Sue Crowe 2 March
12, 2003
engine/cooling system, and lack of
space for the placement of a rack. Mr. Gatterdam requested more stops along routes.
Industry standards typically place bus stops at 1/4-mile intervals; in those areas where density is low, there are longer
distances between stops. RABA will review with Mr. Gatterdam the areas he is referencing. Adding any new stops will
require a thorough review due to the timing of
the routes, i.e., if additional stops
would lengthen the route from its scheduled time frame, then a determination would have to be made on which
stops to modify.
As indicated in our responses to last year's 2002 unmet
needs hearing, capitals costs range from $25,000 to $51,000 a year RABA over the next 25 years.
These funds are used to provide bus stop improvements-curb, gutter, sidewalk, bus turnouts, and
benches within its fixed route service area. Additionally, RABA has a contract with a firm to provide shelters
throughout its service area. The contract
allows the firm to place shelters with advertising kiosks, at no cost to RABA,
with RABA receiving a percentage of the revenue. Major developments are also
being conditioned to provide public transit amenities as a part of their permit to develop.
Past efforts have focused on placing shelters and benches
where there is a demonstrated need-ridership and infrastructure to support the placement of benches
and shelters. Twenty-eight
shelters and
129 benches have been placed in the RABA service area. Out of approximately 400 bus stops, 32% have bus benches. Four bus
turnouts are scheduled for construction this fiscal year, and RABA has agreed to participate in the construction of
another two.
As
benches and shelters have been placed in those areas that meet the sidewalk
width requirements, RABA has shifted its focus to those places where it is harder to locate
the amenities. Harder
to locate simply
means that easements will have to be acquired to allow the placement of
amenities (sidewalk widths do not accommodate placement) and/or costly infrastructure
improvements are required. These infrastructure
improvements will be costly and will dictate the number of benches placed on an
annual basis.
We would also note that the benches and shelters are primarily in commercial areas due to resistance of residential property owners to have
amenities along their property.
Should you have questions or require
additional information, please feel free to call me at 245-7114 or Sue Hanson at 245-7116.
Sincerely,
Ray E. Duryee Transportation Manager
Enclosure
c: Director of Administrative Services Transportation Planner Management Analyst Morgan