Request for Proposal:

Southeast Denver Station Area Mobility Hubs Study

Date of Release: January 6, 2020

All information provided in this RFP will be maintained as confidential

by Transportation Solutions Foundation

Your proposal must be emailed to arrive by

5 PM on February 14, 2020

Late proposals will not be accepted for consideration

Please submit your response via email to:

Stuart M. Anderson, Executive Director

Transportation Solutions Foundation

Email: stuart@transolutions.org

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INTRODUCTION

Transportation Solutions Foundation, in cooperation with Denver South, City and County of Denver, and RTD, is extending invitations to qualified firms/teams to formally submit proposals for completing the Southeast Denver Station Area Mobility Hubs Study. The study requires expertise in transportation, land use, financial and economic planning, as it relates to Light Rail Transit (LRT) station-area plans and studies. Additionally, direct experience in Transportation Demand Management (TDM), First and Last Mile (FLM) services, and bike planning and implementation is desired. The three station-areas for this study include:

• RTD Yale Station • RTD Southmoor Station

• RTD Belleview Station

Transportation Solutions will lead this study, in cooperation with Denver South, City and County of Denver, and RTD. Transportation Solutions is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization formed in 1997. See: transolutions.org.

Stuart Anderson, Transportation Solutions Foundation (primary contact); Daniel Hutton, Denver South; and Chris Nevitt, City and County of Denver will serve as the Project Management Team (PMT). A Steering Committee for the project will be established by Month 3 and may include representatives from RNOs, businesses, developers, commuters and others.

This effort is a local planning project, which has been awarded regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) funding, allocated for transit station planning, through the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).

SCHEDULE

The intended procurement schedule is shown below but is subject to change.

• RFP published and available – January 6, 2020

• Pre-Bid Meeting – January 14, 2020 (not mandatory, but recommended attendance in person)

o Location and time will be sent separately once secured. • Last day to submit inquiries – January 24, 2019

• Proposal due – 5 PM on February 14, 2020

• Interviews – To be determined. Potentially March 2nd or 3rd.

BUDGET

The contractor budget is not to exceed $170,000 for the 14-month period of the study. Note that the contractor budget is intended to cover all activities and deliverables for Tasks B through G. See scope of work for descriptions. Task A is funded separately and relates to work of the PMT only.

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BACKGROUND

Metro Vision calls for the provision of multi-modal facilities, combined with efficient land development design, to help reduce the growth of motor vehicle travel and lead to reductions in air pollutant emissions and energy consumption. RTD Yale, Southmoor and Belleview Stations can evolve into multi-modal facilities (mobility hubs) through both planning and implementation of efficient design, enhanced connectivity and active promotion of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies. Both RTD Southmoor and Yale Stations are in a suburban context. Southmoor has opportunities being explored for near-term development. The need for creating a TOD strategy is imminent given development pressure. The station has 788 parking spaces and has over 6,000 ridership. But access to the station, by means other than a car is challenging. The station is not designed to support a multi-modal environment. There is a strong need to make the station a mobility hub and as such, working with the surrounding residential groups will be critical in securing support for needed improvements. A Technical Advisory Panel of ULI Colorado prepared a report entitled Southmoor TOD, June 8-9, 2017 which describes many of the considerations needed to improve the station-area. See: Southmoor TAP ULI Colorado RTD Yale Station has seen new development around the station, but the station is isolated from the community. The walk and bike shed amenities are poor. The station area has become a point of contention with the surrounding neighborhoods because of its poor design and lack of connectivity. Pedestrian improvements for the area include a new traffic signal near the station. See: Yale Station Pedestrian Improvements RTD Belleview Station is an urban center with significant surrounding development. The Denver TOD Strategic Plan (2014) underscores the lack of supportive infrastructure around the station limiting access. The station has a ridership of around 2,000. All three RTD stations are called out in the TOD Strategic Plan as medium to low TOD. See: Denver TOD Strategic Plan

Figure 1 RTD Southmoor Station Tunnel

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This effort focuses on those elements needed to energize and strategize the stations and advance the connectivity between activity points/centers within the influence areas. Needs to be addressed in the study include:

• Facilitating TOD implementation and financing to ensure transit supportive investment;

• Supporting efficient design;

• Creating multi-modal amenities (i.e., bike station, micro-transit loading bays);

• Increasing first/last mile services;

• Enhancing wayfinding; • Improving pedestrian facilities within the walkshed;

• Creating better bike facility connectivity;

• Incorporating active promotion of alternative transportation options through TDM (in cooperation with Way to Go and Transportation Solutions);

• Improving environmental justice (where/if applicable); and

• Addressing other related considerations identified through a collaborative stakeholder and public input process.

