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PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR A MODERN MOBILITY PLAN

In a modern city like San Antonio, transportation in its many forms is more essential than ever to connect the moving parts of our daily lives. As San Antonio’s children grow up and have children of their own, our community expands. New residents and their vehicles are being added to our region more quickly than at any other time in our history. And, as we welcome 100 new people each day, our ability to move freely across the metropolitan area will become more challenging and have wide-ranging effects on everything from business productivity and efficient use of time to equitable access to work and schools, and safety on our roadways.

The choices we make today to improve our transportation system will be felt for generations to come.

This spring Mayor Ron Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff formed ConnectSA, a non-profit group, with this challenge about choices in mind. They tasked us, its co-chairs, with assessing how different modes of transportation in San Antonio can be integrated, moving more people to where they need to go in the most efficient, innovative and least costly ways possible.

We did not have to start from scratch. Over the last several years, many organizations have produced excellent templates for multimodal growth. Working closely with SA Tomorrow, VIA Metropolitan Transit, the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, San Antonio Mobility Coalition, and other resources, we began to make choices.

Letter from ConnectSA Tri-Chairs

The first choice was to rule out light rail and toll roads in any ConnnectSA framework. There are many reasons for this choice, including that our voters have indicated clearly that rail is not the answer for San Antonio. And as it turns out, the instinct of the voters may have given San Antonio an opportunity: We can leapfrog past expensive, infrastructure intensive rail into some more modern approaches such as Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) systems.

The second choice we had to make was to embrace “mobility” to include every contemporary or near-future mode of transportation. It includes cars, buses, cabs, shuttles, van pools, and commercial trucks. Transportation also means taxi cabs, Uber, Lyft, and other ride share networks, motorcycles, bicycles, dockless scooters and autonomous vehicles. Wider, modern sidewalks are key to mobility. Whether someone utilizes a wheelchair, a cane, or lives in a urban designed village, basic transportation includes usable, upgraded sidewalks.

The third choice we made was working on making all of our daily mobility activities more sustainable, less harmful to the environment. The truth is our air is not what it used to be. Current levels of pollution have put us out of compliance with federal clean air standards. Intentionally, the proposals in ConnectSA should make our air easier to breathe even as we grow. More sidewalks, more micro-transit lanes, better buses, hundreds of electric charging stations, and smarter traffic management will decrease harmful emissions

DRAFT

which impact our climate and our respiratory health.

Any plan to deal with our transportation challenges has to meet people where they are—in their cars. This is where the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which is charged with maintaining our highways, is our most important partner. The agency is committed to meeting the challenges of our growth by adding more lanes, and making travel safer while providing opportunities for new mobility. The expansion of US 281 N between Loop 1604 and Stone Oak Parkway will build out to six-lanes including two HOV lanes, where multiple people in a car or a bus can travel faster. This expansion will eventually reach the Comal County line. The current 1-10 expansion, also with HOV lanes, is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019. Over the next 20 years, TxDOT has plans to improve or construct $6 billion in transportation infrastructure in every region of Bexar County.

This document, is our “framework presentation”, a new more integrated mobility plan for San Antonio with three areas of focus: Smart Initiatives, Improving Transportation Flow, and Expanding Transportation Choices.

The framework covers the next 21 years, proposing different projects for distinct phases allowing residents to see how the entire mobility system could grow in scale over time.

We have proposed “25 by 25” as a series of projects that will be implemented or underway in six years. Safety is always of urgent concern. Forty miles of right-of-way with real protective barriers for bikes, scooters, and any form of micro-transit are in the plan. By 2025, we propose that 200 miles of sidewalks be built near schools, transportation hubs, and areas where wheelchair mobility is essential.

Leveraging technology to integrate various modes of mobility is a trend among successful cities. The fact is that technology is changing at such a pace that San Antonio may benefit in bypassing rail. A cheaper, smarter, and better ways to keep our city connected is proposed here through the VIA Better Bus transformation: more frequent service, extended hours, with greater reach.

Also, ART corridors are trackless transit vehicles moving in protected, dedicated lanes with signal prioritization and pre-board fare collection provide the same efficiencies as most rail systems with more flexibility. These “trains on rubber wheels” are the transit of choice for growing metros across the globe.

We propose the first ART corridor run from 1604 on the northside, south to the airport, along San Pedro, through downtown, ending at 410 South along the Mission Trail. A true north-to-south corridor with train station-like platforms, at a fraction of the cost of light rail. We look forward to sharing examples of ART from other cities.

The ConnectSA framework is extensive but we believe it is necessary, practical and affordable. Funding it includes a mix of current available dollars, possibly reallocating existing sales tax obligations that are set to expire, then leveraging state, federal and public/private partnership funds. There are ideas for new revenue that have been adopted by voters in other cities and counties across Texas that we would ask residents to consider as options over the coming months.

