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FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit © 2013 by The Mission Group 1 © 2008 by The Mission Group F.A.S.T. Plan December 2013 An affordable approach to creating a more effective and user-friendly transit system Financially Achievable — Saves Time Part I Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit Produced under the auspices of Move San Diego, Inc., and the Scripps Ranch/Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project.

FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

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The FAST Plan was developed by a collaboration of community groups an an alternative to the official regional transit plan in order to apply cutting-edge principles to developing a more effective, world-class transit system for the San Diego metropolitan region. Part I addresses the need for a better plan, one better matched to San Diego's geography, urban form, trip patterns, and market demand.

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Page 1: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 1© 2008 by The Mission Group

F.A.S.T. PlanDecember 2013

An affordable approach to creating a more

effective and user-friendly transit system

Financially Achievable —

Saves Time

Part IWhy We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Produced under the auspices of Move San Diego, Inc., and the Scripps Ranch/Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project.

Page 2: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 2

The ResultsThe Results

The PlanThe Plan

BackgroundBackground

The FAST PlanThe FAST Plan

1Why We Need a

New Approach to Public Transit

1Why We Need a

New Approach to Public Transit

2How to Create a World Class

Transit System

2How to Create a World Class

Transit System

3The Plan:Central

3The Plan:Central

4The Plan:

South County

4The Plan:

South County

5The Plan:Mid-City

& East County

5The Plan:Mid-City

& East County

6The Plan:Greater

Golden Triangle

6The Plan:Greater

Golden Triangle

7The Plan:

I-15 Corridor

7The Plan:

I-15 Corridor

8The Plan:

North County

8The Plan:

North County

9Results:

Costs & Benefitsof the FAST Plan

9Results:

Costs & Benefitsof the FAST Plan

Page 3: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 3

Why do we need transit?

Page 4: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 4

You Are Here.

Page 5: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 5

An effective transit system—one that attracts a large share

of current drivers—can addimmeasurably to regional

quality of life and allow familiesto reduce what they mustspend on transportation.

Page 6: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 6

But will San Diegans ever use transit?

Didn’t I hear that only 2% of people use transit?

Page 7: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 7FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Not 2% of People!!Not 2% of People!!

How Many People Use Transit?

Transit Trips, 2%

All O

ther Trips, 98%

2% of Daily Trips

Page 8: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 8FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

In Any Given Week

1 in 8 People Ride

How Many People Use Transit?

Transit Trips, 2%

All O

ther Trips, 98%

2% of Daily Trips

Page 9: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 9FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

In Any Given Month

1 in 4 People Ride

In Any Given Week

1 in 8 People Ride

How Many People Use Transit?

Transit Trips, 2%

All O

ther Trips, 98%

2% of Daily Trips

Page 10: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 10FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

In Any Given Year

3 in 5 People Ride

In Any Given Month

1 in 4 People Ride

In Any Given Week

1 in 8 People Ride

How Many People Use Transit?

Transit Trips, 2%

All O

ther Trips, 98%

2% of Daily Trips

Source: SANDAG surveys

Page 11: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 11

San Diegans ride transit when it’s convenient and useful for them to do so.

The challenge, therefore, is to make transit moreuseful and convenient

to more people.

Page 12: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 12

Don’t we already have an extensive

regional transit plan?

Why would we need a better plan?

Page 13: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 13FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

SANDAG’s Regional Transportation Plan 2050 (RTP)

A 40-year, $214 billion plan.

$20.4 billion (2010 $) in new transit capital projects.

$19.4 billion (2010 $) for transit operations.

Major projects include new trolley (light rail) lines, arterial “rapid bus,” freeway-based “Bus Rapid Transit,” and Streetcar lines.

Page 14: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 14

The Plan looks extensive. So what’s the problem?

Page 15: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 15

At the level of a small diagram, the new regional transit plan

looks extensive enough. But a deeper look reveals that the

transit system will still be slow, poorly located, and cumbersome for too many trips for too manypeople too much of the time.

