TRANSIT FEASIBILITY STUDY Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Open House Presentation January 19, 2012
Study Objectives Quantify the need for transit service in BWG Determine transit service priorities based on stakeholder input Determine how public transit service can be provided today and in the future Estimate the start-up, operating and net costs to BWG over the first five years Recommend a preferred alternative(s) Ultimately, the study will identify an affordable public transit service option that meets the needs of residents and businesses in a fiscally responsible manner
Task 1: Project Initiation Task 2: Peer Review Task 3: Transit Focus Groups Study Work Plan Task 4: Transportation Demand Analysis Task 5: Conceptual Design Task 6: Business Model and Governance Structure Task 7: Financial Plan Task 8: Project Completion
Demand Analysis 26,000+ trips occurring between 6 A.M. and 10 P.M within BWG s boundaries Heavy concentration of goods and services in the west end along Holland Street Work trips are usually completed by private vehicles Significant number of discretionary trips (appointments, shopping) by the seniors population during the mid-day. Student population is reliant on rides from friends and/or family to access schools, afterschool activities or part-time jobs
Stakeholder Consultations Transit Focus Groups Business Community TFG Local Service Providers TFG Members of the Public TFG Discussion and Objectives: Current issues with transportation Service Opportunities (Markets, Major Destinations)
Stakeholder Consultations What We Heard The lack of public transportation may be a roadblock for the Town s future growth (residents & employers) West end expansion has shifted goods and services from the Town s core, creating mobility challenges for some residents who need to access them Retail employers, part-time employees and families with teenagers would welcome affordable public transit to improve their overall quality of life Link between the retail nodes and the Town centre a first priority Link with Upper Canada Mall is desirable A link to GO Transit is identified as a second priority. A shared ride taxi service would suffice for residents in rural areas such as Bond Head. Specialized transit for those with mobility aids is needed
SERVICE CONCEPTS
Vehicle and Service Options
Community Bus Concept Fixed route service that can accessed by all residents. Links several origins and destinations with a minimum level of service Service is geared to the non-work trip Connection provided with GO Transit Fare integration with GO Transit, York Region Transit and Barrie Transit
Other Route Concepts
GO Train Shared Ride Taxi A low-cost solution to shuttle GO Train commuters Demand responsive service where passengers will reserve their ride ahead of time at a negotiated time and place Based on the service requests, the dispatcher can formulate a fixed route A minimum four taxis is estimated to drop off and pick up to connect at GO rail times Service Concept
Bond Head Shared Ride Taxi Service Sedan or Van used, depends on demand A low-cost solution to connect Bond Head residents with goods and services located in the Town Potential route, drop-off / pick-up spots have been identified
Business and Governance Models Options ranges from 100% Private to 100% Public Recommendation: Public Management and Private Operations / Maintenance business model Private sector operates service, maintains buses, front line customer service BWG owns the buses Requires a municipal staff champion to make sure things get done Set up Transit Committee or add mandate to Active Transportation Committee
Five Year Service Plan Proposed service plan identifies span of service (hours, days of the week) Plan takes a gradual, phased approach to service expansion Expansion should only occur if certain performance targets can be achieved Year Service Days of Service Span of Service Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Community Bus Fixed Route Shared Ride Taxi (for GO and Rural Areas) Community Bus Fixed Route Shared Ride Taxi (for GO and Rural Areas) Community Bus Fixed Route Shared Ride Taxi (for GO and Rural Areas) Community Bus Fixed Route Shared Ride Taxi (for GO and Rural Areas) Community Bus Fixed Route Shared Ride Taxi (for GO and Rural Areas) Monday to Saturday Monday to Friday Monday to Sunday Monday to Friday Monday to Sunday Monday to Friday Monday to Sunday Monday to Friday Monday to Sunday Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM M-F 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sat 4 hours per day Span TBD 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM M-F 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sat & Sun 4 hours per day Span TBD 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM M-F with added Peak Service 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sat & Sun 4 hours per day Span TBD 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM M-F with added Mid-Day Service 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sat & Sun 4 hours per day Span TBD 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM M-F with added Evening Service 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sat & Sun 4 hours per day Span TBD Annual Revenue Hours 3,445 1,000 4,140 1,000 6,580 1,000 9,150 1,000 13,150 1,000 Vehicle Requirements 2 9.2m Community buses (includes one spare*) Taxi Vans (contracted) 2 9.2m Community buses (includes one spare*) Taxi Vans (contracted) 3 9.2m Community buses (includes one spare*) Taxi Vans (contracted) 3 9.2m Community buses (includes one spare*) Taxi Vans (contracted) 3 9.2m Community buses (includes one spare*) Taxi Vans (contracted) Estimated Average Hourly Ridership 3.5 2.0 5.3 3.0 7.0 4.0 8.8 5.0 10.5 6.0
Five Year Operating Budget
Capital Budget Purchase 2 community buses ($400K) to begin + 1 bus in 3 rd year ($200K) Optional capital reserve or debenture of $60-$80k/ year $50K for bus stops to begin + $10K per year thereafter Can use BWG portion of Federal gas tax, depending on local priorities CAPITAL BUDGET Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Vehicle Purchase $400,000 $200,000 Stops and Shelters $50,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 Total Cost $450,000 $10,000 $210,000 $10,000 $10,000
Summary of Initial Service Two community bus routes, hourly (2 hours/direction) Designed for non-work travel Taxi service to GO Transit (discounted local fare) Designed for commuters but can be used by others Spare vehicle, if purchased, could be used to run a school trip or two before beginning regular service Could start with GO taxi service earlier, if community bus service is not ready
Next Steps Review input from today s open house Final Report & Recommendations to Council If approved by Council, discussions with Province and service providers should begin as soon as possible Enter into fare integration discussions with other transit agencies (GO, York Region Transit, Barrie Transit) Finalize services to be provided based on funds available Identify staff champion Set up Transit Committee or add mandate to other committee Market and implement the Plan
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Other Route Concepts