CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Transcription

1 CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY Blue Line Extension to Schaumburg RTA Northwest Corridor Phase II Alternatives Analysis May 8, 2003

2 Project Overview In June 2002 RTA requested that CTA, Pace, Metra and ISTHA, along with the Northwest Municipal Conference, participate in their Northwest Corridor Phase II Alternatives Analysis. This Alternatives Analysis follows from RTA s April 2000 Northwest Corridor Transit Feasibility Study, which concluded that the Blue Line extension would move more people out of cars and onto transit than any other investment in the corridor. The CTA proposal takes advantage of unique opportunities afforded by the speed, capacity and level of frequent service of heavy rail rapid transit. The plan provides two options for traveling between Schaumburg and the western access point of O'Hare.

3 Connecting Directly to O Hare and Chicago Alignment of April 2000 Study was in Northwest Tollway (I- 90), as a branch of Blue Line from Rosemont. Required transfer between O Hare and Northwest Corridor. O'Hare Modernization Program allows for a direct link to Northwest Corridor from Blue Line via extension of subway to new Western Terminal. Fast, convenient, one-seat connection between Northwest Corridor, O'Hare Airport, and Chicago now possible. Courtesy of City of Chicago Department of Aviation, 2003

4 Potential for Diverse Customer Base Proposed alignments connect high-density neighborhoods of Chicago with employment rich areas of Elk Grove Village, Rosemont, Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg. Provides 24-hour service for first, second and third shift commute market. Provides transit service for Woodfield Mall area shoppers and moviegoers, as well as proposed Schaumburg Convention Center. Provides service for passengers traveling between O Hare and Northwest communities and connects airport with hotels and convention facilities.

5 Alignment Highlights North Option proceeds within the proposed O'Hare Western Bypass corridor and within or near the existing Northwest Tollway corridor. South Option proceeds within the proposed Elgin-O'Hare Expressway corridor and within or near the existing I-290 corridor.

6 Population Density North Option South Option O Hare Rosemont Population Density (inhabitants per square mile) Source: 2000 U.S. Census uninhabited 1-5,000 5,000-10,000 10,000-20,000 >20,000

7 Employment Density North Option South Option O Hare Rosemont Employment Population Density (employees (inhabitants per square mile) Source: 2000 Claritas, U.S. Census ,500 uninhabited 2,500-5, ,000 5,000-10,000 >10,000 10,000-20,000 >20,000

8 Population Change South Option North Option O Hare Rosemont Population Change ( ) Source: U.S. Census > 20% increase 10-20% increase % increase no change (±2.5%) % decrease 10-20% decrease > 20% decrease

9 Connecting Communities Stations to include bus transfer facilities and would leverage Pace circulator, arterial and Bus Rapid Transit services. Schaumburg Convention Center connects to BRT service from the west on I-90 and north-south BRT service on I-290. O Hare western terminal facility provides transfer to Metra.

10 North Alignment

11 North Alignment

12 North Alignment

13 North Alignment

14 North Alignment

15 South Alignment

16 South Alignment

17 South Alignment

18 South Alignment

19 Modal Characteristics

20 Modal Service Capacity Frequency of service (opening day assumption): 8-10 minute peak and offpeak headways 24-hour service, 7 days per week Capacity Comparison Service frequency and capacity can readily be tailored to demand.

21 Estimated Travel Times Schaumburg- Convention Center Schaumburg- Woodfield Mall Rolling Meadows Arlington Heights Mount Prospect Des Plaines Elk Grove V illage O Hare West North Option South Option TOTAL TRAVEL TIME: 15.5 MINUTES TOTAL DISTANCE: 10.6 MILES TOTAL TRAVEL TIME: 15 MINUTES TOTAL DISTANCE: 10.3 MILES Schaum burg- W oodfield Mal l burgon Center Higgi R oad ns Elk Gr ove Vil lage Itasc a Bensenvill e- Wood Dale O Hare West X minutes (including dwell time) Schaum Conventi

22 Completing the Process The RTA will facilitate selection of the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) from the proposals submitted by the service providers. After May 8 public meeting, the Northwest Transit Corridor Municipal Task Force will select and recommend a Locally Preferred Alternative at meeting scheduled for May 14. RTA Board adopts resolution endorsing LPA selection and recommending LPA to CATS at June meeting. Appropriate service board to undertake completion of Alternatives Analysis, including Draft Environmental Impacts Analysis and financial plan, as required by FTA.