Route 1 Multimodal Study Business Leaders Breakfast

Hosted by Senator Toddy Puller and Delegate Scott SurovellRoute 1 Multimodal Study Business Leaders Breakfast

Study OverviewThe study analyzes modes of transit on Route 1 from just south of Alexandria City to Route 123 in Woodbridge

Corridor has a long history of suburban style strip malls, large military installations, tourist attractions, residential uses and commuter travel

Looking at roadway improvements, transit alternatives and pedestrian/bicycle options

How Was Study Funded?Sen. Toddy Puller & Del. Scott Surovell Amendment to 2013 Caboose BudgetItem 441. Department of Rail and Public Transit I. From such funds appropriated for public transportation purposes, there is hereby allocated $2,000,000 in the second year to conduct a transit study along the US Route 1 corridor in Fairfax County that (i) addresses current and projected future traffic deficiencies with a viable long-term transit solution for the corridor, (ii) transforms the area into transit-oriented and transit-supportive mixed use development near stations and stops, (iii) identifies a locally preferred alternative (LPA) that produces the greatest number of new transit riders taking into account cost and impact, and (iv) supports the social and economic renewal of the corridor through public transportation investment, and develop recommendations for a financial plan to implement the LPA.Study Started July, 2013Study Conducted by Department of Rail and Public TransitConsultant AECOM

Where are we now?Existing Corridor Travel Patterns

Majority of transit users are commuting Downtown using Metro

86% of corridor transit users are traveling to Arlington or Downtown

5FORT BELVOIR GROWTH

U.S. 1 Current Growth Projections

Study Goals?Improve Multimodal Transit OptionsImprove Cycling OptionsImprove Pedestrian OptionsReduce CongestionImprove Access for Low Income PopulationIncrease economic vitalityImprove connectivity to regional centersSupport compact mixed used developmentImprove environmental stewardship (energy consumption, stormwater, etc.)

What Options Were Evaluated?Route 1 Corridor Transit OptionsAlternative 1: Bus Rapid Transit- CurbBus operates in curb, dedicated transit lanes from Huntington to Fort BelvoirSouth of Fort Belvoir to Woodbridge, bus operates in mixed trafficAlternative 2: Bus Rapid Transit- MediaBus operates in the median in dedicated lanes for entire length of corridor and mixed traffic in PWCAlternative 3: Light RailLight Rail operates in the median in dedicated lanes for entire corridorAlternative 4: Metro/Bus Rapid Transit HybridYellow Line extension to Hybla Valley with connecting BRT service to Woodbridge

What We are Hearing from the Community80%+ Support Yellow Line ExtensionOver 900 have signed Yellow Line PetitionPromote additional mixed use development in station areasCreate new street and sidewalk connectionsImprove traffic flowSense of urgency for improvementsWhy Do We Support the Hybrid Option?Achieves a LongTerm Vision. The redevelopment of the U.S. 1 Corridor has lagged partly due to uncertainty over future transit and land use visions, and lack of funding. Employment gains at Fort Belvoir coupled with exploding population and jobs in Lorton, have compounded traffic woes, and created increasing traffic pressures on U.S. 1.Maximizes RedevelopmentThe Hybrid Option requires population growth of 96,000 people to meet Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding criteria. This would bring significant density changes to the Beacon Hill/Hybla Valley area which would catalyze a substantial redevelopment of the entire corridor, and help to turn U.S. 1 into a net generator of state and county tax revenue instead of a net consumer. Enhanced bus service or bus rapid transitonly options will not bring the scale of redevelopment necessary to revitalize the entire corridor.Most Efficient Use of Taxpayer DollarsThe Hybrid Options documented construction + operating costs ($18/rider) are actually less than light rail ($21/rider), only marginally more than a BRTonly option ($15/rider), and maximizes property tax revenue per square foot of real estate. Boosts Area Public Schools.The U.S. 1 Corridor is home to half of Fairfax Countys twelve public schools that are on accreditation warning. Only a substantial redevelopment, coupled with careful planning and prudent proffer commitments to sustain affordable housing will provide the sustainable school population. Boosts TourismThis would also put Metro within 2 miles of the Mt. Vernon Estate the top historic tourism destination in Virginia which sees over 1 million visitors per year and BRT 12 a mile from the U.S. Army Museum.How Do We Pay For This?Federal New Starts GrantCovers up to 50% of CostRegional Funding NVTARecently funded with $300 Million/yr. with new tax revenueState Road FundingPrimary Road Funds for Road ImprovementsState Transit FundingState recently invested $100 million in VA Beach Light RailLocal (County) FundingFairfax County Invested $400 million in Silver Line ($6B)Public Private Partnership BRT PieceParking Lot Revenues are critical

What Do We Need?Property Owners & Businesses on U.S. 1 to Step Up!

Write Letters to:Supervisor HylandSupervisor McKayChairman BulovaKey Asks for Letters:Support and vote to endorse the Hybrid Option, including a bus rapid transit system to be started immediately and a two-stop Yellow Line Extension to be constructed after 2025, to be determined to be the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for Fairfax County.Conduct an out-of-turn Comprehensive Plan Review for the entire U.S. 1 Corridor to create a long-term vision that encompasses this goal.Support efforts to fund and commence applications for New Starts Grants, environmental analyses, and preliminary engineering for these projects.More InformationStudy Website:www.route1multimodalaa.com

Senator Toddy PullerP.O. Box 73, Mt. VernonVirginia 22121-0073(703) 765-1150 tpuller@aol.com

Delegate Scott SurovellP.O. Box 289 Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121(571) 249-4484 scottsurovell@gmail.com