But let’s be clear, none of what has been laid out here is set in stone. ConnectSA will serve as a forum for testing old assumptions and listening

Henry Cisneros

Hope Andrade

Jane Macon

ConnectSA Tri-Chairs

for good ideas. ConnectSA will engage dozens of member volunteers who will generate thousands of conversations about how and why we should create a comprehensive and future-oriented transportation system.

We believe transportation is a collaborative aspect of sustaining a city—just like promoting a strong economy, providing public safety, supporting an airport, assessing water and power supplies, or providing for schools. And we believe most people in San Antonio regard an efficient and safe transportation system as a public good in the public interest. The plan we submit in late this year will reflect citizen edits and input. Ultimately, together, we will improve our regional transportation future and ensure that every resident is connected to a mobility choice that opens the way to opportunity.

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It begins with a snapshot of anticipated travel conditions in the region, which will accompany the continued population growth we are experiencing. The statistics demonstrate the need to provide comprehensive, innovative solutions to provide the mobility necessary to support this growth.

The Recommended Goals describe eight critical plan characteristics identified by the ConnectSA Tri-Chairs to guide development of effective mobility solutions. The optimal plan will balance these characteristics based upon community input.

The Proposed Approach identifies three types of multi-modal transportation investments that will achieve the Recommended Goals: Smart Initiatives that apply new and anticipated technology, transportation flow improvements that increase travel speeds and reliability, and Network Expansion approaches that increase the coverage and continuity of the transportation network, and expand the range of travel choices.

About this DocumentTHIS DOCUMENT OUTLINES THE PROPOSED FRAMEWORK TO DEVELOP A DRAFT REGIONAL MOBILITY PLAN.

The Current Projects Section summarizes projects that are currently being implemented across our community. The Near-Term, Mid-Term and Vision sections identify proposed programs for mobility investments over these time periods, identifying how they fall within the three types of investments previously identified. The Potential Projects list proposes 25 projects to pursue in the near term, for consideration in the community discussion.

The Project Costs forecast the construction cost of the proposed mobility investments through 2030 in current (uninflated) dollars. Proposed Funding identifies a range of possible approaches to pay for these proposed investments.

The proposed plan extends across modes to provide an integrated transportation network. The need to work together to create an effective mobility network is highlighted in Moving Forward.

Finally, a suggested approach to outreach identifies community engagement approaches to secure meaningful public input in developing the final plan.

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WE'LL SPEND

(ABOUT 7 FULL DAYS)SITTING IN TRAFFIC

BY 2040

EXTRA HOURSEACH YEAR

166Source: VIA Vision 2040

IF WE DO NOTHING

SA CongestionToday & TomorrowThe good news is: San Antonio and Bexar County are booming. The economic opportunities, cultural resources, and quality of life here are attracting residents and employers from all over Texas and the United States, faster than any other region in the country.

The challenge is: With more than 1 million new residents and almost as many vehicles to arrive by 2040, our transportation system—existing roads and highways, transit options, sidewalks and protected lanes—can’t keep up with our growth. We need a change.

If we do nothing, we’ll spend an extra week—almost seven full days—just sitting in traffic each year by 2040. But growth doesn’t have to mean gridlock. This plan identifies real options to help you get to your destinations rapidly, safely and efficiently using a modern transportation system with flexible access for different modes of travel, all-points destinations, and accommodations for diverse needs, resources, and abilities in our community.

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DRAFT

We Can't Build our Way Out of Congestion

2010 2040

CONGESTION IN SAN ANTONIO IS WORSENING AND IS RAPIDLY OUTPACING POPULATION GROWTH.

HEAVY CONGESTION LEVELS TODAY HEAVY CONGESTION LEVELS BY 2040

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MODERN MOBILITY PLAN

GOALSLEVERAGE

TECHNOLOGY

MANAGE CONGESTION

CONNECT TO JOBS

ENHANCE ACCESS

PROVIDE MORE

CHOICES

INTEGRATE MOBILITY

NETWORKS

PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY

INCREASE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY

Recommended GoalsTHE REGION’S TRANSPORTATION NEEDS REQUIRE ACTION BUT THE EFFORT TO ADDRESS THEM CANNOT COME FROM THE TOP DOWN. WITH THE COMMUNITY’S INPUT, A NEW PLAN SHOULD FOCUS ON EIGHT GOALS.

Each goal should help guide citizens and transportation agencies in identifying projects and plans to meet community needs.

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DRAFT

PROVIDE MORE CHOICES: Whether it be new roadway construction, dedicated transit lanes, smart traffic signals, or new sidewalks, all identified projects should enhance mobility for all residents via all modes of travel.

CONNECT TO JOBS: All citizens should be able to reach employment opportunities reliably and effectively.