Page 16: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 16

If Your Goal Is to:

Page 17: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 17

If Your Goal Is to:A. Significantly increase transit

use.

Especially among the crucial “middle market.”

Page 18: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 18

If Your Goal Is to:A. Significantly increase transit

use.

B. Get more people to their jobs.

Page 19: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 19

If Your Goal Is to:A. Significantly increase transit

use.

B. Get more people to their jobs.

Then You Need to:

Page 20: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 20

If Your Goal Is to:A. Significantly increase transit

use.

B. Get more people to their jobs.

Then You Need to:1. Better serve existing urban

form.

Get closer to where people AREand get them much closer to

where they are GOING.

Page 21: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 21

If Your Goal Is to:A. Significantly increase transit

use.

B. Get more people to their jobs.

Then You Need to:1. Better serve existing urban

form.

2. Make transit faster.

Page 22: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 22

If Your Goal Is to:A. Significantly increase transit

use.

B. Get more people to their jobs.

Then You Need to:1. Better serve existing urban

form.

2. Make transit faster.

3. Improve the customer

experience.

Page 23: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 23

The Regional Transportation Plan contains $14 billion in light

rail (Trolley) projects.

Will this investment help us achieve our goals for a fast,

convenient system?

Page 24: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 24

“The Trolley is really popular with San Diegans…

…they’re just not riding it.”— Job Nelson, reporting on the KPBS/Competitive Edge Survey of San Diegans, Full Focus, July 2005

Page 25: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 25

Problem #1:

The Trolley, as we’ve built it, just doesn’t attract enough

people out of their cars.

Here are the facts…

Page 26: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 26FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Choice Riders” on the Trolley

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

City Bus

(25%)

0% 1995

% of Trolley Riders Who “Had an Auto Available” for Their Trip

Source: SANDAG

In 1995, only about 1/3 of Trolley riders (and ¼ of bus riders) claimed

they could have taken a car.

Page 27: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 27FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Choice Riders” on the Trolley

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

City Bus

(25%)

0% 1995 2003

% of Trolley Riders Who “Had an Auto Available” for Their Trip

Source: SANDAG

By 2003, with Trolley expansions to Old Town, Mission Valley, and

Santee… the number was unchanged.

Page 28: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 28FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Choice Riders” on the Trolley

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

City Bus

(25%)

0% 1995 2003

% of Trolley Riders Who “Had an Auto Available” for Their Trip

2009Source: SANDAG

By 2009, with the Trolley to SDSU… the number was still unchanged.

Page 29: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 29FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Choice Riders” on the Trolley

As popular as the Trolley is, it isn’t attracting a large number of additional

people from their cars, even with major expansions. Why not?

As popular as the Trolley is, it isn’t attracting a large number of additional

people from their cars, even with major expansions. Why not?

Travel Time

Page 30: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 30FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Choice Riders” on the Trolley

Travel Time

Door-to-door journey times are still way too long for most people.

As popular as the Trolley is, it isn’t attracting a large number of additional

people from their cars, even with major expansions. Why not?

As popular as the Trolley is, it isn’t attracting a large number of additional

people from their cars, even with major expansions. Why not?

Page 31: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 31FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Choice Riders” on the Trolley

StationAccess

Travel Time

As popular as the Trolley is, it isn’t attracting a large number of additional

people from their cars, even with major expansions. Why not?

As popular as the Trolley is, it isn’t attracting a large number of additional

people from their cars, even with major expansions. Why not?

Stations still aren’t close enough to origins and destinations.

Page 32: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 32FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Choice Riders” on the Trolley

Trip Patterns

Travel Time

As popular as the Trolley is, it isn’t attracting a large number of additional

people from their cars, even with major expansions. Why not?

As popular as the Trolley is, it isn’t attracting a large number of additional

people from their cars, even with major expansions. Why not?

