TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: West Grand Avenue Transit Signal Priority (TSP) Implementation and Evaluation Project
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider authorizing the General Manager to execute a funding agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for the West Grand Avenue Transit Signal Priority (TSP) Implementation and Evaluation Project.
Body
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
The MTC will provide $950,000 to close the TSP gap on West Grand Avenue between Maritime Street and 27th Street in Oakland and to relocate some bus stops.
In coordination with Caltrans, the City of Oakland, and AC Transit, MTC completed preliminary design of the project. The project will be programmed in the FY 2019-20 capital budget. Staff does not anticipate any District contribution other than staff time.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The West Grand Transit Signal Priority (TSP) Implementation and Evaluation project is part of the “Bay Bridge Forward” initiative. The project would improve bus operations on West Grand Avenue. There exists disconnected and untested TSP equipment in the corridor. The project will provide testing and integration of the TSP system on West Grand Avenue and relocate several bus stops to the far side of intersections.
MTC approached AC Transit about implementing the West Grand Avenue Project as part of the Rapid Corridors Project. Staff expects this will allow a seamless implementation of the West Grand/Grand Avenue TSP system and provide benefits from economies of scale in construction contracting and TSP equipment purchases.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
Stakeholder coordination and preliminary design are complete. The project’s implementation is fully funded and benefits from an economy of scale will be achieved by combining the project with the Rapid Corridors Project. Notwithstanding staff time, there are no disadvantages in approving the funding agreement.
The disadvantage of not approving this staff report would be that the District would lose out the proposed improvements on West Grand Avenue or receive significantly fewer improvements.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Staff considered an approach where MTC would deliver the project. However, it is more advantageous for AC Transit to fill this role. The District can deliver the project as part of the Rapid Corridors Project and achieve a better economy of scale and potential cost savings. In addition, AC Transit can provide a smooth implementation of the TSP system on West Grand and Grand Avenues.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
SR18-319 - MTC Master Agreement
SR18-138 - Rapid Corridors Project
ATTACHMENTS:
1. West Grand Funding Supplement
Approved by:
Claudia L. Allen, Chief Financial Officer
Ramakrishna Pochiraju, Executive Director of Planning & Engineering
Reviewed by:
Chris Andrichak, Director of Management and Budget
Denise C. Standridge, General Counsel
Robert del Rosario, Director of Services Development and Planning
Jim Cunradi, Transportation Planning Manager
Prepared by:
Evelyn Ng, Capital Planning and Grants Manager
Mika Miyasato, Senior Transportation Planner