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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-09-14 - AGENDA REPORTS - TRANSIT NEEDS ASMT (2)NEW BUSINESS DATE: SUBJECT; DEPARTMENT: BACKGROUND AGENDA REPORT j City Manager Approval / Item to be presented W, U " Rich Henderson. September 14, 1993 Draft Study: Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty -Year Plan Community Development and Public Works The Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty Year Plan is a draft study which assesses the existing transit system to begin the Initial identification of future services and facilities expansions which would be necessaryto Implement the goals of the Circulation, Land Use and Air Quality Elements of the General Plan. The existing transit system can be described as a multi -modal transit network comprised of fixed -route local bus, commuter bus, dial -a -ride and rail services; existing transit facilities Include bus stops, bicycle and pedestrian paths, a mu@I-modal transportation center, park -n -ride lots, and the corporation yard/transit maintenance facility. The Plan also Includes a detailed listing of future transit service goals and facility needs, In anticipation of the City's Increase In population and size over the next twenty years. The draft study Is intended to complement the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), which is the primary planning document for the Transit Division and which must be prepared annually to qualify the City for funding. TheNeedsAssessment and Twenty Year Plan complements the SRTP by providing a more detailed assessment of transit facility needs, which In turn supports the Transit Division's goals and objectives specified in the SRTP. Furthermore, the plan will also help to link land use and transportation planning by Identifying future transit services and facilities which may be necessitated by new development, and It will assist the City in effectively conditioning future development proposals to mitigate project impacts on the transit network. This plan is also a first step towards developing a Transit Master Plan. To date, the preparation of the document has been a staff effort. Staff has now circulated copies of the plan to the development community and will be meeting with them to hear their ideas and concerns. At Its regularly scheduled meeting on August 17, the Planning Commission discussed the Plan indicating that the document satisfactorily addresses traditional transit needs in a meaningful way and directed staff to forward the document to the Council. The Commission also expressed a concern that the wording be stronger when possible, such as using "shall" rather than "should;'though staff Indicated thatflexlbility is also Important. Lastly, the Commission hoped that non-traditional transportation solutions would be considered, and staff indicated that this would be addressed In a potential trip reduction ordinance that may be mandated by the Air Quality Management District. A copy of the draft Planning Commission minutes of August 17 are attached as background, • along with the staff report. Staff would like the. opportunity to receive Council guidance at this point and to work with the development community on the plan. APPROVED, Agendaltem: Ala) RECOMMENDATION Provide comments to staff and direct staff to work with the development community for their comments on this report and return with the Item at a future meeting. ATTACHMENTS Planning Commission StaH.Report Draft Study: Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty -Year Plan Draft Minutes August 17, 1993 Planning Commission Meeting LMH:KJM:HLB c wlbWrt ahlb CITY OF SANTA CLARITA TRANSIT SERVICES AND TRANSIT FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT Prepared By: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT May, 1993 W TRANSIT SERVICES AND TRANSIT FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND TWENTY YEAR PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this report is to provide an overview. of the City's existing transit services and facilities, and to make recommendations regarding future service expansions and facilities requirements. This report will assist the City to effectively condition future development proposals to mitigate project impacts on the transit network. Chapter One summarizes the City's achievements during the past six years in establishing a basic muni -modal transit network, Including theconstruction of the Santa Clarita Multi-Modal/Metrolink Transportation Center, and the provision of local fixed -route, dial -a -ride, and commuter bus services. Chapter Two summarizes the existing transit services for the fixed -route local bus, commuter bus, dial -a -ride and rail service, Including Metrolink and Amtrak. The report lists the fares, the hours of service, and operating requirements. Chapter Three Identifies the existing transit facilities and Infrastructure necessary to support the transit services, including the multi -modal transportation center, park -n -ride lots, the transit maintenance facility, and bus stop improvements. The report specifies the function and location of the various facilities. Chapter Four lists the services and facilities which are needed In order to Implement the goals and policies listed In the General Plan. This chapter also describes service operation and facility goals and standards. Chapter Five discusses potential funding sources and program costs.. The City will continue to aggressively pursue transportation grant dollars, and a transit impact fee has been considered, though It is not being actively pursued at this time. A portion of Bridge and Thoroughfare funds may be used to finance transit Improvements within the right-ofway, such as bus turnouts and bus pads, though the City will condition development projects to mitigate Impacts on the transit network. Chapter Six includes relevant sections from the goals and policies of the Land Use, Circulation and Air Quality Elements of the General Plan which pertain to the transportation network and support the Intent of this plan. This plan may be considered as an Introduction to the Transit Master Plan, which will provide an additional level of detail to the planning efforts. The relationship of this document to the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), the proposed Transit Master Plan, and the General Plan is reviewed. J CITY OF SANTA CLARITA TRANSIT SERVICES AND TRANSIT FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND TWENTY YEAR PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter One .................................................. Purpose for Study Chapter Two ........................................ Identification of Existing Public ........................................................... Transit Services:1993 Chapter Three ....................................... Identification of Existing Public .............................................................. Transit Facilities Chapter Four ......................................... Identification of Future Public ................................................................ .....Needs ChapterFive ......................................................... Financing. Chapter Six ........................................ Relationship to the General Plan ......