StationAccess

All those new lines still aren’t aligned with actual trip patterns.

Page 33: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 33FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

They Trolley, in fact, does not attract a market different

than that of the city bus.

A true rapid transit system would attract larger numbers

of middle-income riders.

Page 34: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 34FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Below$15k

$15k -<$25k

$25k -<$50k

$50k -<$75k

$75k -<$100k

$100kand Up

Income Level of Transit Riders

MTSBus

Household

Income

MTS Bus riders are overwhelmingly low income.

Source: SANDAG, “Results of the 2009 Onboard Transit Passenger Survey for the San Diego Region” (February, 2011).

Page 35: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 35FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Below$15k

$15k -<$25k

$25k -<$50k

$50k -<$75k

$75k -<$100k

$100kand Up

The Commuter Rail attracts a much higher-income ridership.

Income Level of Transit Riders

Household

Income

Source: SANDAG, “Results of the 2009 Onboard Transit Passenger Survey for the San Diego Region” (February, 2011).

CommuterRail

MTSBus

Page 36: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 36FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Below$15k

$15k -<$25k

$25k -<$50k

$50k -<$75k

$75k -<$100k

$100kand Up

Income Level of Transit Riders

MTSBus

CommuterRail

FreewayBus

Premium Express (freeway) buses attract the same market as the commuter rail.

Household

Income

Source: SANDAG, “Results of the 2009 Onboard Transit Passenger Survey for the San Diego Region” (February, 2011).

Page 37: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 37FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Income Level of Transit Riders

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Below$15k

$15k -<$25k

$25k -<$50k

$50k -<$75k

$75k -<$100k

$100kand Up

MTSBus

LightRail

CommuterRail

FreewayBus

Source: SANDAG, “Results of the 2009 Onboard Transit Passenger Survey for the San Diego Region” (February, 2011).

The San Diego Trolley (light rail) attracts the identical low-income market of the MTS Bus.

Household

Income

Page 38: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 38

Do we want to create a rapid transit system that would serve San Diego’s broader market?

Then we can’t just keep doing more of the same.

Page 39: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 39FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Problem #2:

For a spread-out city like San Diego, a traditional rapid transit network (be it light rail or “rapid bus”) is just too

slow to attract significant numbers of choice riders (people with cars).

Page 40: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 40

Let’s take an example: going from the heart of the Grantville

Redevelopment Area to a 3:00 pm meeting downtown.

At what time would you need to leave your origin to arrive on time?

Page 41: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 41

How Much Time Do You Have?

6 M

ILES

Trolley Station

Page 42: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 42

How Much Time Do You Have?

Source for times: Best case light rail trip from www.sdcommute.com

3:00

1:551:50

2:046

MIL

ES

To make it on time to your3:00 pm meeting, you’d

needto catch the 2:04 pm

Trolley—meaning you’d need to walk out of your

office around 1:50 pm, 70 minutes

before the actual meeting!

To make it on time to your3:00 pm meeting, you’d

needto catch the 2:04 pm

Trolley—meaning you’d need to walk out of your

office around 1:50 pm, 70 minutes

before the actual meeting!

Page 43: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 43

Problem #3:

San Diego’s land uses generally aren’t arranged along straight lines,

making them difficult to serve effectively with single lines

(such as much light rail or BRT).

Here is a concrete example…

Page 44: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 44

Mission Valley illustrates the problem of creating

effective transit in San Diego.

According to some measures, it’s our region’s second

largest office market.

Page 45: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 45FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Mission Valley

Mission Valley, because it’s long and linear, seemed like it would

be a good fit for the Trolley.

Mission Valley, because it’s long and linear, seemed like it would

be a good fit for the Trolley.

Page 46: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 46FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Mission Valley

Here, we’ve drawn a ¼ mile radius around each station—

a theoretical five minute walk. On the destination end of a

work trip, most people aren’t even willing to walk that far.

