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TO: |
Board of Trustees |
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THROUGH: |
Jay Fox, Executive Director |
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FROM: |
Nichol Bourdeaux, Chief Planning and Engagement Officer |
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PRESENTER(S): |
Jaron Robertson, Acting Planning Director |
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Alex Beim, Acting Long Range and Strategic Planning Director |
TITLE:
title
Future of Light Rail Study
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:
Information item for discussion
BACKGROUND:
UTA’s light rail network, which recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary, has become a key component of the region’s transportation system. Although very successful, the system must adapt to growth and evolving travel patterns to retain and improve its vital function in the overall transportation network.
Over the years, through both internal processes and regional planning efforts, a range of projects have been considered to optimize the efficiency of light rail, assure sustainability, and expand to new areas. However, all these elements have not been examined holistically. The UTA Future of Light Rail study was initiated in March of 2020 to provide a comprehensive analysis of light rail service to provide guidance on which improvements UTA should pursue in both the near and long term.
UTA procured the services of Hatch as the lead consultant for this study with support provided by HDR, Avenue, and Fehr and Peers. Phase one of the study looked at existing conditions across the TRAX system, provided preliminary recommendations, and considered what elements of the system should be further examined in phase two scenarios. Service expansion scenarios were generally limited to projects adopted and shown as funded in the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) 2019 Regional Transportation Plans (RTPs) that did not have a current study underway. During phase two, four scenarios were analyzed. Based on the results of these scenarios, as well as stakeholder input, a final scenario was developed containing the recommended elements of the plan. The study is wrapping up with a final plan document ready by December of 2022.
DISCUSSION:
UTA staff will discuss the future of light rail study including key recommendations and action items which include:
• Plan for possible service expansion and reconfiguration
• Optimizing fleet efficiency
• Funding and schedule for key infrastructure renewal and improvement projects
• Collaboration with partners to increase transit signal priority
• Enhanced span of service
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Total budget for Phase I and II of this study is $399,672, spanning between 2020 - 2022
ATTACHMENTS:
None