REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING Wednesday, October 2, 2013 1:30 p.m. REGULAR AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 1. Committee of the Whole October 2, 2013 RECOMMENDATION 1 (Unweighted Corporate Vote Simple Majority) That the Agenda of the October 2, 2013 regular meeting of the Committee of the Whole be approved as presented. B. NEW BUSINESS 1. North Okanagan Transit Future Plan Update Page 1 PowerPoint Presentation Implementation Schedule 2. 2014 Financial Plan Presentation and Workshop General Discussion Seeking Board input and direction C. ADJOURNMENT
Report on the North Okanagan Transit Future Plan September 23, 2013 1 Contents What is a Transit Future Plan, the Process, Vision & Goals Public Feedback on Existing Network Transit Mode Share Targets Historical Growth Vernon & Coldstream (Urban System) Future Growth Options Transit Future Service Types Proposed Ultimate Network Public Feedback on Proposed Network Implementation Schedule and Priorities, Short, Medium and Long Term Core and Local Transit Network Projected Service Hours Regional Network Projected Service Hours Resources Infrastructure Ongoing Initiatives Moving Forward and Next Steps What is a Transit Future Plan? A 25 year plan that creates a vision for transit and supports the economic, social and environmental sustainability goals of the region. Guides and prioritizes future investment in the transit system Sets ridership targets Identifies key transit corridors and the supporting local transit network Identifies the fleet, service hours and infrastructure needed to support the transit network Includes only the conventional (fixed route) in the City of Vernon, District of Coldstream and additional areas within the Regional District of North Okanagan. Page 1 of 15 1
Transit Future Plan Process Project Start-up Context Vision & Goals Network Development Implementation Strategy Adoption Complete Complete Complete Complete Approval being requested at this meeting. Printed document to be presented for endorsement Dec 2013/ Jan 2014. Project Timeline Spring 2012 Spring 2013 Fall 2013 Stakeholder Engagement Vision and Goals Vision Statement The North Okanagan System connects people and communities through cost effective, convenient, safe and accessible services Goals The transit system is an attractive alternative to the private vehicle. The transit system complements the regional goal of compact complete communities. The transit system aids in reducing environmental impacts and congestion. The transit system is efficient and cost effective The transit system is accessible. The transit system is integrated with other transportation plans. Public Feedback on Existing Network Highlights of what was heard during the public consultation: Transit should play an increasingly more important role in the community Make better use of neighbourhood centres as transfer points Need Park and Rides More frequent service needed Increase the hours h of servicei Add more holiday service Use smaller vehicles Would like Express/Rapid Bus services Routes could be more direct Service to areas with no existing service Improve the transit stop amenities and customer information Page 2 of 15 2
Transit Mode Share Targets The BC Provincial Transit Plan mode share target is 3% by 2020 increasing to 5% by 2030. This is an average for all BC regional services This does not take account of the fact that transit in North Okanagan is starting at very low base. The Transit Future Plan and Vernon Master Transportation Plan mode share target is 2.5% by 2038 for the urban service only. To meet this mode share target the Transit Future Plan adopts strategies to encourage incremental mode share growth. The network wide priorities developed are also aligned with transit supported land use in the Vernon and Coldstream OCPs and the RDNO Regional Growth Strategy. Historical Growth Vernon & Coldstream (Urban System) Vernon/Coldstream Service Hours Annualized Year Hours Change 1986 12,715 1991 13,910 2% 1996 13,951 0% 2001 14,104 0% 2006 13,317 1% 2011 24,737 17% AOA 2012/13 25,795 2% Growth of 94.5% over 25 years 1986 2011. Very limited growth in the system between 1986 and 2002, with service cutbacks implemented in 2003. Aggressive expansion began in 2008 after BC Transit funding freeze ended. Future Growth Options It is important to note that the service hours study treated the urban system (Vernon and Coldstream) as a unique system to the UBCO and Regional Routes. For the purpose of this study three service hour options were examined: 1) Matching the 1% projected population growth Page 3 of 15 3