Page 47: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 47FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Mission Valley

Now we’re showing just the land within that ¼ mile radius that’s actually accessible to a trolley station. Close to half the land

within ¼ mile is NOT accessible.

Page 48: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 48FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Mission Valley

Location of major office employment in Mission Valley

Location of major office employment in Mission Valley

With only a couple of exceptions, nearly all of the major office

employment in Mission Valley is inconvenient to a Trolley station.

Page 49: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 49

In other words, after spending $ ¾ billion on building light rail

through Mission Valley, you can’t conveniently get to your office job.

Page 50: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 50

These next set of maps depict our household density in 2000, using a ¼ mile grid

(about a 5-minute walk).

If transit isn’t touching a grid cell, it’s probably too far to be convenient for

most people in adjacent cells.

Page 51: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 51

San Diego:HouseholdDensity

Households per Acre

Page 52: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 52

San Diego:HouseholdDensity

Existing Light Rail (Trolley)

Planned

Households per Acre

Page 53: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 53

A transit solution in the Mid-Coast would need to get people into and out of the beach communities, as well as to/from and around the greater Golden Triangle. Even if you build a Mid-Coast light rail, you would still need to go back and make significant new investments just to solve this challenge.

Page 54: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 54

Bottom Line:As much as we like the Trolley,

and however successfulor popular it may appear to be

it cannot possibly hopeto reach into enough places

and transport people quickly enough

to transform the role of transit in this region.

Page 55: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 55

Challenge:

Our region’s elected officials and public agencies need to

address these issues directly and mandate an approach

to rapid transit that will actually attract and serve

our broader market.

Page 56: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 56FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

With light rail and many forms of Bus Rapid Transit, transit networks generally resemble pearls on a string, with vehicles stopping at every

station. If you’re traveling a longer distance—and most San Diegans are—your trip becomes too long, with too many transfers and too many stops.

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

Trolley(Light Rail)

“Rapid Bus” (BRT

Lite)

Page 57: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 57FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

If you board here

Page 58: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 58FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

To arrive here

Page 59: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 59FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

Board and ride five stops. 1

Page 60: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 60FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

Transfer between modes.

2

Page 61: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 61FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

Board and ride five stops.

3

Page 62: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 62FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

Transfer between trains.

4

Page 63: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 63FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

Board and ride two stops.5

Page 64: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 64FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

Transfer between modes.6

Page 65: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 65FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

“Traditional” Rapid Transit

Board and ride four

stops.7

Page 66: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 66FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Faster: Express Routes

An express network is faster, especially when it is designed to reach into neighborhoods and major job sites. Express routes can behave as Rapid Bus,

then travel non-stop between major stations, then distribute at a major destination zone. To be feasible, they need to attract enough riders,

and that depends on connectivity with other express routes.

Page 67: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 67FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Faster: Express Routes

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 68FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Faster: Express Routes

Board and ride six stops.

Doesn’t stop at intervening stations 1

Page 69: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 69FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Faster: Express Routes

Same PlatformTransfer.

2

Page 70: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 70FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Faster: Express Routes

Ridefive

stops.3

Page 71: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 71FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

In an effective express network, “SuperStations” become the hubs of the system, where both all-stops and express routes converge.

SuperStations

Page 72: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 72

What about the freeway-based Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in our Regional Transportation Plan?

Is that the kind of express network you’re talking about?

Page 73: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 73

Not really. Most destinations can’t be served well, and transit is still

subject to traffic delays.

A far better option is one chosen by Brisbane, Australia, which has built grade-separated busways—Quickways—that in some places run alongside freeways, other

times break off to serve destination zones.

Page 74: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 74

Too many delays; poorly located stations

San Diego Freeway-Based BRTSan Diego Freeway-Based BRT Brisbane “Quickway”Brisbane “Quickway”

Straight-line in and out;faster and better.

Straight-line in and out;faster and better.

