Tempe Streetcar March 2, 2016
Tempe Profile 40 sq. miles, highest density in state University Town, center of region Imposed growth boundaries (density increase) Mixed use growth/intensifying land use Transportation efficiency
Transportation Program Overview Tempe s multi-modal transit system Light rail, Bus, Orbit, Dial-a-Ride, transit facilities, Bike/Ped. facilities Half-cent dedicated sales tax (voter approved in 1996) 2015-16 Operating Budget ($46.5 million) Sources of Revenue: Tempe Transit Tax - $36.8 million Passenger Fares Regional Proposition 400
Transit System Facts 15 arterial bus routes 5 neighborhood circulator Orbit routes 3 express routes Light rail 11.5 million boardings CY 2014
About Streetcar Important to developing a total transportation network Supports the existing transit and community with its ability to attract new riders, increase mobility, strengthen existing neighborhoods and create sustainable development. Streetcar vehicles operate on tracks, typically mixed with automobile traffic, and are powered by overhead power lines. Stops are also more frequent than light rail.
Tempe Streetcar Route
Streetcar Project Cost Operations Cost $4M annual (Tempe Transit Fund) Capital Costs : $177 Million $75M Small Starts FTA Grant (February 2016 announced in Presidents Budget) $19M CMAQ Federal Grant $70M Prop 400 Regional Funds $13M Tempe / Business Funds
Stakeholder Outreach Reviewed options with stakeholders Downtown Tempe Authority Downtown Merchants Tempe Transportation Commission Adjacent Neighborhoods Arizona State University Major Employers (State Farm) City Council Valley Metro Board 8
Streetcar Milestones 2004: Identified in Proposition 400 2007: Local planning began with Tempe and Valley Metro 2015-2016: Preferred alignment and stops supported by Council Environmental Clearance (FONSI) Formal federal funding request made to FTA Project Management Oversight Consultant hired
Mill Avenue Streetcar Traffic Impacts Initial traffic analysis completed in 2011 assuming 2015 build conditions Analysis included Streetcar frequency operations at every 10 minutes All intersections on Mill between University and Rio Salado evaluated Findings: Streetcar does not degrade the current level of service (land use growth does contribute to congestion) 10
Mill Avenue Configuration Curb Lane 11
Ash Avenue 12
Rio Salado Street Configuration 13
Rio Salado Street Configuration Exclusive median alignment and stops Enhances traffic and streetcar operations Provides more reliable travel time; better for future system extensions Minimizes environmental impacts (including Butte) 14
Apache Boulevard Street Configuration 15
Apache Boulevard Street Configuration Median lane-running, mixed-traffic Maintains traffic capacity and on-street parking Retains left turn lanes at all intersections Better for bicycles Stop placement designed for neighborhood access Shared boarding areas save project cost Minimizes right-of-way impacts 16
6th/Mill Street Stop Length 66 vehicle = 42 platform 78 vehicle = 53 platform Existing = 5 parking stalls Build = 4 parking stalls Existing = 5 parking stalls Build = 3 parking stalls 17
Alternative Propulsion Study Off Wire for Entire Route Off Wire for Route Segment Battery Only (depot charge) Battery Only (charge at stops) OCS with Battery Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FC dominant) Hydrogen Fuel Cell (battery depleting) OCS with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Baseline Technology Traditional Overhead Catenary System (OCS) - feasible - feasible, with additional considerations - not appropriate / non-applicable
Recommendations / Propulsion An OCS with an on-board battery system is the most suitable wireless option for the Tempe Streetcar project. This limits deployment risk, ensures reliable revenue service, and can eliminate overhead wires in the downtown district. Advance OCS with battery option to RFP process
Council-Supported Future Extensions 20
Vehicle Size 21
Vehicle Size Council preference for smaller to mid-size vehicle Eliminated larger light rail alternative Continue to pursue small to mid-sized vehicle (65-81 feet) in procurement process Flexibility in vehicle size and capacity Improved cost competition among manufacturers Joint procurement opportunities with peer transit systems 22
Ridership & Fare 650,000 850,000 annual Integration with regional bus and rail Partnership opportunities with ASU Tempe has history of providing some free transit service 23
Bicycle Treatments Bike lane behind curbside stops Bike lane remains as is at median stops 24
TOD Planning Grant $250K grant $325K total Develop City affordable housing plan and element of code Update & expand Tempe TOD overlay 25
Ash Ave & 5 th Today.
Ash Ave at 5 th with Streetcar and Pathway.
Ash Ave at 5 th at buildout.
Mill Avenue & Third Street Today.
Mill Avenue & Third Street with Streetcar.
Mill Avenue & Third Street at buildout.
Streetcar Next Steps 2016 Federal budget inclusion/grant award Construction Documents Vehicle RFP 2017-2019: Construction Opening/Operations