Transit Improvements Serving the Cobblestone District

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Transit Improvements Serving the Cobblestone
District

• A stakeholder discussion facilitated by the
• Citizens Regional Transit Corporation
• October 25, 2007

CRTC
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Welcome!

• An essential discussion
• Representatives of government, business, civic
  groups together
• Seek commitment to act on behalf of excellent
  public transit in the Cobblestone District

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Transportation Elements of Mobility

• Circulation movement between neighborhoods and
  commercial areas
• Access local movement
• Travel regional movement

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Parking Brings Cars

• Parking management is key to creating more
  efficient transportation and land use patterns.
  T. Litman
• Customers who receive a high quality experience
  are willing to pay for parking.
• Downtown Buffalo has an abundance of parking.
  (Desman Assoc., 2006)

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Public Transit Brings People

• Metro Rail carried 21,000 riders and Metro Bus
  carried 72,400 riders, 1st quarter, 2007 (APTA)
• Potential customer base for businesses
• Metro Rail brings customers and employees into
  corridor of deficit parking supply
• Cobblestone District has surplus parking
• (Desman Assoc., 2006)

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The best transit option in Cobblestone
Districtexpanded Metro Rail
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The best transit option in Cobblestone
Districtexpanded Metro Rail

• 1.2 mile extension
• Curbside construction minimizes cost and delay,
  and reduces the space used in the street
• Curbside construction also allows for smaller
  stations

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The best transit option in Cobblestone
Districtexpanded Metro Rail

• No significant utility work should be needed
• Rail cars weigh around the same as a tractor
  trailer streets there are already truck routes
• Continuous loop results in fewer delays and less
  space than a single track stub terminal
• Same end of train can be used, saving time

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Loops are popular options

• Other cities use loops and single-track sections
  to enhance coverage or conform to narrow roads

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Moving Forward

• We need a consultant to move forward on the
  feasibility study.
• The feasibility study is required in order to
  secure funding for transit expansion.
• Successful planning for Cobblestone District can
  be model for larger projects.

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Resources/References

• Todd Litman, Parking Management Best Practices,
  2006
• Desman Assoc., Parking Needs Assessment Downtown
  Buffalo, NY, study commissioned by BCAR, 9/20/06

• American Public Transportation Association -
  www.apta.com
• Transit Cooperative Research Program, The Role of
  Transit in Creating Livable Metropolitan
  Communities, 1997

Visit the CRTC website at www.citizenstransit.org