Bus in mixed traffic; any incident and bus

is held up, too.

Bus in mixed traffic; any incident and bus

is held up, too.

Grade-separated busway (Quickway) used only by transit

and emergency services—more

reliable and quicker.

Grade-separated busway (Quickway) used only by transit

and emergency services—more

reliable and quicker.

A lot of time is lost accessing off-line

stations. Slower service attracts fewer riders AND

costs more to operate.

A lot of time is lost accessing off-line

stations. Slower service attracts fewer riders AND

costs more to operate.

Stations are in-line.Stations are in-line.

Page 75: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 75

Passenger unfriendly stations.Passenger unfriendly stations.

San Diego Freeway-Based BRT

Page 76: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 76

Brisbane: Passenger-friendly stationsBrisbane: Passenger-friendly stations

No obstructions

No obstructions

Shelter from sun & occasional rain

Shelter from sun & occasional rain

Shelter from windShelter from wind

Coffeeshop linked to station

Coffeeshop linked to station

Page 77: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 77

San Diego Freeway-Based BRT

Lack of infrastructure once off freeway leads to delays and poor customer experience: you’re still just waiting by the side of the

road, and transit is still in traffic.

Lack of infrastructure once off freeway leads to delays and poor customer experience: you’re still just waiting by the side of the

road, and transit is still in traffic.

Page 78: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 78

What about “Arterial Rapid Bus?”

Page 79: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

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Arterial Rapid Bus

Many trips will require

multiple transfers

Many trips will require

multiple transfers

Service will still be slow in

congested areas

Service will still be slow in

congested areas

Arterial rapid bus, as being planned, is a step above local bus service—but is a far cry

from rapid transit, despite it being named “rapid.”

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 80FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Arterial Rapid Bus: High Speed?

From the official Rapid Bus website:

Mid-City Rapid will be a high-speed, limited-stop bus service between San Diego State University and Downtown San Diego… a fast and reliable way to get around…

Page 81: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 81FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Arterial Rapid Bus: High Speed?

SDSU to Santa Fe Depot

Distance: 9.5 miles

Travel Time: 38 mins

Average Speed: 15 mph

Travel Timeon Trolley: 32 mins

From the official Rapid Bus website:

Mid-City Rapid will be a high-speed, limited-stop bus service between San Diego State University and Downtown San Diego… a fast and reliable way to get around…

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 82FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Arterial Rapid Bus: High Speed?

SDSU to Santa Fe Depot

Distance: 9.5 miles

Travel Time: 38 mins

Average Speed: 15 mph

Travel Timeon Trolley: 32 mins

Our approach to “Rapid Bus” is still… slow.

What would the market consider “high speed”?

From the official Rapid Bus website:

Mid-City Rapid will be a high-speed, limited-stop bus service between San Diego State University and Downtown San Diego… a fast and reliable way to get around…

Page 83: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 83

To be fair, the Mid-City Rapid Bus is still an improvement for the areas served.

But the transit potential of Mid-City and Hillcrest/North Park is much greater, and the modest improvements of the Rapid Bus are still insufficient to transform the role of transit in those zones.

Page 84: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 84

Why not just emulate a successful European city?

Page 85: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 85

Some local advocates for improved transit argue

that we should emulate a city such as Bordeaux,

France, which has developed a model tramway system as

depicted here.

Some local advocates for improved transit argue

that we should emulate a city such as Bordeaux,

France, which has developed a model tramway system as

depicted here.

Page 86: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

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San Diego, to identical scale as Bordeaux map, showing Bordeaux’s tram lines (flipped to fit San Diego’s orientation) superimposed. They reach just from Old Town to National City.

San Diego, to identical scale as Bordeaux map, showing Bordeaux’s tram lines (flipped to fit San Diego’s orientation) superimposed. They reach just from Old Town to National City.