•••••• .......................................'and Other Planning Documents ChapterSeven.......................................................Conclusion A LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A ......................................... Santa Clarlta Transit Schedule APPENDIX B, Figure B-1 .................................... Bus Turnout Bay Design APPENDIX B, Figure B-2 ................................. Site Plan of the Santa Clarita .......................................................... ... Transit Center Foil CHAPTER ONE PURPOSE FOR STUDY The City of Santa Clarita Is located In northern Los Angeles County and Is served by an existing network of roadways, local fixed -route and commuter buses, commuter rail service, dlal-a-rlde, and blkeways. Since the City's Incorporation In 1987, the City has made significant Improvements to the public transit network. These accomplishments Include assumption of operation and expansion of local fixed -route bus service, express bus service for commuters to downtown Los Angeles, and dial -a -ride service especially suited for senior citizens and the disabled; bike trail Improvements; and, the construction of a multi -modal transportation center that Is served by Metrolink. Despite these accomplishments over the past five years, the transit network Is far from attaining Its full potential. The goal for the City's transit network Is to be operating at maximum effectiveness within twenty years. Maximum effectiveness of the transit network is achieved when public transit is accessible to everyone; when it provides convenient service to regularly visited areas of the City; when It is affordable to everyone; when It Is efficient and reliable; when it Is safe and clean; when It conforms to the Master Plan of Arterial Highways; and, when service Is provided on all major highways, arterials, and major collector streets. ASSUMPTIONS New development will cause Increases in the demand for transit services and Increases In traffic on the circulation network. New development should mitigate Impacts to transit services and the circulation system. This report will outline the additional facilities, transit vehicles, capital equipment and service expansions that will be necessitated by new development, along with related cost factors. Funding mechanisms, Including required mitigation for new development, will also be discussed, so that the City can proceed to Implement the transit Improvements. The purpose of this study Is to create a document which the City Council, Planning Commission and staff can refer to when making decisions about the future transit needs of the City. The study will attempt to Implement the goals and policies of the Land Use, Circulation and Air Quality Elements of the General Plan by establishing criteria for proactive planning when processing new development proposals. The study will also be an important tool for future transit grant applications as It will serve to Identify the City's transit needs. Transit grants will now be sought for their applicability to the City's Identified service standards, and the facilities and Infrastructure specified to meet the service standards. Lastly, the report will present solutions on how these proposed improvements to the transit network would be funded. The study Identities City-inttlated developer fees, state and county subventions, transit grants, and federal monies as the primary sources for funding these improvements. r. NFA CHAPTER TWO IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICES: 1993 CHAPTER TWO, IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICES: MAY 1993, describes In detail the various forms of transit services that Santa Clarha Transit is currently providing. SERVICE CHANGES On October 26,1992, Santa Clartia Transit (SCT) made changes to Its public transit services. The commuter rail began its service to downtown Los Angeles via Metrollnk, and the local fixed -route bus service combined or deleted some routes and reorganized its numbering system. The City also began use of its multi -modal transportation center, which functions as the primary transfer point for fixed -route service, commuter bus, and commuter rail, and as a park -n -ride lot for commuter rail and commuter bus patrons. The multi -modal transportation center will eventually connect with the trail network and currently provides access to bicycle users by providing a bicycle storage area. See Appendix A for a complete listing of the service changes. FIXED -ROUTE LOCAL BUS: EXISTING SERVICES, MAY 1993 The Santa Clarita Transit provides for local travel within the City of Santa Clarha and In the unincorporated areas surrounding the City. There are nine bus routes which provide service to Newhall, Saugus, Valencia, Canyon Country, Castalc and Val Verde. A complete description of each route can be found In Appendix A. The fixed -route tical tris operates six days a week, excluding Sundays. All of the bus lines operate at approximately one hour Intervals or less, beginning at 4:31 am. and terminating at 8:16 p.m. On Saturdays, service begins at approximately 8:00 am. and terminates at 8.00 p.m. There Is no service on the following holidays: New Yeats Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The fare structure for the fixed -route local bus service Is outlined In Table 2-1 below: TABLE 2-1 FIXED -ROUTE LOCAL BUS SERVICE FARE STRUCTURE Effective July 1, 1993 Fare Categories Cost Adult 50.75 Student $0.50 Senior/Disabled - $0.25 Children Under 5 Free Transfer Free Adult Monthly Pass 520.00 Student Monthly Pass $10.00 Senlor/Dlsabled Monthly Pass $10.00 /1Q 11 0 1� To be eligible for student fare, you must be between 5 to 17 years old, be a full time high school student, or be a college student with a valid student body card. To be eligible for the Senior or Disabled Fare, you must be 60 years of age or older or be disabled. Monthly passes entitle the purchaser to uhllmlted use of the fixed -route local bus network for the calendar month. COMMUTER BUS SERVICE: 1993 Currently, the City operates a single commuter bus line, Route 799, between Santa Clarita and downtown Los Angeles. The buses operate only in one direction during peak periods via the Antelope Valley and Golden State Freeways. Depending on the traffic conditions, an alternate route using the Foothill and Glendale Freeways Is used. In the morning, the buses travel from Santa Clartta to downtown Los Angeles; In the afternoon, the direction of service Is reversed. There are nine buses which provide this service. There are nine designated commuter bus stops throughout Santa Clarita and fifteen designated bus stops In downtown Los Angeles. The bus stops are located at the following areas: College of the Canyons, Whites Canyon Road at Soledad Canyon Road, Transit Cemer/Metrollnk,Station, Mc Bean Parkway at Del Monte Drive, McBean Parkway at Arroyo, McBean Parkway at Avenida Navarre, Cinema Drive at Valencia Boulevard, Lyons Avenue at Orchard Village Road, and San Fernando Road at Sierra Highway. In Los Angeles, the buses circulate on downtown streets to provide coverage in the Central Business District. In the morning, the buses operate via Spring, First, Flower and 7th Streets. On the return trip home, the buses operate via 8th, Figueroa, 4th, Flower, First, and Main Streets. See Appendix A for a map of the commuter bus route through downtown Los Angeles. The commuter bus service Is oriented for the regular work week only, Monday through Friday. Buses typically reach their downtown Los Angeles destination within 50 minutes to an hour. The earliest bus departs from Santa Clarita at 5:40 a.m. and arrives at downtown at 6:22 a.m. For the most part, service is between 5:20 a.m. to 7:38 p.m. with no mkf-day or off-peak service. No service Is available on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The fare structure for the Commuter Bus service Is listed in Table 2-2 below: Table 2-2 Commuter Bus Service Fare Structure Effective July 1, 1993 Fare Catecorles Adult Cost $3.00 Student $1.50 Senlor/DLsabled $1.50 Children under 5 Free 20 -ride punch ticket $60.00 Adult Monthly Pass $100.00 Student Monthly Pass $50.00 Senior/Disabled Monthly Pass $50.00 3 Notes: 1) Valid fixed -route local bus transfers from Santa Clarita Transit or fixed -route local bus monthly passes from Santa Clarlta Transit count as a 75 cent credit towards the adult cash fare for the commuter bus or as a 25 cent credit towards the reduced cash fare for the commuter bus when It Is presented to the driver upon boarding in Santa Clarfta; 2) If someone is in possesslon of a monthly commuter bus pass, It entitles the holder to unlimited use of the local, commuter and Dial -A -Ride services free of charge for the entire calendar month; 3) Transfers to any local LACTMA bus In downtown LA may be obtained for 25 cents; and, 4) Valid transfers from LACTMA will count as a $1.10 (LACTMA base fare) credit toward the adult cash fare or as a $0.55 (LACTMA reduced fare) credit toward the reduced cash fare when boarding any Santa Clarita Transit commuter bus In Los Angeles. DIAL -A -RIDE In addition to the local and commuter bus services, Santa Clartta Transit also provides Dial-A-Rlde services. This service offers curb -to -curb service to anywhere In the Santa Clarha Valley. Eight lift -equipped vans are needed to provide this service and all are dedicated for exclusive use by registered seniors and disabled persons during the daytime hours. Dlal-A-Ride vans are available for service Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 pm., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m, to 5:00 p.m.. There Is no service on Sundays. The general public Is entitled to ride Dial -A -Ride vans weekday evenings between 6:00 p.m and 10:30 p.m.. A 24-hour advance reservation Is required In order to use this service. Reservation calls are taken only during business hours, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Patrons are advised that the Dial -A -Ride van may arrive at their scheduled time or 30 minutes atter their scheduled time. Nonetheless, they must be prepared to board the van. Patrons who must cancel their reservations are asked to do so two hours In advance of their scheduled pick up time. The cost for using this service is $0.75. A complete description of the fare structure Is outlined In Table 2-3 below: TABLE 2-3 DIAL -A -RIDE SERVICE FARE STRUCTURE Effective July 1, 1993 Fare Catecorles Cost Adult $0.75 Student - $0.75 SenioNDisabled $0.75 /a Notes: 1) Valid local transfers or local adult passes count as full credit. . 