MANAGE CONGESTION: While congestion will never be fully eliminated, steps can be taken that ease congestion by making best use of existing infrastructure and providing new options and services.

INCREASE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY All projects and solutions should contribute to creating a safer and more efficient transportation network.

ENHANCE ACCESS FOR ALL RESIDENTS: All residents of Bexar County should easily have access to a host of effective transportation options.

INTEGRATE MOBILITY NETWORKS: Transportation options, like Uber, Lyft and bike share, should work together to become seamless for users to complete their trips.

LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY: All transportation solutions should leverage technology to make travel safer, more convenient, predictable and accessible.

PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY: Solutions and projects should be identified that provide an environmentally and financially sustainable transportation network.

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EXPAND TRANSPORTATION CHOICES

IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION FLOW

IMPLEMENT SMART INITIATIVES

A Proposed ApproachSTRATEGIC INVESTMENTS IN A MODERN MOBILITY SYSTEM WILL ALLOW US TO KEEP AND EVEN IMPROVE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE SAN ANTONIO REGION.

Over the past several years, our community has come together to evaluate and discuss our region’s transportation priorities and needs. Important efforts, such as SA 2020, the Alamo Area MPO Mobility 2040 plan, the VIA Vision 2040 Long-range Multimodal Transportation Plan and the SA Tomorrow Multimodal Transportation Plan have contributed to defining our needs and priorities.In the years following the conclusion of those planning efforts, technology and innovation have disrupted the transportation landscape. We have entered a mobility economy with rapidly evolving solutions such Uber and Lyft, driverless vehicles, dockless bikes and scooters, and multiple app-based mobility, tracking and delivery services. It’s time to take a fresh approach that isn’t confined by mode or lines on a map. Working together, San Antonio’s transportation planning experts have identified three potential key mobility needs and principles to guide the development of a mobility plan.

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DRAFT

SMART INITIATIVES

IMPROVE TRANSPORTATIONFLOW

EXPAND TRANSPORTATION CHOICES

MOBILITYPLAN

ELEMENTSSMART

INITIATIVES

IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION

FLOW

EXPANDTRANSPORTATION

CHOICES

Apply emerging

technologies that

increase the quantity

and improve the

safety and quality of

travel options.

Improve reliability in the

existing roadway network

to manage congestion

and enhance safety.

Enhance all modes to create more

mobility choices and a complete

and seamless network.

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HOW DO WE EXPAND TRANSPORTATION CHOICES?BUILD AN ADVANCED RAPID TRANSIT NETWORK WITH:• Dedicated transit lanes for faster travel and improved reliability. • Off-board fare collection to speed-up boarding• Very frequent service that operates later in the evenings and weekends • Fewer stops for faster service• Enhanced station experience

PRIORITIZE PROTECTED LANES FOR:• Improved Safety• Bicycles, scooters, and other personal mobility options• First-mile/last-mile connections• Traveling to and from transit facilities• Future uses such as autonomous delivery vehicles

REIMAGINE VIA TRANSIT SERVICE WITH:• Increased frequency• More late-night service• More weekend services• Real-time transit arrival information

ENHANCE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY WITH:• Safe, connected sidewalk networks• A complete urban trail network• Improved pedestrian access to transit

stops/facilities• Expand accessibility for seniors and persons

with a disability

EXPANDTRANSPORTATION

CHOICES

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DRAFT

SMART INITIATIVES

HOW DO WE IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION FLOW?

• EXPAND AND DESIGN HIGHWAYS WITH:• Smart features built in • Additional lanes for increased capacity• Operational enhancements throughout the network• HOV lanes for transit, carpools, and vanpools that are

adaptable for emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles

ENHANCE AND EXPAND STREETS TO:• Make room for other modes of transportation, such as bicycles

and scooters

WHAT ARE SMART INITIATIVES?SMART/ADAPTIVE TRAFFIC SIGNALS THAT: • Communicate with connected vehicles and apps (like Waze)• Change signal timing based on real-time traffic conditions• Provide pedestrian protections

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES LIKE: • Connected vehicles that communicate with each other, and respond to road and traffic conditions• Technology infrastructure for improved pedestrian safety• Mobility Management Centers for data and real-time traffic analysis • Vehicle and freight traffic management using live monitoring• Real-time parking information• Electric vehicle charging stations

COMPLETE TRIP OPTIONS THAT INCLUDE:• Mobility-on-Demand (MOD) service• Universal payment and trip-planning app for multiple modes• Integrated app for first-mile/last-mile options such as bicycles, scooters, and ridesharing

(Uber/Lyft) connections

IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION

FLOW

• Increase capacity of existing streets• Fill gaps in connectivity

SUPPORT POLICIES THAT PROMOTE:• Carpooling • Vanpool Programs • Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)• Land use and planning• Parking• Freight Movement/

Safety

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MY TRIP CHOICES

SMART TECHNOLOGY

ADVANCEDRAPID TRANSITMICROMOBILITY

BETTER BUS NETWORK

SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS

MAJOR ROADWAYS &

HIGHWAYSBetter Choices for an Easier Trip

Providing users more and better choices makes iteasier to plan and complete a trip. A seamless andreliable network connects transportation options likepersonal mobility devices, pedestrian improvements,advanced transit systems, improved streets,intersections and highways to get people where theyneed to go.While some of these options are available and funded, others are being planned or studied for future implementation. This plan identifies different trip options and shows how they could be integrated in a modern transportation system.The following three maps identify programs thatwould help improve mobility to ensure trips are easier to make.

