Transit System Redesign: Draft Network Plan

Public Comment MeetingsOctober 15, 20, 21 & 22, 2015November 4 & 12, 2015

MEETING PURPOSE & GUIDELINES

The purpose of this meeting is to take public comments on the proposed bus network changes as part of COTA’s Transit System Redesign (TSR)• 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.

• 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 (please print legibly).

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AGENDA

• Transit System Redesign (TSR) Background, Purpose & Goals• Proposed TSR Bus Network• Proposed Downtown Plan• Next Steps & Timeline• Open House

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TRANSIT SYSTEM REDESIGNbackground, purpose & goals

TRANSIT SYSTEM REDESIGN: BACKGROUND

• Oct 2013: Independent experts hired to review and evaluate bus network

• Jan-Feb 2014: Initial draft plan developed• Mar - Jun 2014: Public input received through 10 public meetings, online

survey and focus groups• Sept 2014: New proposed bus network completed based on public

feedback • Nov 2014: COTA Board of Trustees accepted final report and adopted

framework• 70% of operating resources allocated to high-ridership• 30% of operating resources allocated to coverage lines

• May/Jun 2015: Four public meetings in addition to targeted stakeholder meetings held in order to solicit feedback on revised Downtown Plan

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TSR GOALS / BENEFITS• Simplified Bus Alignments – easier to understand and navigate

• More Direct Service – straighter routes & less deviations

• More Frequent Service – more high-frequency lines (15 min. or better)

• More Consistent Service – easy-to-remember schedules, 7 days a week

• New/Improved Connections – more service to major destinations & employment centers

• Grid-Like Network – more Crosstown service = more transfer points outside of Downtown

• Even Distribution in Downtown – Less congestion on High Street. More transit service on Front, High, Third & Fourth Streets.

• More Access – More people within walking distance of a line. More people near high-frequency lines.

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EXISTING FREQUENT NETWORK

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PROPOSED FREQUENT NETWORK

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PROPOSED BUS NETWORK

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ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR AFFECTED CUSTOMERS

Although the TSR will provide transit access to more people in more places, some changes will result in reduced service in certain areas.

COTA and our community partners are ready to work to provide solutions for affected customers:• MORPC RideSolutions provides a variety of services for commuters

traveling to and from work• 1-888-742-RIDE (7433) or www.morpc.org/ridesolutions

• HandsOn Central Ohio connects people with specialists to help find the transportation source that best fits your needs

• (614) 221-2255 or www.211centralohio.org

• COTA Mainstream is a service for individuals whose disability prevents them from using fixed-route bus service

• (614) 275-5828 or www.cota.com/mobilityservices

PROPOSED DOWNTOWN PLANOverview, changes to All-Day, Peak Service

DOWNTOWN PLAN GOALS

• Provide more even distribution of buses on Downtown streets

• Stops distributed throughout Downtown – reduced crowding on sidewalks

• Increased connections on Third, Fourth, and Front streets

• More frequent service with less buses on High Street

• Less congestion on High Street

• Improved storefront visibility on High Street

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DOWNTOWN PLAN – ALL-DAY SERVICE

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

• Increased frequency between OSU and Downtown

• Transfer locations are in multiple locations throughout Downtown

• New and enhanced bus stops• Direct service to Port Columbus • Most bus lines move to High

Street in the late evening for timed transfer connections

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DOWNTOWN PLAN – EXPRESS & PEAK-ONLY SERVICE

• All Express lines as well as Local Line 13 Arlington operate on Third, Fourth, or Front streets

• Increased use of Downtown Transit Terminals that offer improved passenger amenities

• New and enhanced bus stops

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NEXT STEPS & TIMELINEpublic involvement & proposed implementation plan

NEXT STEPS & TIMELINE

• October - November 2015• Host community meetings and review comments received• Identify 2016-2017 capital improvements budget

• November 18, 2015: Summary of comments presented to Board

• January 2016: Finalize TSR bus network based on final public comments

• January 2016 - January 2017: Continue phasing in components of the TSR via regularly scheduled service changes

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

• September 2017: Implement CMAX Cleveland Avenue BRT and modifications to Line 6 Cleveland Local

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ONLINE INFORMATION

Check out COTA.com/TSR• Full-size maps• Individual line maps• Bus stop changes in

Downtown area• Public involvement

opportunities and latest project updates

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COMMUNITY MEETINGS

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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• Individual line maps available at sign-in table

• 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 Division33 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215

• Check back at www.cota.com for updates19

OPEN HOUSECOTA staff is available to provide information