Page 87: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

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Bordeaux, at same scale as San Diego map, showing tram lines superimposed on San Diego (with our Trolley lines in red).

Page 88: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 88

San Diego’s light rail system extends over a much larger area, with excessive trip times as a result—and it doesn’t always effectively serve many of the communities it passes through, let alone areas far from lines.

Bottom line: San Diego does not resemble a compact European city. What may work well in our core doesn’t solve our regional problem!

Weighted brown lines show number of trips between Downtown and origin zone.

Bordeaux, at same scale as San Diego map, showing tram lines superimposed on San Diego (with our Trolley lines in red).

Page 89: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 89

So how DO we develop an effective rapid transit plan?

Page 90: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 90

We start with what we know about San Diegans

and what makes them decide to choose a transit option.

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 91FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

What Attracts New Transit Riders?

1/6 will never use

transit

1/6 strongly prefer transit

SAN DIEGO

Source: 2000 MTDB Survey of San Diegans

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 92FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

What Attracts New Transit Riders?

1/6 will never use

transit

1/6 strongly prefer transit

2/3 will use transit if and when it

meets their needs:

SAN DIEGO

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 93FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

What Attracts New Transit Riders?

“Get me from point A to point B…”

A B

1/6 will never use

transit

1/6 strongly prefer transit

2/3 will use transit if and when it

meets their needs:

SAN DIEGO

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 94FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

What Attracts New Transit Riders?

“… quickly and don’t make me wait…”

NEXT VEHICLE:

< 10 minutes

“Get me from point A to point B…”

A B

1/6 will never use

transit

1/6 strongly prefer transit

2/3 will use transit if and when it

meets their needs:

SAN DIEGO

Page 95: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 95FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

What Attracts New Transit Riders?

“… quickly and don’t make me wait…”

NEXT VEHICLE:

< 10 minutes

“Get me from point A to point B…”

A B

“…and I want to feel good about it.”

1/6 will never use

transit

1/6 strongly prefer transit

2/3 will use transit if and when it

meets their needs:

SAN DIEGO

Page 96: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 96FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

What Attracts New Transit Riders?

“… quickly and don’t make me wait…”

NEXT VEHICLE:

< 10 minutes

“Get me from point A to point B…”

A B

“…and I want to feel good about it.”

1/6 will never use

transit

1/6 strongly prefer transit

2/3 will use transit if and when it

meets their needs:

Network Structure

(Connectivity)

SystemPerformance

(Time)

CustomerExperience

SAN DIEGO

Page 97: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 97

In other words: faster,

more direct, more convenient,

less waiting, and improved experience.

Page 98: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 98

How do you make transit that much faster,

pervasive, and more convenient?

Page 99: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 99

Here’s how:

A true regional express network.Better-designed stations.Better-located stations.Improved frequencies.

Page 100: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 100

Has any comparable city recently done this?

Page 101: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 101

Brisbane: A Model City

“Brisbane is now at the leading edge in urban mass transit… the new busway… will attract international attention for the level of quality and customer focus that [has been] incorporated.”

— Hans Rat, Secretary General, International Public Transport Association (IUTP)

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Brisbane—Southeast Busway

The Challenge:

Brisbane has an extensive electrified commuter rail system, but they faced a real problem: people who didn’t live by train stations were a lot less likely to ride the train than people who did… and most people didn’t live by a station!

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 103FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Brisbane—Southeast Busway

The Solution:

A system of grade-separated busways (Quickways) with stations spaced every mile, passing lanes at stations, and high-speed geometries. With no cross-traffic and no pedestrians, fast travel times are possible.

Page 104: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

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Brisbane—Southeast Busway

The Solution:

Brisbane’s Quickways not don’t behave just like a rail line, but support an extensive network of express services that reach into neighborhoods, get on the Quickway, but stop only at major destinations. The result? Travel times at peak hours faster than driving.

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Grade separation = no cross traffic, leading to faster and more reliable travel times.