2) Commuter monthly passes and transfers entitle the rider to a free ride on Dial -A -Ride. COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE AT MULTI -MODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER: 1993 Metrollnk commuter rall service began operations on October 26, 1992. The Metrolink station Is located at the Transit Center adjacent to the Saugus Speedway on Soledad Canyon Road. Train service Is provided from Santa Clarita to Burbank, Glendale, and downtown Los Angeles by five Metrolink trains. The trains operate every weekday, leaving Santa Clartta at 5:35 a.m., 6:35 am., 7:30 am., 9:05 a.m., and 2:40 p.m.. Trains arrive In Santa Clarha from Los Angeles at 8:43 a.m, 2:14 p.m., 5:07 p.m., 6:27 p.m.; and 7:17 pm.. Metrolink fares between Santa Clarlta and downtown Los Angeles, Burbank and Glendale are $5.50 for a one-way trip ticket, $10 for a round trip ticket, $45.00 for a 10 -ride ticket and $144.00 for a monthly pass. An additional station Is currently under construction In the San Femando/Sylmar area and Is scheduled to open In June 1993. Passengers holding valid Metrolink round trip tickets, 10•rlds tickets or monthly passes will be entitled to free bus rides on fixed -route local Santa Clarlta buses to and from the Metrolink station. Free rides will be granted only when using buses that connect with Metrolink trains. Passengers With one-way tickets are entitled to one free bus ride on connecting Santa Clarlta buses travelling from the Metrolink station. Passengers travelling to Metrolink using SCT without a Metrolink ticket or pass may obtain a transfer that entitles the passenger to a $1.00 credit towards the Metrolink fare. Metrolink tickets and passes shall count as full credit on dial -a -ride buses. Metrolink tickets or passes are honored on commuter buses. Passengers holding valid Metrolink tickets or passes are also entitled to free bus rides on any transit company under contract with Metrolink, such as LACTMA, DASH, and other transit agencies. Passengers travelling to Metrolink using via local bus service, who do not already have a Metrolink ticket, may obtain a transfer that entitles the passenger to a $1.00 credit towards the Metrolink fare. AMTRAK BUS -TO -RAIL SERVICE In addition to the Metrollnk, Amtrak's express bus service serves the Transit Center. The buses depart from the Center at 8:40 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. and connect with trains to Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Tickets are $10.00 each way between Santa Clartta and downtown Los Angeles and are available through Amtrak or travel agencies. Amtrak also provides four trips per day In each direction that connect with San Joaquin trains In Bakersfield. These buses stop at the Hampton Inn on the Old Road near Lyons Avenue. - S. rI L 5 /3 CHAPTER THREE IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSIT FACILITIES CHAPTER THREE, IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSIT FACILITIES, will describe the various transit facilities and their locations within the service area. . BUS STOPS Bus stops are an essential component of the public transit network. They designate where fixed. route local and commuter buses make their scheduled stops. Bus stops are designated In a variety of ways, based on a hierarchy of patronage. For example, bus stops with only a few patrons which serve low density residential areas may only have a bus stop sign; whereas, a stop on a congested corridor with heavy transit patronage may have all of the facilities listed below. • BUS STOP SIGN ONLY: Bus stop signs throughout the City display the Santa Clartta Transit logo. All fixed -route and commuter bus stops must be Identified with a bus stop sign. • BUS STOP SIGN AND BUS BENCH: This bus stop has a sign which displays the SCT logo, as well as a bench for wafting passengers. • BUS STOP WITH CONCRETE BASE SHELTER: This bus stop has a shelter wfth a concrete base. Bus shelters are effective In shielding waiting passengers from Inclement weather. There are currently seven bus shatters In the City. The shelters are at the following bus stop locations: Soledad Canyon Road/San Fernando Road; Soledad Canyon Road, between Whites Canyon Road and Camp Plenty Road; Mc Bean Parkway/Orchard Village Road; Lyons Avenue/Peachland Avenue; and, Lyons Avenue/Apple Street • BUS PADS IN ROADWAY: A bus pad In the. roadway is an area which Is reinforced by concrete so that when a bus makes its scheduled stop, It protects the street from Its weight, Its turning movements and Us acceleration and deceleration. A transit goal Is to have all bus stops Improved with these bus pads. • BUS STOP AS BUS TURNOUT BAY: A bus turnout bay is an indentation In the roadway which allows the bus to pull out of the right-of-way while R Is picking up passengers so that it does not Interfere with traffic. The bus bay is made up of reinforced concrete which minimizes the wear and tear on the roadway. A typical bus bay design can be found In Appendix B, Figure B-1. The decision to install bus turnouts will be done on a case-by-case basis by the Community Development and Public Works Departments. There are four bus tumouf bays In the City. They are at the following locations: 1) Valencia Blvd. Just north of Magic Mountain Parkway; 2) Citrus Avenue (Town Center Drive); 3) McBean Parkway, at the entrance to the Valencia Town Center; 4) Magic Mountain Parkway, across from Tony Roma's restaurant. MULTI -MODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER: 1993 The Munmodal Transportation Center (also called the Santa Clarlta Transit Canter/Metrolink Station) Is south of and adjacent to Soledad Canyon Road, approximately 314 of a mile east of Bouquet Junction. Ingresslegress to the Center is from Soledad Canyon Road. The ten acre she Includes a commuter rail station and the central timed transfer point for the Chy's local fixed -route service, both of which are served by a 500 foot long passenger platform and canopy area. Thera /!V are approximately 500 parking spaces, bike lockers and designated kiss -n -ride areas. Vendors with approved temporary use permits provide services to patrons. The station is designed to` accommodate future service and commercial uses In permanent structures. No development proposals for the station as pending at this time. See Appendix B, Figure B-2 for a site plan of the mutt) -modal transportation center. As of October 26, 1992, all local fixed -route buses have layovers at the Center. This Center Is Important to the City's circulation network because It is a major transfer point for all services. it provides easy transfers between the various bus lines, Metrolink and the Amtrak express bus service. PARK -N -RIDE LOTS A park -n -ride lot Is a parking lot where long-distance commuters can leave their cars unattended while they use another mode of travel, such as transit or car-and-vanpools. The lots are available for use by carpoolers, vanpoolers and transit -riders on a first-come, first-served basis. Currently, there Is no fee for using the lots; however, some lots may require a permit to be displayed In the car. Preferred parking may be available to those that travel to the lot in carpools. There are eight designated park -n -ride tots In the City. Three are located In Newhall and two are In Valencia. The lots In Newhall are at the following locations: 1. 20100 San Fernando Road, east of adjacent Route 14 2. 20516 San Fernando Road, west of adjacent Route 14 3. 23610 San Fernando Road, half mile west of adjacent Route 14 (west side of Via Princessa, adjacent to Sierra Highway) The lots In Valencia are at the following locations: 1. Mann Theater, 23415 W. Cinema Drive 2. College of the Canyons, 25000 Valencia Boulevard, adjacent to 1.5 4. