Transit System Redesign: Proposed Downtown Plan

Public Comment MeetingsMay 27 and June 9, 10 & 12, 2015

MEETING PURPOSE & GUIDELINES

The purpose of this meeting is to take public comments on proposed route and bus stop changes in the Downtown Columbus area as part of COTA’s Transit System Redesign (TSR)•Final changes are proposed to be implemented gradually as part of each service change period through May 2017. No final decisions have been made.

•Be considerate of meeting attendees and COTA staff. Please silence all cell phones and other technology.

•When it is your turn to make a comment or ask a question, please remain at your seat and we will call upon you.

•Please ask one question at a time so the appropriate COTA staff member may address your comment.

•Comments and questions are limited to two (2) minutes per person.

•We encourage you to complete a written comment card.

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AGENDA

• Transit System Redesign (TSR) Background, Purpose & Benefits

• Downtown Customer & Community Benefits

• Next Steps & Timeline

• Open House

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TRANSIT SYSTEM REDESIGNbackground, purpose & benefits

TRANSIT SYSTEM REDESIGN: BACKGROUND

• October 2013: Independent experts hired to review and evaluate the entire bus network

• March - June 2014: COTA received public input through 10 public meetings, an online survey and focus groups

• September 2014: New proposed bus network completed based on public feedback

• November 2014: COTA Board of Trustees accepted final report and adopted framework

• Allocates 70% of bus service to high-ridership lines and 30% of bus service to coverage lines

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TSR PURPOSE & BENEFITS

• Simplified bus alignments – easier to use for existing and new customers

• More direct service – less deviations from major roadways

• More frequent service – high-frequency lines (15 min. or better) more than double from 6 to 13

• More consistent service – same schedules, seven days a week

• New service to major destinations and employment centers

• Improved Crosstown service that relieves the need to transfer Downtown for service to destinations outside of Downtown

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PROPOSED BUS NETWORK

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PROPOSED DOWNTOWN PLANbenefits to customers & community

DOWNTOWN PLAN – CUSTOMER BENEFITS: LOCAL

• More even distribution of transit service within Downtown – along Front, High, Third & Fourth Streets

• Increased use of Downtown Transit Terminals that offer improved passenger amenities and easy access to Express connections

• Increased frequency between OSU and Downtown

• More transfer opportunities throughout Downtown

• Direct service to Port Columbus International Airport

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DOWNTOWN PLAN – CUSTOMER BENEFITS: EXPRESS

• Increased use of Downtown Transit Terminals that offer improved passenger amenities and easy access to Local connections

• New and enhanced bus stops

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DOWNTOWN PLAN – STOP LOCATIONS

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DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY BENEFITS

• Decreased peak period Local bus volumes on High Street – 61% in the southbound and 55% in northbound directions

• Decreased off-peak bus volumes – 53% in the southbound and 46% in northbound directions

• Improved retail visibility in Downtown

• Reduced bus congestion at stops – limited number of Local lines on High Street and adjusted schedules to provide more evenly timed arrivals and departures

• More even distribution of stops throughout Downtown – reduced crowding on sidewalks

• Eased traffic congestion – improved travel times through Downtown

• Reduced waiting time for customers of high-frequency lines on High Street

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NEXT STEPS & TIMELINEpublic involvement & proposed implementation plan

NEXT STEPS & TIMELINE

• May & June 2015

• Public comment meetings

• Review public comments

• June 24, 2015: Advise Board of Trustees on public comments

• June - September 2015

• Adjust full TSR bus system plan

• Develop draft schedules

• Host additional public comment meetings

• Finalize system plan

• Identify 2016-2017 capital improvements for budget

• September 2015 - January 2017: Continue implementation of TSR

• May 2017: Full implementation of TSR, including Downtown Plan

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ONLINE INFORMATION

Check out COTA.com/DowntownPlan•Full-size maps

•Individual line maps

•Bus stop changes

•Step-by-step directions for trip planning

•Public involvement opportunities, including public meeting dates, times and locations

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OPEN HOUSE

• Review maps and other information on boards arranged around the room

• COTA staff is available to answer your questions – your input is welcome!

• Comments may be submitted by:

• Completing a written comment form

• Calling Customer Service at (614) 228-1776

• E-mailing TSR@cota.com

• Writing to:

COTA

ATTN: Planning & Service Development Division

33 N. High St.

Columbus, OH 43215

• Check back at COTA.com/DowntownPlan for updates

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OPEN HOUSECOTA staff is available to answer your questions