Vision
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Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C
This scenario will go beyond the Scenario B MTP2035 package to examine whether there is a more cost-effective and targeted package of measures that could be implemented by Regional Transit to achieve the TMP Aims, Goals and Objectives and support the wider Blueprint objectives.
A key theme of Scenario C is Putting the Passenger First, where transit is THE Priority. It includes the following key elements:
  • Improving the availability and quality of transit information
  • Improving access to the transit network
  • Enhancing the waiting environment at stops and stations
  • Improving and simplifying the network and fares
  • Improving the in-vehicle experience
  • Quick, direct and frequent transit services
  • Helping people get to their final destinations (and back again)
  • Expanding the transit network and increasing service frequencies (24 hour operation)
  • A Green/Environment-supportive and Energy-efficient Transit System
In particular Regional Transit will explore the scope for introducing more integrated solutions based on the TOD principles and a 'complete streets' approach. This may be extended to 'complete corridors', combining measures (and funding) from partner agencies to maximize the benefits from the Regional Transit investment program. For example, a 'complete corridor' approach for an illustrative major bus corridor would include the following components:
  • A sidewalk construction program in local neighborhoods, to provide easy access to new stops/shelters, with modern information systems on services, frequencies (and any delays)

  • Easy access buses with smartcard/cashless fares and ticketing

  • Fast, direct routes using dedicated lanes to beat traffic congestion including priority at intersections (with other traffic held as the transit approaches)

  • Direct 'front door' access to final destinations (e.g. downtown, shopping facilities, medical centers etc.) with sidewalks and wayfinding signs to guide the way to and from the stops.
In terms of specific projects or improvements, Scenario C is still a work in progress and Regional Transit is seeking input and ideas from its stakeholders and the public on what should be included. However, as a starting point, the following projects and initiatives have been included (to aid with discussion):
  • Improving the availability and quality of transit information, including customized, personal maps (and timetables) provided free and ‘real-time’ information on next LRT/bus and service disruptions provided at stops, online and to cell phones/PDAs

  • Improving and simplifying the network and fares by:
    • Simplifying ticketing and fare payment by offering off-vehicle ticketing at all key bus stops, providing an integrated fare structure across all operators in the region and offering cashless smartcards for all passes and pay-as-you-go trips
    • Developing an Employee Pass and mandatory University Pass programs

  • Enhancing the waiting environment at stops and stations
    • Improved transit stops, transit centers and stations with shelters (climate-controlled in selected locations), and CCTV cameras at stops, stations and park and ride lots
    • Landscaping, tree planting and public art integrated into design
    • Integrated Park and Ride including convenience facilities (e.g. car washing/detailing, dry cleaning, coffee shops, etc.)
    • Upgrading of all LRT stations to provide level, step-free access

  • Greater staff and police presence to reduce nuisance behavior

  • Improving the in-vehicle experience by providing:
    • CCTV cameras installed on all vehicles
    • More frequent vehicle cleaning and graffiti removal
    • Premium services offered on selected routes (e.g. Wi-fi)

  • Helping people get to their final destinations (and back again) by: working with partners to deliver a regional wayfinding strategy including key shopping, government, education and tourist destinations

  • Network-wide improvements to the bus services, including:
    • Providing higher frequency services across the bus network - 250%+ increase in service hours with 10/20/30 minute services as standard
    • Service planning review process to ensure bus routes complement wider transit investment and land-use plans
    • Adding new stops and shelters across the network
    • Rolling program of new vehicle investment (energy efficient and clean)
    • Introducing Enhanced/Commuter routes that provide a premium service (direct express routes using bus-only lanes with ‘premium’ vehicles)
    • Neighborhood Ride / Community Shuttles to connect communities to LRT and BRT corridors - increased number of routes running at 30 minute frequency
    • Coordinated Van Pools services serving small groups travelling together - targeted at shift workers and large, hard-to-reach suburban employers

  • Paratransit services that are fully integrated into wider RT network, provided 24 hours/day and provided over the full RT service area

  • Introducing a Hi-Bus network that provides:
    • Hi-Bus = High Frequency, High Capacity, High Quality
    • High frequency - 10 minute or less on main arterial routes
    • High capacity - more vehicles & seats to improve the journey experience
    • High quality - high quality vehicles; fast, reliable and direct; new stops

  • BRT implemented using exclusive right-of-way and all of the qualities and attributes of light rail on major arterial routes, connecting with LRT providing direct, fast links to key destinations

  • Rail Service - expanding the Light Rail network as per Scenario B plus:
    • South Line Phase 3 (Blue Line extended to Elk Grove)
    • DNA ‘Full Build’ (i.e. double -tracked to Airport)
    • DNA ‘premium’ express services introduced
    • Blue Line extended to Citrus Heights and Roseville
    • Higher frequency services - 10 minutes or less

  • Rail Service - building a Streetcar system - Downtown-West Sac and Rancho Cordova plus:
    • Building a comprehensive streetcar network linking West Sac, Davis, Broadway, Railyards, Mid-Town (to CSUS), Cal Expo, Point West, etc.
    • Dedicated tracks downtown separate from light rail
    • Extension of the Rancho Cordova streetcar

  • Rail Service - Regional Rail
    • Increasing frequency on the Capitol Corridor to 15-minutes (peak)
    • Increasing frequency of commuter service from Stockton

  • Full intermodal station built to provide efficient interchange from regional to local services