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital In addition to these park -n -ride lots, the muhl-modal transportation center also serves as a park -n - ride lot for commuter bus patrons and Metrolink patrons. CORPORATE YARD/TRANSIT MAINTENANCE FACILITY The City's Corporation Yard currently functions as a transit maintenance and bus storage facility. Because of the limited storage room at the Yana, some of the buses are stored at a leased lot In the Valencia Industrial Center. ATE Ryder Is under contract with the City to provide all the buses (fixed -route local, commuter, dial -a -ride) with maintenance and servicing. Maintenance Includes the cleaning/washing of the vehicles, repair work, replacement of parts, and scheduled maintenance. 0 /S CHAPTER FOUR IDENTIFICATION OF TRANSIT NEEDS CHAPTER FOUR, IDENTIFICATION OF TRANSIT NEEDS, will Identify service standards and facilities that are deemed necessary In order for the public transit network to function at maximum effectiveness. This Chapter will separate the transit needs into two categories: service standards and equipment/facilities/Infrastructure. IDEAL SERVICE STANDARDS 1. All revenue vehicles should be property maintained, Including the passenger area. 2. All revenue vehicles should operate no less than 10,000 miles between mechanical road failures. 3. All revenue vehicles should experience no more than one (1) accident per 75,000 miles operated. 4. All revenue vehicles should have transit schedules available. 5. Local service should operate at least 95% of scheduled trips on-time (0 minutes early to 5 minutes late). 6. Local service should be provided to social service agencies and government agencies with at least 100 dally users. These agencies often serve those who have no alternatives to transit. 7. No bus trips shall be cancelled due to lack of personnel or equipment. IDEAL EQUIPMENT/ FACILITIES/ INFRASTRUCTURE 1. All service vehicles must be lift -equipped. 2. All service vehicles should be equipped with operating heating and air conditioning units. 3. Shelters should Include a minimum of 50 square feet of area and be enclosed on three sides. Benches and schedule Information should also be provided. for the comfort of wafting passengers. 4. All fixed -route local and commuter bus stops should have bus stop signs. 5. Every bus stop should have a bus pad. 6.' All bus stops on major and secondary arterials and/or adjacent to commercial, industrial and muhl-family areas should have bus shelters and bus benches. SERVICE STANDARDS Fixed -Route Local Bus Service 1. Local two-way bus service should be provided within one-quarter mile of all households located In neighborhoods where the density exceeds eight dwelling units per acre. 6 16 2. Local two-way bus service should be provided to all employment centers with 200 or more • employees. - 3. Local two-way bus service should be provided to shopping centers with at least 50,000 square feet of retail space. 4. Local service should operate within a 15 minute schedule during peak periods, and half-hour headways during non -peak periods. 5. Service shall be provided 365 days a year -all Sundays and holidays. 6. Local service should be conveniently accessible to high-density areas such as business parks, condominiums, apartments, etc. 7. Local two-way bus service should be provided to social service agencies, parks and community centers. 8. There should be at least five to eight bus stops per mile on local service routes In developed areas. 9. All day transit service should connect with the MTA/RTD grit in the San Fernando Valley, and with Antelope Valley Transit In Lancaster and Palmdale. Bus Stop/ Bus Shelter 1. Local bus stop signs should bear a symbol denoting the transit system and include the route • numbers that stop at that location. 2. Parking prohibitions should be designated at all bus stop locations. Commuter Bus 1. Commuter service should serve a network of park -n -ride lots that are within a five -mile drive of 90% of the residents of the community. 2. Commuter service should be provided In peak period travel corridors containing at least 1,500 dally work trips and extending more than 10 miles from the Santa Clarita Valley. 3. Commuter service should be available within 2 miles of every residential neighborhood. 4. Commuter se-Mce should be provided to Los Angeles West Side, Century City, the San Fernando Valley, and Ventura County. 5. Commuter service should Include mil -day service from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Clarita and vice versa. Transit Centers 1. Adequate security should be deployed during all hours of operation to ensure passenger safety. The facility should have a centralized radio dispatch connected to the ShertfPs station and should be acoesslble to all security personnel. • 2. The Center should be supplied with a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security system which would monitor the station during all hours of operation. / 9 3. The station must be designed so that disabled and elderly patrons have access to all amenities and services. - 4. All seating and walling areas should be under shelter for protection from heat and rain, and located adjacent to bus loading areas. S. Full separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. S. Pay telephones should be provided at the station. A direct, toll-free line to recorded transit Information should also be provided. 7. Each bus should be assigned a specific loading area so that routes with the heaviest passenger loads are assigned to the stalls that are closest to the station access point. Buses that terminate at a station should spend recovery (layover) time In the assigned stall. 8. Bulletin boards or kiosks should be provided and maintained with maps and schedules of the rail and bus lines that serve the station. Fare Information will also be posted. Appropriate signage will be provided to clearly Indicate rail station and bus access points. In addition, Individual line route and schedule Information should be provided at each bus stop. This Information should be updated within 24 hours of any service change. 9. Other amenities should generally be located In the center of the station for the convenience and security of the passengers. 10. Kiss -n -Ride areas should be designated as close as possible to the station platform. The design should be such that it encourages passenger Ingresslegress to a single point thereby avoiding conflicts with bus movements and autos. 11. There should be preferred parking for carpools/vanpools. Commuter Rall 1. Right-of-way should be preserved to restore rail passenger service between Santa Clarlta and both the Antelope Valley and Ventura. Dial -A -Ride 1. Service should accommodate at least 95% of all trip requests from eligible program participants for travel within the City that is rat currently served by social service agencies. 2. Service shoutd-Offset at least 5 percent of.lts operating costs from passenger revenue. 3. Service should be provided within 30 minutes of the requested pick-up time. 4. Customers should be allowed to make reservations up to an hour before pick-up. EQUIPMENT/FACILrnESlINFRASTRUCTURE Fixed -Route Local Bus 1. There should be a sufficient number of revenue vehicles to accommodate all the service needs of all citizens In the City. The standard Is approximately 1 vehicle for every 4,000 residents. 10 /8 Commuter Rail • 1. There should be commuter rail stations In Newhall and eastern Canyon Country. 2. There should be a people -mover which would serve the future City Hall site, Porta Bella, The Valley Center and the Santa Clartta Transit Center. Maintenance Yard 1. All servicing, maintenance and storage of all the transit vehicles should be accommodated at a single new facility large enough to accommodate expansion. 2. The future transit and maintenance and bus storage facility should contain the Transit Administration Offices. Park -n -Ride Lots 1. There should be park -n -ride lots In the following areas: Sand Canyon; Pinetree; Saugus, near Copper Hill Drive; and, Bouquet Canyon, north of Soledad Canyon. 2. Park -n -ride lots should be focused nearfreeway Interchanges. Roadways 1. TWO should be HOV lanes on 1-5 and SR -14. 2. There should be carpoouvanpooMus lanes on major highways In the City as necessary. 3. There should be bike paths on or parallel to major highways. Bus Shelters 1. Bus stops which serve at least 25 boarding passengers on an average day should have bus shelters. Priority should be given to those locations which serve a majority of senior or ,disabled residents and/or function as major transfer locations. 2. Sufficient fighting should be provided for waiting passengers at each bus shelter. Such visibility should be sufficient forreading and for discouraging crime. 