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5 WAYS ADVANCED RAPID TRANSIT (ART) IS SIMILAR TO LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) 1. Operates in exclusive transit lanes to bypass traffic

2. Utilizes off-board fare collections systems

3. Allows boarding and alighting from all available doors

4. Utilizes stations that provide level boarding and real time information

5. Operates with with reduced travel times and greater reliability than in general traffic lanes

What is Advanced Rapid Transit?ADVANCED RAPID TRANSIT, OR ART, IS A RUBBER-TIRE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION THAT CAN PROVIDE THE BENEFITS OF RAIL TRANSIT WITH THE FLEXIBILITY OF BUSES.

It can be incrementally implemented in a variety of environments from rights-of-way totally dedicated to transit—surface, elevated, underground—to mixed with traffic on streets and highways.

5 WAYS ART IS BETTER THAN LRT1. Light Rail systems cost at least twice as much to build than Advanced Rapid

Transit lines.

2. If needed, buses can continue beyond the limits of the dedicated transit lanes to provide service

3. Buses can move off dedicated lanes to continue service if there is a problem on the guideway or if it is blocked (due to a traffic accident, for example)

4. Allows for dedicated lanes to be utilized by emerging technologies and vehicles, as well as to be shared with autonomous vehicles

5. Generally operates at a higher frequency than LRT systems

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DRAFT

WE PROPOSE THE FIRST ART CORRIDOR RUN FROM 1604 ON THE NORTHSIDE, SOUTH TO THE AIRPORT, ALONG SAN PEDRO AVENUE, THROUGH DOWNTOWN, SOUTH ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL AND EVENTUALLY CONNECTING TO VIA’S NEW BROOKS TRANSIT CENTER. A TRUE NORTH-TO-SOUTH CORRIDOR WITH TRAINLIKE STATION PLATFORMS, AT A FRACTION OF THE COST OF LIGHT RAIL. WE ARE CONFIDENT THIS FIRST CORRIDOR CAN BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE NEAR FUTURE. An east-to-west corridor is proposed for construction in the 2025-2030 timeframe, along Commerce to Houston. In all, ART spokes are contemplated across the city, either operational or under construction, by 2040, providing much more equitable coverage than we could ever afford by building tracks.

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How do you build the future? BUILDING A TRANSFORMATIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK WON’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. IT REQUIRES CAREFUL PLANNING AND KNOWING HOW THE FINAL SYSTEM WILL WORK ACROSS MODES TO PROVIDE MOBILITY, ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS.

We are building upon the work of SA Tomorrow, VIA’s Vision 2040, the Alamo Area MPO’s Mobility 2040 plan, and other community driver master plans. Bringing all of these plans together into one integrated and connected system is necessary for our community to have the roadmap forward.To help with planning and funding, we recommend three phases of projects be developed, a near term phase – through 2025, a mid-term phase – through 2030, and a vision phase – 2030 and beyond, to show when projects are anticipated to be under construction and open to the traveling public. We are confident in the cost estimates for near-term projects, and know that as mid-term and vision projects are developed, costs may change. We are basing our assumptions on the best available data we have today and acknowledge that technology, costs, and delivery methods for projects will shift over the course of the Connect SA plan. In the following pages, we share the vision of the total system, when complete, by type of project, and then show how these projects could be phased in the near-term, mid-term and vision phase to help us connect San Antonio.

2020 2025 2030 2035 2040

MID-TERM

NEAR-TERM

VISION

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DRAFT

Advanced Rapid TransitAdvanced Rapid Transit, or ART, is a rubber-tire mode of transportation that can provide the benefits of rail transit with the flexibility of buses.It can be incrementally implemented in a variety of environments from rights-of-way totally dedicated to transit—surface, elevated, underground—to mixed with traffic on streets and highways.

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Better BusA better public transit system with shorter wait times and faster trips, that is easier to use, and offers a better experience, is needed to continue growing and improving our quality of life.From digital solutions that fit in the palm of the hand to leveraging technology in real-world infrastructure, VIA Metropolitan Transit is reimagining its service for a modern public transit system that employs a breadth of smart transit options that improve transportation in the region today and future-proof it for tomorrow. Expanding high-frequency routes and the use of traffic signal prioritization, specifically for high-capacity service can offer immediate relief for congestion in busy corridors, and keep our community connected and moving. These changes also represent a significant cost-savings in operation and maintenance so that more can be invested in better service.