Future Growth Options 2) Increasing service hours to match the trend in recent service hours growth Future Growth Options 3. Increasing service hours in the urban system (Vernon and Coldstream) in line with a 2.5% target and expanding service to meet the needs of the changing demographic. The UBCO and Regional routes have comparatively small bases and as such their growth in percentage terms is significantly higher than the 2.5% target attributed to the urban system. Comparison of all three Growth Options for the Urban Routing (Coldstream and Vernon) Transit Future Network Types Core Transit Network (CTN) Direct, frequent (service every 15 20 minutes) Service forms the spine of the network Routes in mixed traffic with some transit priority Local Transit Network (LTN) Frequency (30 minutes or greater) Connection to local destinations and inter and intra regional networks Neighbourhood Transit Network (NTN) Frequency (60 minutes or greater) Connection to local transit network Targeted Inter regional connections Intra regional Page 4 of 15 4
Proposed Ultimate Network Core Transit Network (CTN) New City Loop. New Village Green Centre to Polson Neighbourhood Centre. Downtown to Okanagan. College via Hospital. Local Transit Network Route (LTN) New Middleton Mountain to Okanagan College. New Foothills to Village Green Centre. Up to 8 routes covering urban area served today. Neighbourhood Transit Network (NTN) Blue Jay, BX, Waterfront Neighbourhood and Paddlewheel in line with future development patterns. Intraregional Routes to Lumby and Enderby via Spallumcheen and Armstrong. Interregional Route to UBCO Kelowna. Public Feedback on Proposed Network Attendees were able to provide feedback directly to BC Transit on board the Transit Future Bus at six Open Houses or via an on board survey and comment board Over 850 visitors were welcomed on board the bus Feedback opportunities included: Comment Board 363 written comments Paper Surveys 112 paper surveys Web Surveys 86 completed web surveys Email comments 6 direct email enquiries/comments Feedback Received: Overwhelming support for the proposed Future Transit Network. Implementation Schedule and Priorities Through stakeholder consultation, the proposed service changes have been categorized into: Short Term Implementation 1 to 5 years Medium Term Implementation 6 to 10 years Long Term Implementation 11 to 25+ years. Implementation is dependent on a number of factors: The availability of funding Community growth factors Phasing of major projects Service demand Opportunities for value added partnerships Page 5 of 15 5
Short Term, 1 to 5 years Proposed dimplementationl t ti Shdl Schedule 1. Core Transit Network (CTN) New Inner City Loop Service Day Type Hours of Operation Frequency Estimated Municipal Share of Costs Weekday 8am 4pm 15 mins $120,000 2. CTN New Village Green Centre to Downtown Service Village Green Centre Day Type Hours of Operation Frequency Weekday 6am 10pm 15 20 Saturday 8am 10pm 30 60 Sunday 9am 6pm 30 60 Estimated Municipal Share of Costs $310,000 *Does not include realigning of surrounding LTN routes Downtown Page 6 of 15 6
3. Local Transit Network (LTN) Realignment of Existing Routes 2 and 3 At the same time as the new spine route is added, to avoid overlapping service, routes 2 and 3 would be realigned. 4. CTN Extended to Polson Neighbourhood Centre Downtown Day Type Hours of Frequency Estimated Operation Municipal Share of Costs Weekday 6am 10pm 15 20 Saturday 8am 10pm 30 60 $150,000 Sunday 9am 6pm 30 60 Polson Neighbourhood * Does not include realigning of LTN route 4 Centre 5. LTN New Middletown Mountain Route Day Type Hours of Operation Frequency Estimated Local Share of Costs* Weekday 6am 8pm 60 $260,000 Page 7 of 15 7
6. LTN Realign Route 4 7. CTN & LTN Extend urban weekday service hours and improve weekend service Service Change Options Estimated Local Share of Costs* a) Extend evening service from 7.20pm to 9.15pm on Monday to Thursday $96,000 b) Extend Sunday service from 11.00am to 8.00am $36,000 c) Extend Sunday service from 4.45pm to 7.00pm $36,000 d) Extend Friday & Saturday evening hours of service from 9.15pm to 11.00pm $48,000 e) Extend evening service from 7.20pm to 11.00pm on Monday to Thursday $192,000 f) Introduce Saturday service frequency on Sunday $144,000 * Increases of service hours or kilometres travelled can trigger the need for further spare busses. 8. Coordinate schedule alignment with Salmon Arm service to Enderby 9. Examine Kiss and Ride stations at Downtown Terminus and Okanagan College 10. Examine transfer points/secondary exchange improvement possibilities at Village Green Centre, Polson Neighbourhood Centre and Okanagan College Page 8 of 15 8
