled to open July 12, The Great Hall The historic Union Station building is being transformed into an independent hotel and a 22,000 square foot Great Hall, complemented by a 12,000 square foot public common area and 40,000 square feet of outdoor plaza space, all open to the public, travelers, and the surrounding communities. Denver s Larimer Associates is curating a mix of locally owned restaurants and retail options for the Great Hall and first floor, including multiple quick-serve convenience food venues and retail areas, two bars, and specialty gift shops. Additionally, four lead restaurants have been announced: Mercantile Dining & Provisions:a new concept by Alex Seidel, chef and creator of Denver s Fruition Restaurant, to be featured in the north end of the building The Kitchen Next Door: complementary to The Kitchen Denver s LoDo location in the south wing of the building Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: will serve breakfast & lunch daily in the north wing Stoic & Genuine: a seafood-centric restaurant from Chef Jennifer Jasinski and business partner Beth Gruitch (owner of Roja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall) Crawford Hotel The Crawford Hotel is a 112-room independent hotel that will fill the upper levels of the historic building. The Crawford Hotel, named after Union Station partner Dana Crawford, is to be managed by Denver s Sage Hospitality. The Crawford Hotel will feature several different types of rooms, including a transit themed room: The Pullman rooms on the second level evoke train travel at its heyday. With a subtle Art Deco nod, these rooms are a modern take on the glamorous private sleeping cars of train travel. (20 rooms) The Classic guest rooms on the third floor are inspired by the building s Victorian-era beginnings. With a contemporary twist on traditional, classic design styles and with soaring ceilings and expansive windows, they bring a touch of modern elegance and luxury. (59 rooms) The contemporary Loft rooms occupy the uppermost floor of the hotel in the former attic, with exposed wood timbers and high vaulted ceilings. These rooms are inspired by the urban characteristics of Denver and the Lower Downtown neighborhood that evolved around Union Station. (32 rooms)

8 Thinking Green Public green space The transformation of Union Station will create multiple open public spaces and green, park-like settings, including the Wynkoop Plaza, the Wewatta Pavilion, the 17th Street Promenade, and the Chestnut Pavilion. Each pavilion has planters and trees to create a lush, inviting atmosphere. The intention is to create a welcoming environment for pedestrians, commuters, and tourists. Between the transit destinations, travelers will find welcoming benches, courtyards, water features and other outdoor amenities. Wynkoop Plaza, located along Wynkoop Street, is a public space designed to accommodate outdoor concerts, festivals, and holiday gatherings. These public spaces will provide convenient access to the new retail and restaurants. Sustainability The Union Station Bus Concourse is in the process of being certified as a LEED Silver building and is one of the few transit facilities in the nation to have this level of certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is recognized as the premier mark of achievement in green building. Many of the strategies listed below are taken into account as a part of the certification and have helped RTD build a sustainable transit center. The final building will be up to 30% more energy efficient than a standard/comparable building During construction, RTD reduced the use of raw materials and reduced the amount of fossil fuel consumption by using over 20% recycled materials and 10% regional materials Provide cleaner air by increasing the ventilation by 30% and using low-emitting materials Provide natural light to the underground concourse through seven skylights Create a healthy environment by using low VOC (volatile organic compound) products Implement a green cleaning policy within the facility Implement an Exterior and Hardscape Management Plan for site maintenance

9 Light Rail The light rail platform at Union Station was relocated in 2012 to accommodate the renovation of Union Station. The current light rail platform located on Chestnut Street was opened in April 2012 and serves as the end of line station for the C, E and W light rail lines. The signature white canopy over the platform matches the new train hall canopy, which in 2016, will house commuter rail service to DIA, Arvada/Wheat Ridge and Westminster. Facts and figures RTD currently has 172 light rail vehicles Current fleet includes 49 older Siemens SD-100 models and 123 newer SD-160 models Siemens Transportation Systems built all of RTD s light rail vehicles in Sacramento, California 16 of RTD s light rail vehicles have reached the one-million mile mark A light rail vehicles lifespan is approximately two-million miles, or 30 years Light rail specifications RTD s light rail vehicles are bi-directional, six-axle vehicles with a light frame and tight turning radius suitable for urban operations with frequent stops. They have large windows, air conditioning and heating units. The light rail vehicles meet ADA requirements and feature automated audio and visual elements. Length: 81.4 ft. Height: 12.4 ft. Weight: 89,560 lbs (empty) Maximum speed: 55 m.p.h. (operational) Seats: 64 Total capacity: 155 (including seated and standing passengers) Wheelchair spaces: 4 Motor power rating: 800 horsepower per light rail vehicle Suspension: Coil spring Turning radius: 82 ft. (minimum) Light rail steel: 115 lbs per yard

