2017.01.17 CC Packet - Goal Setting Session

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Jan. Lucke@co.washington.mn.us NEW BUS ROUTE 363 (RED ROCK CORRIDOR PHASE I IMPLEMENTATION) Position: The Washington County Regional Railroad Authority (WCRRA) supports funds for a three-year demonstration of a new bus route (Route 363) that would provide all -day, bi-directional bus service between Saint Paul and Cottage Grove. Issue: The existing transit service in the Red Rock corridor is peak period express service designed for downtown workers with 9 am — 5 pm work schedules. New Route 363 would provide all -day service every 30 minutes in both directions between St. Paul and Cottage Grove, expanding multimodal travel options in this corridor. All day local service will allow people whose travel needs are not met with peak -period, peak direction express service to complete trips on transit. Examples include workers within the corridor during traditional and non-traditional work shift times, reverse -commuters, and people making school, human service, social and recreational trips. Local stops within the corridor will also increase access for people currently unable to use the park-and-ride based commuter -express service, including those with limited access to an automobile. Support and Opposition: Support comes from the Red Rock Corridor Commission, Metro Transit and East Metro Strong. Opposition may come from those opposed to expansion of transit in the region. Previous Consideration: Through the Red Rock Corridor Implementation Plan, county and city partners have conducted a thorough investigation of transit needs in the corridor. The plan is a phased approach with a near-term need for new local bus service and a long-term need for bus rapid transit that includes high -frequency service, robust stations and enhanced parking facilities. Washington County collaborated with Metro Transit to submit a Regional Solicitation Transit Expansion application in July 2016 to fund the purchase of four buses and operate new, local bus service in Red Rock Corridor between St. Paul and Cottage Grove in the amount of $7,382,834. This application was not funded. No Action: Without action the transit needs of the southeastern Twin Cities region will not be met and there will be no all day, bi-directional bus service in the Red Rock Corridor. Financial Implications: Sustainable revenue sources need to be identified to extend the life of the project beyond demonstration. The financial implications depend on the source of funding and the plan developed. Contact Person: Jan Lucke, Transit/Transportation Planning Manager Washington County Public Works 651-430-4316 15