Medium Term, 6 to 10 years Proposed dimplementationl t ti Shdl Schedule 11. Improve Regional Connections to Kelowna by filling in all weekday gaps to offer hourly trips (7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday) Estimated local cost = $38,000 12. Improve regional connections to better meet interregional transfers (transfers to Route 90) 13. New Neighbourhood Transit Network (LTN) Route Foothills to Village Green Centre (hourly service, Monday to Friday) Estimated local cost $125,000 (including( g bus) ) 14. New NTN Route Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre as it builds up in line with OCP (hourly service Monday to Friday) Estimated municipal local $125,000 (including bus) 15. New NTN Routes to Blue Jay, BX & Paddlewheel (limited service Monday to Friday) Estimated local cost $125,000 (including bus) 16. CTN upgrade Route 6 to Core Transit Network Downtown Day Type Hours of Operation Frequency Weekday 6am 10pm 15 20 Saturday 8am 10pm 30 60 Sunday 9am 6pm 30 60 Estimated Local Share of Costs* $305,000 Vernon Jubilee Hospital * Estimated cost does not include cost reduction achieved by the removal of the existing Route 6. Okanagan College Page 9 of 15 9
17. Examine construction of Kiss and Ride stations at Foothills and Waterfront Neighborhood Centre 18. Identify and develop formalized Park and Ride site near Okanagan College Long Term, 11 to 25+ years Proposed dimplementationl t ti Shdl Schedule Long Term Priorities (11 to 25+ years) 19. Examine weekend service possibilities to UBCO Kelowna 20. Expand evening and weekend service on Routes 60 and 61 Estimated local cost $280,000 21. Further examine transfer points/secondary exchange possibilities at Village Green Centre, Polson Neighbourhood Centre and Okanagan College 22. Identify & develop formalized Park & Ride sites in Armstrong and possible site in Swan Lake Page 10 of 15 10
Resources Infrastructure Downtown (Existing + additional facilities) Secondary s Pull outs Bus stop and shelter Improvements Park and Rides Kiss and Rides Existing Operating Facility (Depot) Location Type Current Capacity Downtown Vernon Downtown Vernon Okanagan College, Coldstream Kiss & Ride Secondary 7 bus stops in pullouts with shelters in 31 Avenue and 2 temporary layover stalls in 32 Avenue. None 1 bus stop with shelter owned by Okanagan College in their parking lot. Future Capacity Requirements 7 pullouts bus stops in pullouts with shelters in and 3 permanent recovery / layover stalls in 31 Avenue (30 to 29 Street). Difference Between Current and Future Capacity Requirements 3 permanent recovery / layover in 31 Avenue (30 to 29 Street). Short term option: Convert 3 metered stalls on east side of 31 Street to 15 minute 3 dedicated short stay maximum stay to provide Kiss parking stalls & Ride. Long term option: 31 Street to provide Kiss & Ride and handydart transfer location. 4 bus stops in pull outs with shelters. Adding 4 bus stops into College parking lot & removal of parking stalls. could be built in conjunction with Park & Ride on secondary site in Vernon. Location Type Current Capacity Okanagan College, Coldstream Park & Ride Carpooling parking for permit holders for 36 vehicles on north side of College Way, Vernon demand exceeds supply. Future Capacity Requirements 100 150 car spaces for drivers to park for the day and take transit to Vernon or Kelowna. 50 Spaces for car pooling. Total = 200 stalls. Okanagan Unregulated use of 4 short stay dedicated College, Kiss & Ride Okanagan College parking parking stalls close to bus Coldstream lot. stops. Village Green Centre, Vernon Polson Neighbourho od Centre, Vernon Secondary Secondary Pullout 1 bus stop in pullout with steps into Village Green Centre Food Court entrance. None. After alterations in 2007 to parking lot transit could no longer access. 4 bus stops in pull outs with shelters and formalised pedestrian and parking lot movements. 3 bus stops in pullouts with shelters in 26 Street when the road is constructed with future development. Difference Between Current and Future Capacity Requirements The lot identified in 2008 Transportation Plan is owned by Department of National Defence (DND). A request for a long term lease is being considered and a reply is expected October 2013 or later. 4 short stay dedicated car spaces close to bus stops. 4 bus stops in pull outs with shelters and formalised pedestrian and parking lot movements. 3 bus stops in pullouts with shelters in 26 Street when the road is constructed with future development. Page 11 of 15 11