3. ' Shelters should Include a minimum of 50 square feet of area and be enclosed on three sides. Benches and _schedule Passengers. information should also be provided for the comfort of waiting Bus Turnout Bays 1. Bus tumOut bays may be required on a case-by-case basis on major and secondary highways. LJ CHAPTER FIVE FINANCING One potential mechanism to fund transit Improvements Is to collect a transit Impact fee. The city does collect a $200 transit Impact fee per residential unit for new construction, which Is payable at the building permit stage. A similar fee Is not Imposed on other new construction at this time. Currently, projects are reviewed for their potential Impacts to the transit system as required by CEOA and, If the environmental review Indicates that the project will have a significant Impact to the City's transit system, mitigation measures are Imposed as conditions of approval for the project. Mitigation measures may Include the placement of bus stops, bus bays, trail dedications, etc.. The City already has existing Bridge and Thoroughfare (B&T) Districts to fund certain major road Improvements. Another funding mechanism, a Transportation Facilities Fee, has been studied as another potential funding source for new transit facilities. This approach is not under active consideration at this time, though N Is tentatively scheduled for a City Council study session later In the year. If approved, this proposed fee would be collected from new development projects In order to help fund transportation facilities on a fair share basis. The Transportation Facilities Fee program could potentially complement the B&T districts by funding additional needed Improvements to the City's road network, as well as other Important transit Improvements. With the adoption of the Transportation Facilities Fee, three primary types of Improvements would be targeted: roadlintersection Improvements (traffic signals and signal phasing, pedestrian bridges), bus transit facilities, and commuter rail facilities. Table VII -2 below, which is an excerpt from the proposed Public Facilities Fee Program, summarizes the type of facilities that the Program will fund and the cost of those facilities.. TABLE VII -2 Planned Transportation Facilities 1991 to 2001 Total Now Other Facility Cost Development Fording Sham Sources Intersection Improvements $16495,000 =16,395,000 $0 Signal Modification & Phasing 6,132,000 $,132,000 0 Pedestrian Bridges 1,625,000 1,625,000 0 Transit Buses & Vans 7,913,000 -3,11S7,000 3,956,000 Bus Sheltors, signs, Etc. 621,000 311,000 310,000 Bus Yard 2,2110,000 2,200,000 0 Commuter Rail Stations' 21,386,000 10,693,000 10,693,000 Total Plumed Facilities $58,272,000 $43,313,000 $14,959,000 ' Total cost estimate for 1.5 stations to be built during the nail ten years. Sours: For Intersections, signals, pedestrian bridges, oto. see City of Sante Cie*& preliminary Report Traffic Impact Feq May 22,1991. For bus"vans, bus shatters, eta see Public Transit /deeds Santa Clen'ta Vallsy, Los Angels County Transportation Commission by COMSIS Corporation, Much 1990, Table 24, p. 151, These projects also include City CIP project nos. 90• 2100 & 91-2100. For bus yard project ase City CIP project no. 90-0203. City staff provided estimate for rail station project. Recht Hausrath & Associates. 12 a6 The City anticipates that the cost of these facilities In the fee program will be funded by new • development and other funding sources, like grants. Table VII -3 below, which is also an excerpt from the proposed Public Facilities Fee Program, Indicates the Interim Transportation Facilities Fees that the developer would have to pay for a specific project. Table VII -3 Interim Transportation Facilities Fee Land Use Category Residential Single -Family Muhl -Family Commercial/industrial Standard Office Retail/Commercial Industrial/Business Park Source: Recht Hausrach & Associate* Average Peak Hour Trip CostlPeak Fee Generation Per Unit Hour Trip Per Unit 1.15 per dwelling unit $808 $699 0.62 per dwelling unit 608 377 3.55 per 1,000 sq. tt. 608 2,158 3.37 per 1,000 sq. ft. 608 2,049 1.32 per 1,000 sq. ft. Boo 803 The proposal for a Public: Facilities Fee Program represents an effort towards actualizing the City's transit needs. This report will attempt to identify those needs as well as transit services, for the next twenty years. • 0 13 Q1 CHAPTER SIX RELATIONSHIP TO THE GENERAL PLAN AND OTHER PLANNING DOCUMENTS CHAPTER FIVE, RELATIONSHIP TO THE GENERAL PLAN, will Identifythe goals and policies of the Circulation, Land Use and Air Quality Elements of the General Plan. The General Plan currently supports the Increased use of mass transit to address the Issues of traffic congestion, air quality, efficient land use and transportation. The Plan supports an enhanced transit network but professes that new development should mitigate environmental Impacts by making Improvements to the transit system. The City General Plan contains several goals under the Land Use, Circulation, and Air Quality Elements which encourage the use of alternatives to the auto as necessary or enhancing the quality of life in Santa Clarita. These goals and policies are the genesis of this document. Land Use Element Goal 7:. To preserve the character of the communities and the Integrity of the Santa Clarita Valley through orderly development practices and the provision of private and public capital improvements, facilities, and services to support existing and future development. Policy 7.1 Ensure demand for public facilities and services does not exceed the ability to provide and maintain such facilities and services; necessary facility Improvements should precede or be coordinated with future development. Policy 7.2 Ensure, within the City's power, that facilities and services are provided in a timely manner through collection of developer fees. Circulation Element Goal 1: To provide a circulation system to move people and goods safety and efficiently throughout the City of Santa Clarita and the general planning area. Goal 2: Promote a public transportation system that is safe, convenient, efficient, and meets the identified needs of the City of Santa Clartta and the general planning area. Policy 2.1 Incorporate accommodations and facilities to support local transit services Q.e., bus lanes, bus stops and bus shatters) In new and redeveloped projects, where feasible that are consistent with local transit planning. Policy 2.2 Provide for the mobility of City residents to access local .services and employment, particularly for those who may experience mobility difficulties, Including the elderly, disabled, and low Income residents. Policy 2.3 Coordinate local transit planning with regional transportation planning agencies and transit agencies In adjacent communities. Policy 2.4 Develop a muhl-modal transit facility that Is strategically located In the City, adjacent to a potential public transit rail line and located convenient to major local residential and employment centers. Policy 2.7 Identity and reserve locations for future commuter rail stations. 14 as Goal 3: 'To promote safe and effective alternatives to the personal automobile that will meet -the needs of all planning area residents. Policy 3.4 - Develop an integrated system of bus service that reaches all major concentrations of residential development and employment. Air Quality Element Goal 2: To reduce emissions resulting from work and non -work vehicle trips by private and local government employees. Policy 2.2 Encourage car pools and company van pools. Policy 2.3 Develop In the City and promote In the planning area alternative transportation systems including, but not limited to, comprehensive bus service, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and associated support facilities. Goal 4: To reduce transportation source emissions by promoting efficient and creative parking plans which reduce vehicle emissions. Policy 4.1 Promote local solutions to parking management, Including such actions as parking facility design which reduces vehicle Idling or programs which discourage the use of single -occupant vehicles In congested areas. Goal 12: To reduce mobile source emissions by promoting a shift from single occupancy to higher occupancy vehicles. Policy 12.1 Encourage the development of local public transit and availability, improved bus service (time schedule, performance, and connections), and actions designed to make the transit system user friendly. Policy 12.2 Encourage the establishment of local and regional