Charlotte Area Transit System Sprinter Enhanced Bus Project Implementation

1. Charlotte Area Transit SystemSprinter Enhanced Bus Project Implementation NCAMPO Conference May 2012 Travis Pollack, AICP

3. Presentation Overview • Definition of Enhanced Bus • Development of CATS Enhanced Bus Service Characteristics • Implementation of First Enhanced Bus Line • Lessons Learned

4. CATS 2030 Transit Plan • 5 High Capacity Corridors • Blue Line LRT opened 2008 • Streetcar recommendedfor Center City and WestCorridor to Airport • Projected Airport/West Corridor completion date - 2034 • Begin “premium service” onWest Corridor in interim

5. What is Enhanced Bus? • Runs in mixed traffic • Moderate to significant operations improvements • New vehicles • Improved stops/amenities (shelters, signage, including variable message signs)

6. What is Enhanced Bus? • Isn’t “Enhanced Bus” Bus Rapid Transit? • (No.) Enhanced Bus Bus Rapid Transit

7. Defining Enhanced Bus • Review of Enhanced Bus in North America: LA Metro Rapid • 3 to 10 min. headways • Some signal prioritization • ¾ mile stop spacing • Distinctive color scheme • Shelters and real-time info • Stops serve only Metro Rapid • 28 routes, 450 route miles

8. Defining Enhanced Bus • Review of Enhanced Bus in North America: Kansas City MAX • 2 routes, 15 miles, 9 to 15 min. headways • Some exclusive lanes & signal prioritization • Standard shelters, signs and lighting (“monuments”) • Named stops

9. Defining Enhanced Bus • Review of Enhanced Bus in North America: Las Vegas MAX • 12 miles, 2 routes, some exclusive lanes • Named stops, TVM, level boarding • Distinctive vehicle

10. Sprinter Enhanced Bus Characteristics • 10-20 min. service headways all day • Limited stops, possibly with signal priority • Consistent amenities at stops – public art, distinctive shelters, signage • Variable message signs at high ridership locations • New vehicles with hybrid technology • Unambiguous routing with clear route info at stops • Distinctive “brand” – separate from other CATS services (“Sprinter”)

11. Sprinter Enhanced Bus Characteristics • Sprinter Manual – Elements at Stops • *Minimum standards only apply with zoning or other regulations prohibit Standard or Premium elements

12. Sprinter Enhanced Bus Characteristics • Selected Stop Design

13. Sprinter Enhanced Bus Characteristics • Selected Stop Design

14. Sprinter Enhanced Bus Characteristics • Selected Stop Design

15. Sprinter Implementation • Overlay or replace service? • Sprinter Airport replaces Rt. 5 • Stop spacing: ½ to 1 mile (Overlay= 1 to 2 miles) • Analyze existing ridership, stops, existing/future markets • Evaluate routing • Efficiencies • Overall travel time • Agency & Public coordination

16. Sprinter Implementation • First Sprinter Line: Replace Rt. 5 to Airport • Analyzed O/D rider survey data, stop data • Findings: • Riders heavily transit dependent • Mostly connect to/from other lines • High proportion of work/home trips • Non-standard work shifts (Airport) • 37 stops each way – only 12 had at least 10 riders/day

17. Sprinter Implementation • Insert Fig. 1 map

18. Sprinter Implementation • Insert Fig. 1 map

19. Sprinter Implementation • Stop Analysis – reduced number of stops from 37 to 17 • Need to continue service transit dependent neighborhoods, interface with other routes • Want competitive travel time for choice riders • New downtown routing – serve hotels, arena and convention center if feasible

20. Sprinter Implementation • Center City Route Analysis Old Bus Rt. 5

21. Sprinter Implementation • Stop Site Selection: more difficult than imagined • Near existing signalized intersections • Far side of intersection (if feasible) • Must connect to sidewalk network (ADA) • Available power supply (lighting/VMS) • Clear sight lines • Away from driveways • If possible, at or near existing bus stop • If possible, within public right-of-way • NCDOT clear zone requirements* *(if on NCDOT controlled roadway)

22. Sprinter Implementation 420 ft. 110 ft. 210 ft. 530 ft.

23. Sprinter Implementation • Implementation Issues • Securing easement (condemnation) • NCDOT clear zone requirements & shelter approval • Duke Energy (pole, power and meter for VMS) • Shelter, signage & vehicle procurement • Approval/cooperation from other City departments • Contractors

24. Sprinter Enhanced Bus Official Opening: September 2009

25. Sprinter Enhanced Bus

26. Sprinter Enhanced Bus

27. Airport Sprinter Airport Service Route 5 AM and PM Peak Every 30 minutes Every 20 minutes Mid-day and Evening Hourly Every 20 minutes Night (after 7 PM) Hourly Every 30 minutes(hourly after 10 PM) Weekends Hourly Every 30 minutes Average Trip Time (CTC to Airport) 25 to 29 minutes 21 to 23 minutes Number of Stops Approximately 36 (one way) 17 (one way)

28. Sprinter Enhanced Bus: Results • CATS Sprinter: 62% increase, FY08-FY12 • Rest of CATS Local Bus: 2%-3% increase, FY08-FY12

29. Sprinter Enhanced Bus: Results

30. Sprinter Enhanced Bus: Lessons Learned • Start early • Routing, stops, easements, procurement, outreach • Develop service parameters and follow them • Document what Enhanced Bus means, how it differs from other services • Consider short-term &long-term goals for service • Existing riders, new riders, future transit • It can work, and can be done inexpensively • CATS Sprinter: $20K to $35K per stop

31. Sprinter Enhanced Bus More information: Travis Pollack, AICP 704.375.2438 Ext. 16 tpollack@gfnet.com or CATS website: www.ridetransit.org

32. Thank you.