10 16th Street Free MallRide Experience the sights and sounds of downtown Denver with RTD s Free MallRide. This shuttle bus travels between Union Station and Civic Center Station, stopping every block. This free bus is an easy way to get to your favorite restaurants, shops, tourist attractions, and businesses up and down the 16th Street Mall. Schedule: The Free MallRide begins running as early as 5:15 a.m. on weekdays and runs seven days a week. Frequent service during morning and evening rush hours, with a bus arriving nearly every 1½ minutes The last round-trip leaves from Union Station at 1:21 a.m. The Free MallRide bus Length: 45 ft. Height: 11.5 ft. Weight: 25,000 lbs Maximum speed on mall/off mall: 15 m.p.h./25 m.p.h. Fleet: 38 vehicles Total capacity: 55 (seated and standing passengers) Seats: 18 Wheelchair spaces: 2 Engine type: Hybrid electric and CNG engines Route: 1.4 miles one-way, 2.8 round trip Ridership: Average weekday boardings: 44, boardings: 13,679,785 History 1982 RTD began providing free rides up and down the brand new 16th Street Mall on the Free MallRide. The RTD Market Street and Civic Center Stations served as the two ends of the 16th Street Mall 2001 Free MallRide service (and the Mall) extended from Market Street to Union Station 2002 The C line opened at Union Station 2006 The E line opened at Union Station 2011 The Free MallRide was extended to the current light rail station at 17th and Chestnut 2013 The W line opened at Union Station 2014 The bus concourse at the Union Station Transit Center and the Free MetroRide open, providing connections to bus, light rail, and, in 2016, commuter rail

11 June 1870 June 1881 March 1894 July 1906 December s -1950s Union Station History First train arrived in Denver s Central Platte Valley. The Union Depot and Railroad Company built Denver s first Union Station at a cost of $525,000. The original Union Station burned down; the fire was ignited by the electrical system of the ladies restroom. The damage was substantial and the building was replaced with a lower roofline and a stone clock tower. Mayor Robert Speer dedicated the Mizpah Arch (also known as the Welcome Arch) in front of Union Station. Mizpah was a Native American word that meant Howdy, Partner. The Mizpah Arch a 65-foot high, 85-foot wide gateway structure with 2,194 light bulbs and served as Denver s front door Denver Union Terminal Railway Co. tore down the stone clock tower replacing it with the building s lower expanded center section that you see today. 1990s The Mizpah Arch was dismantled after being deemed a traffic hazard. The glory days of Denver Union Station; operating 80 trains a day. During this time, Union Station served more than a million passengers a year and served more passengers than Stapleton Airport until Improvements began to the areas surrounding Union Station: removal of the viaducts over the Platte River and I-25, development of River Front Park, Commons Park and the construction of the Millennium Bridge connecting 16th Street Mall with Commons Park The Central Platte Valley Light Rail (now known as the C line) was built, creating a modern public transit connection to Union Station. August 2001 May 2002 November 2006 October 2008 September 2009 March 2010 May 2014 RTD purchased the historic building at Denver Union Station and acres of surrounding land. RTD, City and County of Denver, Colorado Department of Transportation and the Denver Regional Council of Governments partnered to develop a Master Plan and conduct an Environmental Impact Statement for Union Station. The partner agencies announced the selection of the Union Station Neighborhood Company (USNC) as the master developer to head the redevelopment and preservation of Denver s historic Union Station. The FTA signed the Denver Union Station Record of Decision, which allowed for the redevelopment project to proceed. The Denver Union Station Project Authority (DUSPA) is contracted to oversee the project s schedule, development and financial plans. Construction begins to create a mixed-use, transit-oriented development. The new Union Station Bus Concourse opens to the public!

12 Be Safe around Buses and Trains At RTD, your safety is our number one priority. The new Union Station Transit Center provides many new and improved transportation options to the downtown area. With new transit options come new and changing safety concerns for pedestrians and travelers. Safety around trains Commuter rail train tracks are much deeper than the light rail train Do NOT ever attempt to cross commuter rail train tracks To access different train platforms under the train hall, you must use the pedestrian bridge located on the north side of the train hall or use the underground bus concourse Stand behind the yellow lines at light rail and commuter rail platforms Stay away from the overhead electrical wires Safety on the street When walking through downtown, remember to STOP at all cross walks and look for bus and vehicle traffic Be aware of bus traffic in and out of the new Union Station Bus Concourse Remove headphones and be aware of the bus and train Never run in front of a train or bus

13 RTD s system expands RTD s Union Station Transit Center is a part of a $500 million dollar project to renovate the historic building, the rail lines leading into Union Station, and the surrounding areas. The opening of the brand new underground 22-gate bus concourse will bring RTD s bus service into a much larger and more efficient facility and provide riders with easy access to light rail, the new Free MetroRide, the Free MallRide, and commuter rail in RTD has a long history of providing bus service for the greater metro area and will continue to do so in this new and much anticipated facility. RTD system at a glance Service area population: 2.8 million Square miles in service area: 2,340 Weekday regular fixed-route scheduled miles: 118,385 (includes light rail and the Free MallRide) Annual regular fixed-route service miles operated: 45,246,715 (includes light rail) Active bus stops: 9,509 Park-n-Ride facilities: 74 Total number of regular fixed routes: 137 Light Rail: 6 Local: 65 Limited: 11 Express: 14 Regional: 17 SkyRide: 5 Boulder City Local: 13 Longmont City Local: 4 Misc: 3 (Free MallRide, Free MetroRide and ArtShuttle) Bus fleet Total buses (all are wheelchair lift-equipped): 992 RTD-owned and operated: 565 RTD-owned, leased to private carriers: 427 Peak-hour buses required: 779 (regular buses only) Average age of fleet: 10.2 years Annual low-sulpher biodiesel fuel consumption (RTD-operated buses only): 5.4 million gallons Access-a-Ride vehicles: 324 Call-n-Ride vehicles: 88