Location Type Current Capacity Polson Neighbourhood Centre, Vernon Armstrong Kiss & Ride Park & Ride Bus stop on Kalamalka Lake Road. Roadside bus stops Future Capacity Requirements 3 short stay dedicated parking stalls for a Kiss and Ride. 30 50 parking stalls. Armstrong Kiss & Ride Roadside bus stops 4 short stay parking stalls. Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, Vernon Secondary Roadside bus stops on Lakeshore Road and Okanagan Landing Road. 2 bus stops in Marshall Road on north side with pull outs and one shelter to be built as neighbourhood plan matures Difference Between Current and Future Capacity Requirements 3 short stay dedicated parking stalls for a Kiss and Ride. Short term option: Shared parking of existing parking lots with parking demand outside weekday peak periods e.g. churches. Long g term: Purpose p built facility with 30 50 parking stalls. Short term option: in or nearby above. 2 bus stops in Marshall Road on north side with pull outs and one shelter to be built as neighbourhood plan matures. Ongoing Initiatives The ridership targets cannot be reached by simply changing the transit network and increasing transit service levels. The following initiatives in the Transit Future Plan are non network related and some will require continuous effort throughout the life of the plan: Make transit more accessible Coordinate transit access improvements in line with pedestrian and bike master plans Participate in custom registration project trial and make custom decisions based off results of trial Address existing service needs Passenger demand Operating time Ongoing Initiatives Match vehicle type to local service demand Incorporate new service areas as land use patterns mature e.g. Paddlewheel Improve customer information/marketing Improve transit customer amenities at transit stops Improve fare product availability Support ProPass Initiatives Fare Review Custom Registration Project Examine means of strengthening regional transit governance Page 12 of 15 12
Moving Forward Next Steps 1. Present Recommendations and Implementation Schedule to Vernon and Coldstream Councils (September 23 rd ) and Board (October 2013) 2. Complete Transit Future Report to include cost estimates, details of Local Transit Network changes and ridership targets (Fall/Winter 2013) 3. Present Final Transit Future Plan Document to Councils and Board for Endorsement (Winter 2013/14). Page 13 of 15 13
*Please note that infrastructure upgrades are required prior to implementation for many of proposals that change the service. See the following page for more information. Page 3 of 4 COMMITTEE of the WHOLE - REGULAR AGENDA October 2, 2013 - Item B.1b Short Term Implementation 1 to 5 years # Type* Information North Okanagan Transit Future Plan Implementation Schedule 1 Service Introduce Inner City Loop Service for Core Transit Network (CTN). 2 Service Introduce Frequent Service between Downtown and Village Green Centre with 15-20 minute frequency levels in peak (Phase 1 CTN). 3 Service Realign routes 2 and 3 to complement (CTN). 4 Service Introduce Frequent Service between Downtown and Polson Neighbourhood Centre with 15-20 minute frequency levels in peak (Ultimate CTN Spine). 5 Service Introduce service to Middleton Mountain. 6 Service Improve frequency and route structure to East Hill. 7 Service Enhancement of urban weekday service hours to 6am 10pm and weekend service. Page 14 of 15 8 Service Coordinate schedule alignment with Salmon Arm service to Enderby. 9 Infrastructure Examine construction of Kiss and Ride stations at Downtown Terminus and Okanagan College 10 Infrastructure Examine transfer points/secondary exchange improvement possibilities at Village Green Centre, Polson Neighbourhood Centre and Okanagan College. Medium Term Implementation 6 to 10 years # Type* Information 11 Service Improve Regional Connections to Kelowna by filling in all weekday gaps in service and offering hourly trips between 7am and 7pm Monday Friday. 12 Service Improve regional connections to better meet interregional transfers (transfers to Route 90) 13 Service Introduce Foothills service to Village Green Centre (hourly Monday to Friday, 7am -7pm) 14 Service Introduce service to Waterfront Neighbourhood as the neighbourhood builds up in line with OCP. 15 Service Introduce basic level of service to Blue Jay, BX and Paddlewheel. 16 Service Reroute Route 6 along Highway for better access to hospital. 17 Infrastructure Examine construction of Kiss and Ride stations at Foothills and Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre 18 Infrastructure Identify and develop formalized Park and Ride site near Okanagan College. Long Term Implementation 11 to 25+ years # Type* Information 19 Service Examine weekend service possibilities to UBCO Kelowna. 20 Service Expand evening and weekend service on Routes 60 and 61. 21 Infrastructure Further examine transfer points/secondary exchange possibilities at Village Green Centre, Polson Neighbourhood Centre and Okanagan College. 22 Infrastructure Identify & develop formalized Park & Ride sites in Armstrong and possible site in Swan Lake.