18

DRAFT

Micromobility LanesMicromobility lanes proposed in this plan would go to provide dedicated lanes for use by bicycles, scooters, and other personal modes of transportation. While the lanes shown in the map represent the completion of the City of San Antonio’s Master Bike Plan, the intent will be to include Micromobility Lanes in the development of new or rehab street work throughout the region.

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Mobility on DemandThere are some areas within the VIA service area that still have demand for a rideshare or transit service, but at a level that does not necessarily warrant fixed-route bus service. These areas are also typically developed in a manner that does not provide the best connectivity for pedestrians and can prove challenging for buses to serve. To address these challenges, and to provide more first and last mile options, VIA is proposing a new service to replace or complement fixed-route service in the areas highlighted in the map on the next page.

20

DRAFT

RoadwaysA more robust roadway network that provides better connectivity throughout the region is essential to any prosperous metropolitan area. This plan highlights the need to complete the expansion of existing major thoroughfare roads or the new construction of roads identified in the Major Thoroughfare Plan.

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Highways & TxDOT Similar to the need for a robust roadway network, a highway network that facilitates better movement for individuals and freight is needed to ensure economic vitality. This plan highlights funded MPO and TxDOT projects as well as identifies future projects that expand HOV lanes, adds highway capacity, and includes technology advancements to provide users additional information and trip options.

22

DRAFT

Sidewalks & TrailsAll users, regardless of chosen mode, begins their journey as a pedestrian. So to develop a truly comprehensive transportation system, that serves all users requires focus on sidewalks and trails. This proposed plan includes the completion of the creek trail system, and more significantly, the elimination of all sidewalk gaps in the city of San Antonio.

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Cumulative

PROGRAMS

MICROMOBILITY LANES

SMART ROAD/TRANSIT TECHNOLOGYImplementation of new and adaptive technologies that decrease delays on roadways and improve safety and mobility along major corridors.

ADVANCED RAPID TRANSIT

ICON

MOBILITY ON DEMAND

ICON

BETTER BUS NETWORK

ICON

ICON

TRAILS

SIDEWALKS Expand sidewalk connections by eliminating gaps and constructing new pedestrian facilities.

ICON

ROADWAYS AND HIGHWAYS

ICON

The map on the next page shows all funded and proposed programs this plan highlights needed to keep the San Antonio region moving. It requires investment throughout the entire area and considers all modes to develop a comprehensive network of transportation options that translates to personal trips made easier.

24

DRAFT

25


25 Potential Projects to be Initiated by 2025MANY CONNECTSA INITIATIVES CAN BE COMPLETED IN SIX YEARS OR LESS WITH PROPER FUNDING AND SUPPORT. WE PROPOSE THIS SERIES OF PROJECTS THAT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED OR UNDERWAY BY 2025.

Projects listed in the “25 by ‘25” initiative include 40 miles of right-of-way with protective barriers for bikes, scooters, and others, as well as 200 miles of sidewalks near schools, transportation hubs, and areas where wheelchair mobility is essential. Leveraging technology to integrate trip choices is a staple among successful cities. Trackless transit vehicles moving in protected, dedicated lanes with signal prioritization and pre-board fare collection provide the same efficiencies as some rail systems with more flexibility. A full list of 25 proposed projects is outlined in the next two pages.

25BY ‘25

DRAFT

• Construct the first phases of the Advanced Rapid Transit corridor

• Construct up to 40 miles of dedicated, protected micromobility lanes with right-of-way for bike/scooter/other modes

• Create new sidewalks networks throughout the community • Construct up to 200 miles of sidewalks that eliminate gaps

between existing networks• Construct high-priority segments of the City of San

Antonio's major thoroughfare plan • Extend roadway network in unincorporated areas of Bexar

County from the County Arterial Plan • Install pedestrian detection systems at key intersections • Construct mulitmodal mobility hubs to integrate trip modes

and destinations • Create seamless first/last-mile services for easy

multimodal trips

Projects that Expand Transportation Choices

25BY ‘25

26

27


• Collect transit fares off vehicle to reduce delays when boarding

• Install additional freeway dynamic message boards and provide enhanced trip information

• Provide real-time traffic options to travelers, particularly when roadway system faces major disruption

• Construct new freeway and street lanes in congested areas

• Rebuild intersections to increase capacity• Consolidate bus stops to reduce travel times

and optimize stop spacing along all high-frequency routes

• Expand Transit Signal Priority to all high-frequency bus routes

• Install adaptive signal timing in major corridors

Projects that Improve Transportation Flow

25BY ‘25

28

DRAFT

• Design a universal app to pay for all types of transportation fares/fees (public/ private)