Grade separation = no cross traffic, leading to faster and more reliable travel times.

Page 106: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 106

Tunnels and fly-overs let transit avoid congestion and place

stations in optimal locations.

Tunnels and fly-overs let transit avoid congestion and place

stations in optimal locations.

Page 107: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 107

Page 108: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 108

In this case, a hospital wing was built floating over the

Quickway station, which was integrated into the hospital. This tight integration drives

ridership higher.

In this case, a hospital wing was built floating over the

Quickway station, which was integrated into the hospital. This tight integration drives

ridership higher.

Page 109: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 109

Bikeways and bike storage facilities are built into

several Quickway stations.

Bikeways and bike storage facilities are built into

several Quickway stations.

Page 110: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 110

An elevated station links directly into Brisbane’s largest hospital.

An elevated station links directly into Brisbane’s largest hospital.

Page 111: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 111

This bridge is just for transit, pedestrians, and bicycles. It

connects a large university campus with the Quickway network.

This bridge is just for transit, pedestrians, and bicycles. It

connects a large university campus with the Quickway network.

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FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 112

Because Quickways aggregate many routes together,

frequencies are high—and waiting times tend to be much

shorter than on equivalent light rail or BRT systems.

Because Quickways aggregate many routes together,

frequencies are high—and waiting times tend to be much

shorter than on equivalent light rail or BRT systems.

Page 113: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 113

This underground station in Brisbane’s downtown keeps passengers separated from

transit vehicles.

This underground station in Brisbane’s downtown keeps passengers separated from

transit vehicles.

Page 114: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 114

This underground station in Brisbane’s downtown keeps passengers separated from

transit vehicles.

This underground station in Brisbane’s downtown keeps passengers separated from

transit vehicles.

Page 115: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 115

Passengers board buses through

sliding glass doors.

Passengers board buses through

sliding glass doors.

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 116FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Comparison: Peak Ridership

6-Lane Freeway Southeast Busway (2-lane)

SDTrolley

7,800 18,000 2,700

at the Busiest Spotduring the Busiest Hourin the Peak Direction

Page 117: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

© 2013 by The Mission Group 117FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

Comparison: Peak Ridership

6-Lane Freeway Southeast Busway (2-lane)

SDTrolley

7,800 18,000 2,700

at the Busiest Spotduring the Busiest Hourin the Peak Direction

At its busiest point, the Southeast Busway is moving more than twice as many people as the adjacent

freeway and more than six times as many passengers as the San Diego Trolley at its busiest point.

At its busiest point, the Southeast Busway is moving more than twice as many people as the adjacent

freeway and more than six times as many passengers as the San Diego Trolley at its busiest point.

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100%

80%

60%

40%

20%2003 2009

Brisbane: Ridership Growth

2008 Ridership:

Rail: 60 million

Busway: 50 million

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 119FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

140%

120%

160%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%2003 2009

+ 60%

Brisbane: Ridership Growth

2008 Ridership:

Rail: 60 million

Busway: 50 million

2010 Ridership:

Busway: 72 million

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© 2013 by The Mission Group 120FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit

140%

120%

160%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%2003 2009

+ 60%

Brisbane: Ridership Growth

2008 Ridership:

Rail: 60 million

Busway: 50 million

2010 Ridership:

Busway: 72 million

The creation of just 13 miles of Quickway enabled

Brisbane to support a robust express network that led to a massive increase in transit

ridership.

The creation of just 13 miles of Quickway enabled

Brisbane to support a robust express network that led to a massive increase in transit

ridership.

Page 121: FAST Plan pt 1: The Need for a New Transit Plan

FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 121

The FAST Plan is modeled on Brisbane’s successful

approach to transit for a dispersed metro area like San

Diego.

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FAST Plan Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2013 by The Mission Group 122

In Part II of this presentation, we’ll show you the elements of the FAST Plan and how we put them together to fashion

a world-class transit system.