TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Semi-annual Update on South County Corridors Transit Performance Initiative Project
BRIEFING ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving semi-annual update on South County Corridors Transit Performance Initiative Project.
Body
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
This project was completed within the total $6.73 million project budget provided for by federal and regional grant awards. Funding through the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) was received to offset the need for District matching funds. No District capital funds were invested for work completed outside the District.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The purpose of the South County Corridors Transit Performance Initiative (TPI) Project is to optimize traffic flow for motorists and enhance the travel experience for bus riders along the Line 97 route by installing an Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS), Transit Signal Priority (TSP) System, and relocating bus stops to the far side. ATCS adjusts the signal timing to accommodate changing traffic conditions throughout the day and respond to fluctuations in traffic patterns in real-time to ease traffic congestion. In addition, the project includes pedestrian access improvements to bus stops by reconstructing curb ramps and making sidewalk repairs. Based on similar projects implemented outside the AC Transit (District) service area, the project is envisioned to reduce travel time by 15 percent and improve service reliability.
Project Update
Since the last update in July 2018, significant progress has been made. Construction was completed in October. The ACTS and TSP Systems were fully deployed, fine-tuned, and are currently in operation. Due to available MTC contingency funds separate from the District funds, AC Transit was able to add back improvements to the Alvarado-Niles Boulevard segment between the Union Landing Transit Center and the Union City BART station using remaining project contingency. Though not funded by AC Transit, these improvements will further benefit bus service along Alvarado Niles.
As originally envisioned, the project delivered ATCS at 26 intersections and TSP at 53 intersections. ATCS and TSP will be implemented at 8 additional signalized intersections by Alameda County’s Street Improvement Project. All bus stop improvements have been completed. MTC conducted an evaluation of the project, including travel time reliability, travel time, and vehicle throughput of the corridor, in December 2018. A final evaluation report will be available in spring 2019.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
There are no advantages or disadvantages associated with this briefing report.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
There is no analysis of alternatives in this report.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
SR 18 - 026a: Semi-annual update on South County Corridors Transit Performance Initiative Project
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Approved by:
Ramakrishna Pochiraju, Executive Director of Planning & Engineering
Reviewed by:
Robert del Rosario, Director of Services Development and Planning
Jim Cunradi, Transportation Planning Manager
Evelyn Ng, Capital Planning and Grants Manager
Prepared by:
Mika Miyasato, Senior Transportation Planner