• Launch "end-to-end" multimodal trip planning tool

• Provide real-time parking availability information

• Provide traffic forecast information to travelers related to weather emergencies and other unique events (e.g. major festivals, concerts)

• Install real-time bike rack and wheelchair space availability sensors on all transit vehicles

• Launch autonomous vehicle pilot projects • Improve reliability of transit mobility services

through application of emerging data sources • Construct more electric vehicle charging

stations in the City of San Antonio

Projects that Support Smart Initiatives

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25BY ‘25

29


Near-term Transportation Programs

PROGRAMS

MICROMOBILITY LANESConstruct up to 40 miles of dedicated lanes for use by

bicycles, scooters, etc. along corridors such as Presa St.,

Hays St., and Pine St.


ADVANCED RAPID TRANSITBegin construction of the first

phase of ART, connecting Stone Oak, the Airport Area, Downtown, and Brooks via

the San Pedro and Roosevelt corridors.

MOBILITY ON DEMANDImplement the first 3 rideshare zones within the transit service

area to serve the far northeast, far northwest, and far east/southeast

areas.

BETTER BUS NETWORKMake Primo service 12-minute or better 7 days a week, and provide new express routes to Alamo Ranch, Fair Oaks Ranch, and Rolling Oaks. Also, continue increasing

frequencies throughout the service area.

TRAILS Continued development of creek trail system including

along the Medina River, Leon Creek, and Salado

Creek trail systems.



Continue the build out of funded HOV lanes.

While San Antonio is making investments to improve our transportation system, new programs that meet modern goals are needed.Transportation programs that support trip choices are being developed with existing funding and expected to start work or be complete in the next six years. Existing programs alone won’t keep our transportation system moving in the long term. Additional programs have been proposed and are being considered for funding support.

In Progress or Completed by 2025

30

DRAFT

*Additional projects may later be identfied through the public process.

31


IF FUNDING IS RECEIVED, THESE POTENTIAL PROGRAMS COULD BE IMPLEMENTED OR UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE NEXT 10 TO 12 YEARS.

Mid-Term Transportation Programsby 2025 to 2030

PROGRAMS

MICROMOBILITY LANESContinue the expansion of

the dedicated lanes for use by bicycles, scooters, etc. along corridors such as Porter St., Ingram Rd., and Military Dr.


Continue the build out of funded HOV lanes.

ICON

ADVANCED RAPID TRANSITBegin operations of Phase I ART

and construction of Phase II ART connecting Kel-Lac Transit

Center, Downtown, and the AT&T Center via Commerce

corridor.

ICON

BETTER BUS NETWORKContinue increasing

frequencies throughout the network focusing on the local bus routes connecting to ART.

ICON

ICON



TRAILS Continue the development

of the creek trail system including the areas near

Lackland AFB.

ICON

These potential programs could be in progress or implemented in the next 10 to 12 years, if funding is available. They would expand the benefits of the near-term programs outlined (pages 29-30)

32

DRAFT


33


THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS POTENTIAL LONG-TERM PROGRAMS THAT COULD BE IMPLEMENTED OR UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE NEXT 20 TO 25 YEARS, PENDING APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING.

Vision 2030 to 2040

PROGRAMS


Complete the Major Thoroughfare Plan Program and complete HOV lanes

inside Loop 410 on the US 90 W, SH 151, IH 10 W, US 281

N, and IH 35 N corridors.

ADVANCED RAPID TRANSITComplete construction and

begin operations of the entire 70+ miles of ART Network.

ICON

BETTER BUS NETWORKThe local bus network is operating with no service

greater than 20-minutes all-day, 7 days a week.

ICON


TRAILS Complete the development

of the creek trail system within Bexar County.


ICON

34

DRAFT


35


How do we pay for our current mobility system? THERE ARE MULTIPLE WAYS THAT CURRENT INVESTMENTS IN OUR MOBILITY SYSTEM ARE REALIZED.

Every level of government participates in ensuring we can move people, goods and services. Those public dollars are stretched thinner and thinner each year as construction prices increase across the board.

In the last decade we have seen a focus on increased funds for mobility primarily focused on highways. While that is needed to help address current congestion, we know that focusing on mobility for everyone, not just vehicles, will require a shift in thinking and a shift in funding.

These funds, which do not include any toll projects, have led to record investments in our community. But with the growth we are experiencing, they will not be able to keep up with the demands on our system. In some cases, funds may be restricted in use to roadways.

The numbers shown in the chart to the right reflect what is anticipated to be available from 2019 to 2025 from current sources of funding. As shown, it is estimate that by 2025 we will spend almost $3 billion on roadway-related improvements and $200 million on transit improvements from federal, state and locally generated funds.

