TITLE: Title
Report on GoTriangle Regional Bus Service Expansion to Carrboro in August 2016.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to receive a presentation from GoTriangle staff on the proposed regional bus service expansion to Carrboro in August 2016.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Bergen Watterson - 919-918-7329; Jon Dodson, GoTriangle - 919-485-7592
INFORMATION: At the February 28, 2012 Board of Aldermen meeting, Town staff reported on the best approach and logistics for locating a GoTriangle (Triangle Transit) bus stop in downtown Carrboro, with a focus on the feasibility of using the 303 West Weaver Street lot as a park-and-ride lot for the stop. Discussion included potential ridership and the importance of pedestrian and bicycle access to the stop. (<http://www01.townofcarrboro.org/BoA/Agendas/2012/02_28_2012_A1.pdf> )
Subsequently at the September 11, 2012 Board of Aldermen meeting, Town staff reported back on the feasibility of converting spaces in the West Weaver Street lot from two-hour limited parking to all day park-and-ride spaces, as well as the potential for establishing GoTriangle stops at other locations (<http://www01.townofcarrboro.org/BoA/Agendas/2012/09_11_2012_B1.pdf>). Ultimately the Board did not select a specific location for the stop and the park-and-ride lot, but resolved to communicate its interest in extending regional bus service to Carrboro, noting that the priority location for the stop should be convenient to downtown. In the interim the Town staff continued to work with GoTriangle to identify opportunities to improve access to transit through the use of transit sales tax funding.
GoTriangle operates two routes, the 400 and 405, which provide regular service between Durham and Chapel Hill at 30 and 60 minute frequencies; Route 405 is designed for commuter service and only operates during peak hours. In December 2015 Town staff participated in a meeting with GoTriangle and neighboring jurisdictions to discuss proposals to improve transit service along the 15-501 corridor, including the potential to extend to service to downtown Carrboro. The proposal under consideration is to extend service to Carrboro by way of NC 54, Jones Ferry Road, and Main/Weaver streets.
On January 21, 2016 Carrboro staff met with GoTriangle representatives in the field to discuss potential locations for bus stops in the downtown area. The purpose of this agenda item is for GoTriangle to provide the Board with a presentation on the status of the route and stop planning, and to seek input from the Board of Aldermen on potential stop locations, park-and-ride locations, stop amenities, etc.
Expanding regional bus service to Carrboro is included in the comprehensive bus service improvement plan component of the Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan (OCBRIP), adopted in October 2012. The cost of the extension will be accommodated by the voter-approved revenues in the OCBRIP, which are a combination of the ½-cent sales tax and the $10 vehicle registration fee increase.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving the presentation.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board of Aldermen consider the resolution in Attachment A and provide any additional feedback to GoTriangle staff.