multimodal transportation facilities. Policy 12.3 Encourage the development of Intercity transportation. systems other than buses. Such systems may include light rail, monorail, people movers. This document compliments the SRTP by providing a more detailed assessment of facility needs to support the Transit Division goals and objectives. it will provide guidance for City staff In determining capital -needs so that the provision of transit service can keep pace with growth in the Santa Clarha Valley. It will also provide guidance for determining the types of amenities or facilities that should be provided by new developments. The Community Development Department In consultation with the Transit Division prepared this report. This plan is related to other existing and proposed plans, including: SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN (SATPt The SRTP functions as the primary planning document for the Transit Division. It Includes the goals and objectives of the Transit Division, outlines strategies for achieving the goals and objectives, provides measurements on current transit performance, includes financial projections and contains justification for gram applications. The SRTP for fiscal years 1994 through 1997 was adopted by the City Council on March 23,1993. This document will be updated annually. The SRTP must be submitted to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority as a precondition for receiving all Federal, State and Regional funds controlled by the agency. The x 15 Transit Division Is responsible for preparing this report with support from the Community Development Department. TRANSIT MASTER PLAN (TMP) The SRTP provided the framework for transit expansion in the Santa Clarita Valley and the Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment provides the framework determining facility needs. The Intent of the TMP Is to fill In the details. This project which will begin In FY 1993.94 will take at least one year to complete and Include considerable community input. Products of this effort may Include an ultimate system route network and service level plan, scenarios for Incremental growth towards the ultimate network, designation of transit streets, and Inventory of deficiencies in pedestrian access to the transit network and recommended remedies, and specific recommendations for park-and-ride and other transit facilities. The TMP will be a fluid plan, however, it should provide a relatively detailed roadmap to be used by the Transit Division and Community Development Department In assuring that City General Plan Land Use, Circulation and Air Quality Elements are achieved and that transit Is not an afterthought in any planning, traffic engineering or development decision. DESIGN STANDARDS Simply providing high levels of transit service or Including amenities for transit customers In new developments Is not sufficient If the City Is serious about lessening the dependence of the single occupant auto. The design of a development can have tremendous Impact on mode splits and even whether a trip Is necessary in the first place. Design standards that encourage alternatives to the auto and/or reduce the need for trip making are adopted Clty policy as Indicated In the General Plan. 16 a CONCLUSION It Is the Intent of this transit study to Identify those standards and facilities that the City would need over the next two decades. The study accomplished this by assessing the existing transit facilities and standards and then determining what was needed in order to support the City's circulation network as the City Increases its size and population. Some of the goals and policies of the Land Use, Circulation and Air Quality Elements of the General Plan were Included to reinstate what the City's goals are for Its transportation network. As stated in the report, the public transit network Is a network of mass transit vehicles, commuter rail, bicycle lanes, bus shelters, bus benches, and many other facilities that contribute to the system; and, funding.for these facilities and enhanced services should come from a variety of sources. KJM:HLB 17 a6 NOTICE OF EXEMPTION • city of Santa Clarita County Clerk Department of Community Development County of Los Angeles 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite #300, 111 North Hill Street Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Los Angeles, CA 90012 DATE: July 28,1993. PROJECT NAME: Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty Year Plan PROJECT LOCATION: City of Santa Clartta—located in the Santa Clarita Valley, bounded by the Golden State Freeway 0-5) to the south-west, the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR 14) to the south-east, and the Angeles National Forest to the north. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (Nature, Purpose, Use): The project 13 a planning study which provides an overview of the City's existing transit services and facilities, and makes recommendations regarding future service expansions and facilities. The study will assist the City to effectively condition future development proposals to mitigate Impacts to the transit network. PROJECT APPLICANT: The City of Santa Clarita This is to advise that the [ I Director of Community Development [ j Planning Commission ['I City. Council of the City of Santa Clarita did approve the above described project on Review of the project by the Department of Community Development found that the project Is exempt from the . provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. EXEMPT STATUS (Class/Section): This Is to advise that this proposal is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15262, Article 18. Section 15262 states that "A project Involving a planning a" for possible future actions which the commission has not funded does not require the preparation of a Negative Dedaration." This finding is made for the following reasons(s): This finding is made fol the following reason(s): The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clartta has not provided funding for the future transit service expansions and facilities which the study recommends. Person or agency carrying out the project: The City of Santa Clarlta. This is to certify that the Notice of Exemption with commentslresponses and record of project approval Is available for public review at: DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suit* 300 Santa Clarha, California 91355 (905) 255.4330 Contact PersoNTitle: Donald M. Signature: en 0 • 517 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT A public hearing on this matter and Its associated environmental assessment, will be conducted by the City of Santa Ciarita Planning Commission on: DATE: August 17. 1993 TIME: 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Council Chambers 23920 Valencia Blvd., First Floor Santa Clarna, CA 91355 PROJECT LOCATION: City of Santa Ciarita, located In the Sarna Clarfta Valley, bounded by the Golden State Freeway (1-5) to the southwest, the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR 14) to the southeast, and the Angeles National Forest to the north. APPLICATION: Planning Commission review of the proposed Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty -Year Plan. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project is a planning study which provides an overview of the City's existing transit services and facilities, and makes recommendations regarding future service expansions and facilities. The study will assist the City to effectively condition future development proposals to mitigate Impacts to the transit network. PROJECT PROPONENT: The City of Santa Clarfta A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION has been prepared for this proposed project pursuant to Section 15262, Article 18, of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEGA). The Notice of Exemption and the Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty -Year Plan Is available for public review beginning at 4:00 pm. on July 28,1993 at: City Hall Valencia Library Department of Community Development Reference Desk 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 300 23743 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarks, CA 91355 Santa Clarlta, CA 91355 If you wish to chglllengs the action taken on this matter In court, you may be limited to raising only those Issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described In this notice, or In written correspondence delivered to the City of Santa Clarha at, or prior to, the public hearing. For further information regarding this proposal, you may contact the City of Santa Clarfta Department of Community Development at 23920 Valencia Blvd., Third Floor, Santa.Clarita, CA, 91355. Telephone: (805) 255-4330. - Lynn M. Harris Richard Henderson Deputy City Manager, Community Development City Planner Posted: Santa Clarfta City Hall, Sheriff's Department and Santa Clarfta Post Office Published: The Newhall Signal, August 2, 1993 It ................... 