Gas TaxFEDERAL GAS TAX - 18.4 cents per gallonSTATE GAS TAX - 20 cents per gallon

Sales Tax 1/4th of a cent used by the Advanced Transportation District, City of San Antonio and Bexar County

Vehicle Registration Fee $10 per vehicle, per year, fee used to accelerate road improvements by the Alamo RMA and Bexar County

Bond FundsFrom time to time the County of Bexar or the City of San Antonio will ask voters to consider approval of general obligation bonds backed by property tax or other revenue streams. These bonds have been used to help build sidewalks, roadways and related infrastructure.

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DRAFT

FEDERAL FUNDING STATE FUNDING LOCAL FUNDING

EXISTING FUNDING COMMITTED TO CAPITAL PROJECTS FROM 2019 THROUGH 2025

TYPE OF PROJECT

$1.4B

$339M

$36M

HIGHWAYS

CITY/COUNTY ROADWAY

AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS

TRANSIT

TYPE OF PROJECT

$351M

$0

$58M

HIGHWAYS

TRANSIT

CITY/COUNTY ROADWAY


TYPE OF PROJECT

$157M

$829M

$12MHIGHWAYS

TRANSIT

CITY/COUNTY ROADWAY


TOTAL:

TOTAL:

$1.8B

$1.2B

TOTAL:

$193MGRAND TOTAL:

$3.2B

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2019-2025POTENTIAL UNFUNDED

CAPITAL PROJECTS Including Smart Initiatives,

Expanded Network and Improved Transportation Flow

2025-2030MID-TERM POTENTIAL

UNFUNDED CAPITAL PROJECTS Including Smart Initiatives,

Expanded Network and Improved Transportation Flow

ALL COST ARE PRELIMINARY ORDER-OF-MAGNITUDE ESTIMATES SUBJECT TO REFINEMENT DURING PUBLIC INPUT PERIOD.

TOTAL: TOTAL:

$1.3B $1.45B

Our current funding is committed for existing projects, and in some cases, those projects have been years in the planning and construction. We need to invest more to get more in terms of mobility. It will take bold, targeted, strategic and smart investments across the community if we are going to continue to thrive as a region.

Based on existing plans from SA Tomorrow, Vision 2040 and Mobility 2040, we estimate an additional $1.3 billion in capital projects are needed by 2025 to deliver on the system our community has envisioned.

From 2025 to 2030, we estimate the needs contained in these same plans will require an additional $1.4 billion to support new projects.

The longer we wait to address these funding challenges, the higher costs will climb. As a community, we must invest today to meet tomorrow’s mobility needs.

These proposed investments leverage technology and innovation to provide more options, and more ease of access that will create a more connected and vibrant community for everyone.

Projected Costs

NEAR- & MID-TERM PROPOSED PROGRAMS

THROUGH 2030UNFUNDED PROGRAMS

WHAT WILL AN INTEGRATED, INNOVATIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE MOBILITY SYSTEM COST? MORE THAN WE ARE INVESTING TODAY.

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Potential Funding Sources

NEAR- & MID-TERM PROPOSED PROGRAMS

CREATING A MODERN MOBILITY SYSTEM WILL REQUIRE AN INVESTMENT FROM OUR COMMUNITY, ABOVE WHAT WE FUND TODAY. THE POTENTIAL FUNDING MECHANISMS LISTED HERE, WHEN COMBINED, COULD HELP FUND THE INVESTMENT NEED.

POTENTIAL FUNDING MECHANISMS WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION INCLUDE: REALLOCATION OF EXISTING SALES TAX Reallocate existing sales tax such as Edwards Aquifer and Linear Creek fund, which will expire once it has collected $180 million in revenue. This 1/8th-cent could be moved to support mobility needs. Neither of these reallocations would increase the sales tax within the City of San Antonio from the current rate of 8.25%. The current Advanced Transportation District splits funding with 50% of what is collected going to support transit, 25% going to leverage additional state and federal funds, and 25% going to the City of San Antonio for projects. This last 25%, which equals 1/16th of a cent, could also be reprioritized to assist with larger-scale mobility projects.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS Dedicate a portion of future bond elections to support ConnectSA mobility projects.

LEVERAGE FUNDS Optimize matching funds from state or federal dollars to stretch local funds. Sources such as Public-Private Partnerships and Transportation Reinvestment Zones (TRZ), must also be considered as ways to leverage limited dollars to go further.

NEW REVENUE Consider new sources of revenue to help compliment the other investments discussed. The Alamo Regional Mobility Authority, for example, is authorized to collect a $10 per year per vehicle registration fee within Bexar County. In the 86th Session of the Texas Legislature authorization for an additional $10 per year per vehicle fee could be considered, which would be subject to a public vote, and could help leverage additional resources for mobility projects throughout Bexar County.

