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Why Streetcars are Wrong For Columbia Pike

Why Streetcars are Wrong For Columbia Pike. Arlingtonians for Sensible Transit Supporter Meeting May 2, 2013. INTRODUCTION. Streetcar Cost Up 158 Percent Since 2005, Despite Eliminating Stops and Other Cost Elements From the Project. Dulles Rail Costs 286 Percent Increase.

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Why Streetcars are Wrong For Columbia Pike

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  1. Why Streetcars are WrongFor Columbia Pike Arlingtonians for Sensible Transit Supporter MeetingMay 2, 2013

  2. INTRODUCTION

  3. Streetcar Cost Up 158 Percent Since 2005, Despite Eliminating Stops and Other Cost Elements From the Project

  4. Dulles Rail Costs286 Percent Increase

  5. Norfolk Tide56.5 Percent Increase

  6. The Black Hole in The Financing Plan$137.94 – $230.24 Million

  7. Streetcars Have Greater Capacity

  8. The Board is Wrong About Capacity • Board and staff have repeatedly asserted that the modified streetcar has more capacity than buses. This is not true. • Arlington’s own study for Columbia Pike (2005 alternatives analysis) found that, as compared with modified streetcar, BRT would: • have greater overall capacity than streetcars • 22,490 daily passengers versus 19,860 • “be a more efficient investment” • “carry more passengers per unit of capital and operating expense”

  9. Articulated Buses Have More Capacity and More Seats for Passengers

  10. Articulated Buses Have More Capacity and More Seats for Passengers Total Capacity Every 6 Minutes 99% increase 340% more seats 32.5% increase 193% more seats

  11. Buses Offer a Huge Increase in Daily Peak Passengers and Seats

  12. Many Bus Routes Exceed 30,000 Average Weekday Passengers, Some Without Dedicated Lanes

  13. Most US streetcar systems do not come close to 30,000 weekday passengers

  14. Many Bus Routes Exceed Arlington’s Target of 30,000 Daily Passengers, Not So With Streetcars Arlington’s Target for the Year 2030

  15. Streetcars Are Necessary for Economic Development

  16. The County is Wrong About Economic Development • Contrary to County assertions: • There is no direct causal link between streetcars and economic development • Arlington developers have not expressed a preference for streetcars on the Pike • Mixed use, walkable development can be supported just as well with bus systems

  17. No Causal Link Between Streetcars and Economic Development • Portland Development Commission: • “it is difficult to single out the streetcar as a key factor in the downtown’s success” • Other major initiatives contributed to success around Portland streetcar routes, including: • extensive streetscape and facade improvements • substantial allowable density • parking regulations • strong design guidelines and review • land write-downs • subsidies for affordable housing • economic development grants and loans • free rides on the pre-existing transit system • In other words, denser development likely occurred in Portland “irrespective of the streetcar.” • National Academies, Transportation Research Board, Relationship Between Streetcars and the Built Environment

  18. Columbia Pike Has Many Of The Same Conditions, Regardless Of The Streetcar • Columbia Pike Initiative • Pike Neighborhoods Plan • Form based code • Strong developer demand • 1,000 housing units and 200,000 sf commercial added since 2008 • Many public investments • Streetscape improvements • Public buildings (Arlington Mill) • Undergrounding electrical utilities • New sewer, water, and gas lines • Improved bus service • Super Stops • Replacement of the Washington Boulevard bridge • Financial Incentives • Tax Increment Public Infrastructure Fund • Partial Tax Exemptions • Loans

  19. Streetcars Not Preferred by Arlington Developers • County survey of developers • 64% responded that existing buses on Columbia Pike are either “very important” or “important” to their development plans • 60% responded that the streetcar is either “very important” or “important” to their development plans.

  20. Shirlington • Density tripled without a streetcar • 5 new residential buildings • 195,000 sf office building • 42,000 sf retail • Fits County’s vision for a mixed use, walkable community • Served only by bus (Shirlington Station)

  21. Cleveland • Roughly $6 billion total projects associated with the Healthline BRT as of 2012 • Winner, ULI Award for Excellence 2011 Source: Urban Land Institute

  22. Boston Silver Line, Washington Street • Since 1997 • Roughly $650 million invested in corridor • 1950 new and renovated housing units • 900 affordable • 62 new business openings • Tax base grew 247% • City-wide average 146% • Winner of 2005 Great American Main Street Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Source: Boston Redevelopment Authority

  23. York Region (Toronto) • Downtown Markham • 243 acre, master-planned community • 3.4 million sf commercial • 2 million sf retail and dining • 10,000 luxury town homes and condos • 200 room hotel • Largest collection of LEED buildings in North America • Main street open only to buses and pedestrians Source: The Remington Group

  24. Other Myths

  25. How You Can Help

  26. ARLINGTONIANS FOR SENSIBLE TRANSITDRAFT BUDGET – 2013 Note: Donations to AST are not tax deductible.

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