40' MIN.* 60' DES. 1•l 50'-100'R. ................... 8 12' DESIRASL 50'-100'R. 40' MIN.* 60' DES. �.................... 8'-10' SIDEWAU 0'-100'R. DIRECTION OF TRAVEL 8" CONCRETE PAD 12" CRUSHED AGGREGATE BASE '-100'R. LNEAR BUS BAY DESIGN - FIGURE 3 N Appendix 8, Fig. 8- 'll � L - w Ay i e k a ---- r 1 SANTA CLARITA simpew --� ,. TRANSIT CENTER EXCERPT FROM THE DRAFT MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA Tuesday August 17, 1993 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita was called to order by Chairman Doughman at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, First Floor, Santa Clarita, California. FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Brathwaite led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL The secretary called the roll. Those present were Chairman Doughman, and Commissioners Brathwaite, Cherrington, and Woodrow. Vice -Chairman Modugno's absence was excused. Also present were Rich Henderson, City Planner; Tim McOsker, Assistant City Attorney; Kevin Michel, Senior Planner; Alex Vasquez, Assistant Planner; Bahman Janka, City Traffic Engineer; Robert Newman, Associate Engineer; and Lucy Lancaster, Commission Secretary. NEW BUSINESS ITEM7: TRANSIT SERVICES AND TRANSIT FACILITIES.NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND TWENTY-YEAR PLAN Mr. Henderson gave a brief introduction to the Commission on the Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty -Year Plan. Mr. Henderson Informed the Commission that the Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty -Year Plan Is one of many Important documents the City will be required to prepare in order to qualify for grant money for transit Improvements city-wide. Mr. Henderson added that the document has been out for public review and that It will go before the City Council for adoption. Mr. Ron Kilcoyne, Transportation Manager for the City, gave a presentation to the Commission on the Plan. Mr. Kilcoyne elaborated on the several Federal and State requirements dealing with congestion relief and air quality improvement. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that within the City's General Plan, specifically its Land Use, Circulation, and Air Quality Elements, there are many policies that call for creating a better balance of transportation within the Santa Clartta Valley to Improve the air quality and enhance the overall quality of life. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that what this Pian Is trying to do is to shift the planning focus from Just designing the City for the automobile to designing a city which promotes walking, bicycling, and transit alternatives. Mr. Kilcoyne emphasized that transit planning cannot be an after -thought, and that up until this point it has been. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that what needs to change Is that master planning must take Into account transit needs from the beginning. Mr. Kilcoyne added that this document outlines what resources are needed for accommodating transit in the future. He stated that one of the weak points In the City now is the lack of pedestrian access. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that by providing good quality service, frequent service, promoting the service, and providing good pedestrian access, the City can encourage a greater percentage of people to use transit In this community. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that the City's transit system Is the fastest growing system In terms of growth and ridership In the Country right now, having Increased by 90 percent from last year. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that he believes the City can Improve, it can Increase Its mode split, If these changes can be made. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that the design of developments can have an Impact on mode split. The City must put together what Is called a short-range transit plan for the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority In order to get any Federal, State or Regional funding. In the Plan that the City Council adopted In March of this year, they called for a goal of reducing the percent of trips made by automobiles by three percent a year starting in the year 1996. He stated that this is a first step towards developing a more detailed transit master plan which the City will be working on over the next few years. Mr. Kilcoyne and the Community Development Department will come up with a list of enhancements that can occur in developments that can make developments more pedestrian and transit friendly. Mr. Kilcoyne concluded by stating that he and Mr. Kevin Michel would be available to answer any questions from the Commission. Commissioner Cherrington asked Mr. Kilcoyne to estimate the split In ridership between those who are using buses as a means of going to employment, those going to school, and those going to either shopping or medical appointments. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that the City does not have that particular data at this time. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that approximately a third of the weekday ridership Is from students getting to and from school. Mr. Kilcoyne added that 40 percent of the riders are under 18 years of age, about 10 percent of the riders are over 60 years of age, and the remainder are adults. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that, as part of the transit master plan, the City will get better market data on ridership. On the commuter bus to Los Angeles, which carries about 550 trips a day, Mr. Kllcoyne stated that almost all of those trips are work related. On the dial -a -ride, which carries about 200 people a day, a survey showed that medical appointments accounted for about 30 percent of the trips, shopping was about 20 percent, and the remainder were various social and recreational types of trips. Commissioner Cherrington Is Interested In knowing how many Individuals of those 50 percent are without automobiles. Commissioner Cherrington asked whether a cost benefit analysis has been done of the local bus service or of the commuter bus service to determine if the money can be better spent In developing telecommuting centers, in allowing the City to engage In economic development that would Improve the jobs/housing balance so that people who worked In the City of Santa Clarita can afford to live here and the people that can afford to live here might find gainful employment here. Commissioner Brathwalte also asked about the Metrolink bus Interface. Mr. Kilcoyne stated that the Metrolink bus Interface is used by about 10 percent of the Metrolink riders. Mr. Kilcoyne spoke about the jobs/housing balance problems. Mr. Kilcoyne does not believe that the Metrolink and the other transit resources are not being used to their fullest extent. Commissioner Cherrington read from an article on the Bay Area Rapid Transit service in questioning whether the City is dealing responsibly In providing the subsidies for this kind of transportation. Commissioner Cherrington believes that a unit cost analysis would be very helpful. Chairman Doughman used Europe and the City of New York as examples of well utilized transportation resources.. Mr. Kilcoyne gave examples of why increasing the frequency of service would help Increase ridership. The discussion continued with relation to safety and Improvement of the existing services. Mr. Michel answered questions with relation to the Plan and the need for the Plan to have flexibility. Commissioner Woodrow asked about the need for the Plan. Mr. Michel stated that the Plan will help the City when applying for grant money. Commissioner Brathwalte asked about the program started several years ago to provide bus shelters at various stations across the City. Mr. Michel stated that the City had tried to get grant money for that and was not fully successful. There was one option to get bus shelters by allowing advertisements to fund the shelters and the City adopted a policy to discourage this type of funding. Commissioner 2 Cherrington believes that trip reduction should be looked at from the standpoint of reducing the need for the trip at