The possibility of a Transportation User Fee, similar to what is being used in other Texas cities, could generate resources for dedicated revenue to assist with mobility projects across the area.

• City of Corpus Christi • City of Bryan • City of Austin

There are additional policy considerations which need to be discussed and which may have an impact on potential funding availability. Modifications on land usage, including changes to the development code of the City of San Antonio, may lead to more people focused development, and incentives or additional fees could accompany these changes. A refocusing of our mobility system may need to include a refocusing our of our development approach and patterns.

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DRAFT

• Support the legislative request for an additional $10 per vehicle per year registration fee in Bexar County to go to the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority for non-toll projects

• Consider the creation of a Transportation User Fee, similar to other cities in Texas, to provide additional revenue for mobility projects.

• Consider additional land use related policies and fees which could generate revenue to support mobility projects

• Gas Tax

REALLOCATION OF EXISTING SALES TAX

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS

LEVERAGE FUNDS

NEW REVENUE SOURCES

• Redirect Existing Sales Tax within San Antonio when the Edwards Aquifer and Linear Creek tax expires

• Redirect the City of San Antonio share of the Advanced Transportation District

• Future City of San Antonio General Obligation Bonds should set aside funding for ConnectSA projects

• Future Bexar County Bonds should set aside funding for ConnectSA projects

• Utilize state or federal funds, wherever possible, to help deliver project funding • Utilize Public-Private Partnerships, wherever possible and appropriate, to help

with project delivery • Utilize Transportation Reinvestment Zones around key corridors to help provide

funding for projects

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DID YOU KNOW? • The two largest sources of Greenhouse Gas emissions, or GHGs, in San Antonio are the

stationary sector (energy use in buildings) and the transportation sector, with transportation sources accounting for 38% of GHGs in our region.

• Over 90% of GHGs are related to use of private vehicles (automobiles, light trucks).• Using public transportation helps save more than 4 billion gallons of gasoline in the U.S.

every year.• Public transportation prevents U.S. drivers from being stuck in traffic an additional 796

million hours each year.• VIA is converting its entire fleet to Compressed Natural Gas vehicles (CNG). • Once complete, the new buses will save 97% of NOx emissions in the region, compared to

the diesel buses they’re replacing.

* Source: SA Climate Ready: A Pathway for Climate Action & Adaptation** Source: American Public Transportation Association

Sustainable Transportation OptionsTHE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO’S SA CLIMATE READY PLAN CALLS FOR REDUCING TRANSPORTATION CONSUMPTION BY REDUCING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED THROUGH INCREASED MOBILITY OPTIONS IN THE NEAR-TERM.

As a car-centric city, San Antonio will need to utilize smart initiatives to reduce GHG emissions from our transportation systems, including promoting the use of greener vehicle technologies and reducing vehicle miles traveled through transforming and integrating existing transportation networks.

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DRAFT

“Without a plan to reduce our emissions and prepare our city for these impacts, our city —

and our people — are at risk.”

MAYOR RON NIRENBERG, SA Climate Ready: A Pathway for

Climate Action & Adaptation

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Moving Forward

This document is a draft framework. It outlines our best recommendations for projects, programs and potential funding to move the community forward together. It was developed by transportation planners and experts across multiple agencies and departments, using research and feedback from years of community input and planning. This is the first step to develop an integrated, comprehensive mobility plan. An extensive public engagement process will be required to develop a final mobility plan for our community’s future.

TODAY’S TRANSPORTATION NETWORK CANNOT SUPPORT OUR CITY OF TOMORROW.

Ultimately, ConnectSA will work with the community to develop an effective, affordable and innovative mobility system that manages growth, addresses congestion, offers more choices, and preserves and improves our quality of life.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

FRAMEWORK PLAN REVIEW

ConnectSA members will review this

document and consider the

recommendations of the Tri-Chairs.

DRAFT MOBILITY

PLAN

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

FINAL MOBILITY

PLAN

ConnectSA will propose a draft framework that includes possible

programs, projects and funding

options for modern mobility.

With feedback from the community,

public partners and technical experts will incorporate changes

to formulate the ConnectSA plan.

ConnectSA will introduce a final plan and funding

options and outline next steps.

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DRAFT

• Community forums in each Council District and County Precinct

• Briefings with Chambers of Commerce across the region• Outreach to elected and appointed officials, business

leaders, neighborhood associations, civic groups and advocacy organizations, social services organizations, and departments

• Meetings with transportation planning partners and advocates

• Meetings with leadership of Chamber organizations• Outreach to community groups• An online feedback mechanism

Commitment to Seek Community Feedback

PROPOSED 2019 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Draft PlanIntroduced

Public & Virtual Open Houses

Final Proposed Mobility Plan

Comment Review & Evaluation

Community Forum, Workshops & Virtual Town Halls

CONNECTSA.COM

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