Public Meeting
LYMMO Expansion Alternatives Analysis Study Purpose of study is to provide a fresh look at potential LYMMO expansion, following Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Alternatives Analysis procedures: Mode and alignment alternatives Ridership demand Costs and impacts Potential funding strategies
1997 - LYMMO implementation Background 2006 - City of Orlando adopted the Downtown Transportation Plan 2007 City of Orlando completed the Transit Circulator Expansion Report 2008 FTA earmark ($8.2 million) approved for East-West Circulator expansion 2010 - PB Americas, Inc. (PB) under contract to perform the LYMMO Expansion AA Study
Study Area Focus on downtown Orlando and surrounding area Includes all of Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) area Includes residential areas such as Parramore, Thornton Park and College Park Includes two major hospital areas Florida Hospital Orlando Health Potential connections to Mills Park and SODO
Circulator Options from 2007 Study Goal is to expand LYMMO service in Central Orlando to key destinations North/South route from Florida Hospital to Orlando Health East/ West route from the Citrus Bowl to Thornton Park Potential third route connecting Courthouse with new Events Center Service to four SunRail stations Florida Hospital LYNX Central Station Church Street Amtrak Station
Study Activities
Study Schedule Phase 1 (March to August 2010) Conduct data collection Conduct technical, project advisory and public meetings Prepare preliminary alternative corridor analysis Submit LYMMO Alternatives Analysis Initiation Package Phase 2 (September 2010 to April 2011) Conduct transit rider/non-rider surveys Screen mode options (BRT vs. streetcar) Refine alignment analysis Neighborhood approach to public involvement Identify preferred alternative Prepare funding analysis Prepare Alternatives Analysis Report Phase 3 (May 2011 to 2013+) Submit FTA Small Starts or Very Small Starts Funding Application Obtain earmark funding September 2011 Engineering and environmental assessment - 2011/2012 Based on funding availability, final design/construction for the first expanded LYMMO line to be coordinated with SunRail - 2013+
Gap Analysis Prior studies contained useful data to provide a foundation for the Alternatives Analysis (AA), but did not identified local modal preference, alignment, ridership projection or financial plan Further planning needed to address FTA AA and New Starts/Small Starts application requirements Need improved analytical tools to meet FTA guidance Define the purpose and need for expanding LYMMO Enhance better FTA rating on land use and economic development Enhance coordination and collaboration with FTA and key local stakeholders
Transit Mode Options Bus Rapid Transit Streetcar Rubber tire vehicles Potential higher capacity, streamlined vehicles Enhanced stations Segregated right-of-way or mixed traffic operation Steel wheel vehicles/in-laid track Modern or vintage trolley versions Enhanced stations Segregated right-of-way or mixed traffic operation
Existing Conditions The Existing Conditions Report summarizes the existing transportation and development conditions within the study area Roadways Transit Service Traffic Parking Pedestrian/Bicycle Facilities Land Use and Environmental Economic Development
Roadways Existing Conditions Street system built out in study area Multiple roadway jurisdictions (City of Orlando, Orange County, FDOT) and access standards At-grade rail crossings create bottlenecks (Anderson St. only grade separation of CSX tracks) Brick streets present issues of ride quality for enhanced transit
Transit Service Existing Conditions LYMMO has 13 stations and 8 additional stops 25 LYNX bus routes operate through central Orlando Boarding and alighting data at all bus stops in study area evaluated In early July, origin/destination survey of LYMMO riders were conducted for typical weekday and Saturday LYNX Central Station to/from History Center/Library station had the highest ridership SunRail is scheduled to begin in 2013 Other private transit service includes taxi cabs/vehicle for hire and pedicabs Amtrak also serves central Orlando
Traffic Existing Conditions New weekday peak period traffic counts at over 50 intersections in study area (more counts this fall) SYNCHRO model used to analyze 2010 traffic operations Greatest congestion during PM peak hour 6 intersections overcapacity 585 crashes within the study area between 2005 to 2009
Existing Conditions Traffic Growth in Study Area
Parking Existing Conditions Overview of existing parking based on the 2009 Orlando Downtown Parking Study Supplemental on-street parking data were collected near Florida Hospital, Antique Row, Uptown, Mills Park, Orlando Health and SODO The City has enough parking supply to meet current peak parking demands On-street parking is utilized during the peak hours and in the evenings when metered parking is free
Existing Conditions Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Analysis based in part on the Downtown Orlando Transportation Plan and the LRTP Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Sidewalks are present on most study area streets; exclusive bicycle facilities are less common Limited sidewalk width poses some constraints on premium transit stop development Recent Gertrude s Walk grant application
Existing Conditions Land Use and Environment Land uses include municipal, commercial, office, mixed-use, institutional, education, parks and residential, with higher intensity in Downtown Majority of the historic resources are found within the central city area Natural environment limited to the various lakes and associated parks within the study area
Existing Conditions Economic Development 37 development/redevelopment projects slated for the downtown area 6 added areas within the study area are target locations for redevelopment (Florida Hospital, Mills Park, Mills Avenue, Centroplex, Citrus Bowl, and Orlando Health) Florida s economy may not return to average levels for up to four years. Redevelopment and new development may be limited for the short-term, given the economic outlook through 2013
Existing Conditions Population & Employment Growth in Study Area Year 2008 Year 2030 ++ 00% - Increase over 2008 Source: City of Orlando, Growth Management Plan Year 2040
Market Analysis Identify travel markets that would be served by the LYMMO expansion Feeder-distributor for commuter rail and regional transit bus routes Diversion of existing transit riders using local bus service Feeder-distribution for Amtrak passengers Central area parking to/from sporting and entertainment venues, and other central locations Central area residents to/from central area employment, shopping, dining, entertainment, etc. Central area employment to/from businesses, shopping, dining, entertainment, etc. Central area school employees and students to/from home, shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.