October 2, 2013 - Item B.1b Infrastructure Requirements Location Type Current Capacity Future Capacity Requirements Downtown Vernon 7 bus stops in pullouts with shelters in 31 Avenue and 2 temporary layover stalls in 32 Avenue. 7 pullouts bus stops in pullouts with shelters in and 3 permanent recovery / layover stalls in 31 Avenue (30 to 29 Street). Downtown Vernon Kiss & Ride None 3 dedicated short stay parking stalls Difference Between Current and Future Capacity Requirements 3 permanent recovery / layover in 31 Avenue (30 to 29 Street). Short term option: Convert 3 metered stalls on east side of 31 Street to 15 minute maximum stay to provide Kiss & Ride. Long term option: 31 Street to provide Kiss & Ride and handydart transfer location. Okanagan College, Coldstream Secondary 1 bus stop with shelter owned by Okanagan College in their parking lot. 4 bus stops in pull outs with shelters. Adding 4 bus stops into College parking lot & removal of parking stalls. could be built in conjunction with Park & Ride on secondary site in Vernon. Page 15 of 15 Okanagan College, Coldstream Okanagan College, Coldstream Village Green Centre, Vernon Polson Neighbourhood Centre, Vernon Polson Neighbourhood Centre, Vernon Park & Ride Kiss & Ride Secondary Secondary Pullout Carpooling parking for permit holders for 36 vehicles on north side of College Way, Vernon demand exceeds supply. Unregulated use of Okanagan College parking lot. 1 bus stop in pullout with steps into Village Green Centre Food Court entrance. None. After alterations in 2007 to parking lot transit could no longer access. Kiss & Ride Bus stop on Kalamalka Lake Road. 100-150 car spaces for drivers to park for the day and take transit to Vernon or Kelowna. 50 Spaces for car pooling. Total = 200 stalls. 4 short stay dedicated parking stalls close to bus stops. 4 bus stops in pull outs with shelters and formalised pedestrian and parking lot movements. 3 bus stops in pullouts with shelters in 26 Street when the road is constructed with future development. 3 short stay dedicated parking stalls for a Kiss and Ride. Armstrong Park & Ride Roadside bus stops 30 50 parking stalls. The lot identified in 2008 Transportation Plan is owned by Department of National Defence (DND). A request for a long term lease is being considered and a reply is expected October 2013 or later. 4 short stay dedicated car spaces close to bus stops. 4 bus stops in pull outs with shelters and formalised pedestrian and parking lot movements. 3 bus stops in pullouts with shelters in 26 Street when the road is constructed with future development. 3 short stay dedicated parking stalls for a Kiss and Ride. Short term option: Shared parking of existing parking lots with parking demand outside weekday peak periods e.g. churches. Long term: Purpose built facility with 30-50 parking stalls. Armstrong Kiss & Ride Roadside bus stops 4 short stay parking stalls. Short term option: in or nearby above. Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, Vernon Secondary Roadside bus stops on Lakeshore Road and Okanagan Landing Road. 2 bus stops in Marshall Road on north side with pull outs and one shelter to be built as neighbourhood plan matures 2 bus stops in Marshall Road on north side with pull outs and one shelter to be built as neighbourhood plan matures.