all. Commissioner Cherrington asked whether there is room In the document to consider that traditional transportation needs are symptomatic and not the real heart of the matter and to deal with what could be the real heart of the matter which Is the Jobs/housing balance., Mr. Michel stated that the City will have an opportunity to address many of the concerns the Commission Is expressing. He stated that the City is going to be mandated by the Air Quality Management District to adopt a Phase 11 Trip Reduction Ordinance by the end of the year. This ordinance will get to many of those innovative and alternative solutions other than the traditional ones which have been discussed thus far. Mr. Michel stated that this ordinance will be coming before the Commission In the next few months. Mr. Michel added that, at the same time, the City needs to address the long-range transit Issues nonetheless. Chairman Doughman Invited comments from those wishing to speak. Mr. Mark Subbotin, Newhall Land and Farming Company, 23823 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA. Mr. Subbotin stated thathe supports the idea of transit and that he believes the Metrolink station is a tremendous opportunity for the City In the coming century. Mr. Subbotin pointed to the paradox that higher densities are needed to support transit systems, yet the City has a moratorium on high density developments. Mr. Subbotin believes that developers are being hit twice In having to provide development standards to accommodate automobiles and also having to provide mitigation for transit systems as well. Commissioner Brathwalte asked Mr. Subbotin questions relative to higher densities supporting transit services. Mr. Subbotin believes that the Commission needs to do a combination of things In their land use policies to foster density around travel corridors. By taking some of these steps, Mr. Subbotin feels that housing prices can be lowered. The Planning Commission made a finding that the document satisfactorily addresses traditional transit needs in.a meaningful manner and directed staff to forward the Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty -Year Plan to the City Council. ADJOURNMENT At 10:15 p.m. Commissioner Cherrington motioned, Commissioner Woodrow seconded, and it was carried by a vote of 40, to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting of September 7, 1993. Dave Doughman, Chairman Planning Commission ATTEST: Lynn M. Harris, Deputy City Manager Community Development p1ngcomUn1ne-17.11 A; CITY OF SANTA CLARITA/i® STAFF REPORT lap, TRANSIT SERVICES AND TRANSIT FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND TWENTY YEAR PLAN DATE: June 1, 1993 TO: Chairman Woodrow and Members of the Planning Commission I iF LL FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Deputy City Manager, Community Development �� I: L PLANNER: Hannah Brondlal, Assistant Planner Kevin Michel, Senior Planner REQUEST: Draft Study: Transit Services and Transit Facilities Needs Assessment and Twenty Year Plan BACKGROUND The purpose of this report Is to provide an overview of the City's existing transit services and facilities, and to make recommendations regarding future service expansions and facilities requirements. This report will assist the City to effectively condition future development proposals to mitigate project Impacts on the transit network. This report was prepared In cooperation with the Transit Division of the Public Works Department, and will be a useful reference In preparing the Transit Master Plan. The report Identifies the standards and facilities that the City should consider to Implement a first rate transit system. The study assesses the existing transit system to begin the Initial Identification of the future services and facilities necessary to implement the goals of the Circulation Element of the General Plan as the City Increases In population and area. The public transit network includes a system of local fixed -route bus service, dlal-a-ride, commuter bus and rail services, park -n -ride lots, bicycle and pedestrian paths, and the facilities necessary to support these services. This document is Intended to complement the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), which must be prepared annually to qualify the City for funding. The SRTP serves as the primary planning document for the Transit Division. The Needs Assessment and Twenty Year Plan under review now complement the SRTP by providing a more detailed assessment of facility needs to support the Transit Division's goals and objectives specified In the SRTP. The plan will also help to link land use and transportation planning by Identifying future transit services and facilities which may be necessitated by new development. New projects will be conditioned to mitigate development Impacts on the transit network; this report helps to Identify what projects and programs new resources should be directed to. An executive summary Is Included In the report, which provides a quick overview. In brief, the plan summarizes the City's achievements during the past six years in establishing a basic mu@I-modal transit network. The existing transit services for the fixed -route local bus, commuter bus, dial -a -ride and rail services are described, Including fares, hours of service, and operating requirements. The report further Identifies the existing transit facilities, Including the multi -modal transportation center, park -n -ride lots, the transit maintenance facility, bus stops, shelters, and turnouts. The plan specifies the location of the existing facilities and their functions, and Identifies future service �ti areas and facilities necessary to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan regarding transit. A detailed listing of transit service and facility needs, specifying operating service goals and standards for transit stops and facilities, Is provided for the future. This will be particularly useful In conditioning future projects to mitigate impacts to the transit network in a coordinated fashion. The Issue of potential funding sources and program costs Is summarized, Including the pursuit of transportation grant dollars and a potential transit Impact fee. The transit impact fee is not being actively pursued at this time, but it Is scheduled to be the subject of a City Council study session later this year. In addition, Bridge and Thoroughfare funds may be used to finance transit Improvements within the right-of-way, such as bus turnouts and bus pads, though the City will condition development projects to mitigate Impacts on the transit network whenever possible. Chapter Six Includes relevant sections from the goals and policies of the Land Use, Circulation and Air Quality Elements of the General Plan which pertain to the transportation network and support the Intent of this plan. This plan may be considered as an introduction to the Transit Master Plan, which will provide an additional level of detail to the planning efforts. The relationship of this document to the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), the proposed Transit Master Plan, and the General Plan Is reviewed In the draft. RECOMMENDATION Provide comments on the report. Direct staff to circulate for public review and then forward the report to the City Council. RH:KJM "_W*V1R.8" yn Y CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 'Ile INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Chairman Doughman and Members of the Planning Commission of 4-440— 44, 'Low FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Deputy City Manager, Community Development DATE: August 17, 1993 SUBJECT: PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED TRANSIT SERVICES AND TRANSIT FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND TWENTY-YEAR PLAN At the Commission meeting on June 15,1993, Staff recommended that this Item be readvertised for a future date. This Item has been renoticed to tonight's Planning Commission meeting. LMH:hlb Wiyoo Dn"n Nb Agenda Items CITY OF SANTA CLARITA INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Chairman Woodrow and Members of the Planning Commission R 4.0j4-+•. 0:�,, r.. d FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Deputy City Manager, Community Development DATE: June 15,1993 SUBJECT: PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED TRANSIT SERVICES AND TRANSIT FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND TWENTY-YEAR PLAN At the June 1, 1993, Planning Commission meeting this Item was continued to tonight's meeting and announced as such. LMH:fIf OwgcomtcmMUM t