Draft Goals & Objectives Goal #1: Improve Mobility and Transit Accessibility Throughout Central Orlando Objectives: 1. Improve travel circulation by connecting major activity centers in area 2. Provide an effective connection to existing and future regional transit services, including SunRail 3. Improve transit level of service between existing and future major trip destinations 4. Support development of a pedestrian environment with increased transit use, and more walking in central city area 5. Accommodate travel demand associated with special events through alternative modes
Draft Goals & Objectives Goal #2: Assure Equitable Transportation Options for the Community Objectives: 1. Provide additional services for the transit dependent population 2. Provide equitable transportation services and benefits to all users 3. Provide equitable sharing of costs for transit improvements among those who benefit from them
Draft Goals & Objectives Goal #3: Enhance the Quality of the Environment Objectives: 1. Promote transit improvements that are consistent with adopted growth management plans 2. Manage parking demand within Downtown and other activity centers to promote sustainability 3. Improve air quality by reducing automobile emissions and pollutants 4. Minimize encroachment on sensitive residential areas and environmental features
Draft Goals & Objectives Goal #4: Enhance the Social Integrity of the Urban Community Objectives: 1. Improve neighborhood accessibility and connectivity with enhanced transit service 2. Provide transit improvements in a manner to not bisect communities
Draft Goals & Objectives Goal #5: Promote Economic Development and New Development/Redevelopment Opportunities Objectives: 1. Serve existing and future high-density land uses (e.g. mixed-use, residential, commercial, office and institutional use) with improved transit 2. Provide transit investments supportive of the City s redevelopment/ development and land use plans 3. Encourage transit-oriented development projects by the public and private sector that would promote transit use
Draft Goals & Objectives Goal #6: Develop Transportation Options That Are Financially Viable Objectives: 1. Determine the ability of local agencies to fund the estimated local share of capital costs 2. Determine the ability of local agencies and the private sector to fund estimated operating and maintenance (O&M) costs 3. Develop transit improvements in the most cost-effective manner 4. Maximize the economic benefits gained from transit capital investments 5. Implement transit improvements in a timely manner
Initial Alternative Framework Alternative North-South East-West No-Build No-Build No-Build TSM TSM TSM Build #1 BRT Full Corridor TSM Build #2 Streetcar Full Corridor TSM Build #3 Streetcar Part Corridor TSM Build #4 TSM BRT Full Corridor Build #5 TSM Streetcar Full Corridor Build #6 TSM Streetcar Part Corridor Build #7 BRT Full Corridor BRT Full Corridor Build #8 Streetcar Full Corridor Streetcar Full Corridor No-Build = Only Programmed Transit Improvements; TSM (Transportation Systems Management) = Added Local/Express Bus Improvements; Build = Expanded LYMMO System
Public Involvement Public Involvement Plan (PIP) Outreach Objectives Solicit public input (i.e., neighborhood, homeowner/ condominium and business associations) Provide opportunities for the publicat-large to comment on the study Develop easily accessible communication/public involvement programs Comply with FHWA/FTA Title VI Program
Contact Information Alan Danaher Project Manager PB Americas, Inc. 407.587.7835 danaher@pbworld.com Ginger Corless Public Outreach/Urban Design HHI Design 407.838.2559 (office) 407.616.5500 (cell) gcorless@hhidesign.com