This study will also allow for integration of key findings for RTD Belleview Station and recommendations of the I-25/Belleview NEPA Study now underway by Greenwood Village, Arapahoe County and the City and County of Denver. See: I-25 and Belleview Interchange Study. The study can also reflect findings of the Belleview Corridor Multimodal Study recently completed by the City and County of Denver. The Belleview Corridor study is intended to identify pedestrian and bicycle connectivity improvements within the entire north DTC area and connecting to the RTD Belleview station. The team will need to use the ending point of the multi-modal study, as the starting point for this study. Both were intentionally coordinator to avoid duplication of efforts and data collection. See: Belleview Corridor Multimodal Transportation Plan

Figure 2 RTD Belleview Station

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This study would employ concepts and direction provided from Metro Vision, Blueprint Denver, RTD FLM Study, Denver Moves: Bike, Denver Moves: Transit, Denver Moves: Pedestrian and Trails along with all relevant neighborhood plans. Key items that support the need for this study currently include:

• Completion of the Denver TOD Strategic Plan;

• Strong potential new development around RTD Southmoor Station;

• Significant development around RTD Belleview station without all the supportive infrastructure and TOD to support multi-modal access to the station;

• Strong market potential for both high density residential and commercial development;

• Renewed interest from RTD in being “more proactive” and “facilitating TOD outcomes” at station areas. (RTD TOD Assessment Status Report, July 2015);

• Recent success in the development and implementation of Station-Area improvements at RTD DU and CO Stations;

• Transit rider feedback regarding the sense of isolation at all three stations and both a lack of support amenities and a sense of place (including noise considerations at RTD Belleview Station); and

• Building a network of mobility hubs in southeast Denver and Glendale wherein there is a consistent set of services, wayfinding and support amenities.

Potential Impact of the Study - The plan will have significant impact on the area in that the findings of this study can be incorporated into neighborhood plans. The concept of mobility hubs is a priority for the City and County of Denver. The study would outline the improvements needed to make the sites more accessible and multi-modal friendly. These three stations are the next stops after RTD DU and Colorado Stations going south from downtown. RTD DU and Colorado stations are in the process of converting to mobility hubs. See: DU and CO Station Study RTD DU station launched through DU both micro-transit and dockless bikes in 2018 with tremendous success. Additionally, $8.4M has been secured through Denver’s General Obligation Bond (2017) to implement some of the infrastructure improvements recommended. At the completion of the study, we will have mobility plans for all five stations in a row. The synergy between the stations will create a more cost-effective approach to mobility. For example, RTD Colorado Station stakeholders might consider a driverless shuttle (EV10) that would bring nearby residents to the station. The service could easily serve both RTD Yale and Colorado stations by weaving through the North University Hills neighborhood. Additionally, extending the dockless bikeshare to all

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five stations is an easier next step in that there would be economies-of-scale with five stations verses one. Too often station-area studies are done individually and lack connectivity and coordination of services. No one station-area can afford all multi-modal options but having five together makes more options feasible. This assumption should be tested as part of the study. Areas of Interest - At RTD Yale Station, strong interest exists for better integration with the surrounding area. Barriers to walking and biking (such as Yale Avenue) need to be addressed to maximize the value of new bike infrastructure in the area. Both RTD Southmoor and Belleview stations require improvements to the infrastructure and strengthening the multi-modal connections will help residents and commuters have better access to rail transit. The capacity for more ridership from RTD Belleview station is significant and would likely be the station that would see the largest increase in transit ridership through making the station a mobility hub. Scale – The project focuses on both the half-mile radius of each station as well as the 1-mile radius as it relates to both the walk and bike sheds. The residential catchment area for the three stations includes 20,000 people. The catchment area can grow based on type of FLM services offered. Innovation - Making transit stations more of a multi-modal hub will advance the first/last

mile connections and further support non-SOV travel. This study would look at

incorporating into the station a full service bike station, access points for private on

demand transportation (micro-transit) and active promotion of transportation

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alternatives through the continuing role of Transportation Solutions and Denver South

in providing services for the area.

This study focuses on implementing elements of DRCOG's MetroVision and Blueprint

Denver. Often the connection between policy and implementation is hard to create.

This plan will be an example of how these policies can be implemented and guide

future development while underscoring elements of transferability to other stations.

SCOPE OF WORK

The following core activities are proposed for this study:

A. Project Management And Stakeholder Coordination – The project will be

administered by Transportation Solutions Foundation. This task includes all

CDOT and DRCOG reporting requirements, budget management and billings,

and contractor oversight. The Project Management Team (PMT) will provide

high-level stakeholder engagement, visioning and support in incorporating

project outcomes into other reports.

Task A is exclusive to the Project Management Team.

B. Communication Strategy - Transportation Solutions seeks a comprehensive

communication strategy that will solicit feedback from area stakeholders, use

gathered information to influence the plan and convey the final version of the

plan in a meaningful manner. The stations' physical locations require a

coordinated planning effort to ensure the optimization of potential TOD

opportunities in proximity to the sites and aid in maximizing the utility of the

transit infrastructure.

As part of the overall communication strategy, it is expected that the project team

will develop a comprehensive, inclusive and mutually agreed upon set of guiding

principles for the project that will take into account the project scope of work.

Contractor will need to coordinate the Communication Strategy with RTD

Communications. Creative methods for community engagement are encouraged

and as such, there is flexiblility in how to approach this task.

Overall Community Engagement −

• Digital material strategy;

• Opinion/Feedback strategy;

• E-survey of members of surrounding RNOs (continguent on RNO approval

and assistance in distributing a survey link);

• Public meeting strategy− City Council Involvement, LUTI, City Council

meeting, RTD; and

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• Direct stakeholders - Steering Committee (one meeting per month

starting in Month 3 of this study).

Deliverables: 1) A documented community engagement plan that highlights

methods and measures to be used to engage the public, stakeholders, and

decision makers. 2) Summary information for final report addressing methods

used, the feedback received and any influence that public input had on the final

version of the plan. The summary should be incorporated as a chapter into the

overall report.

C. Plan Preparation – The first section of the plan should be a comprehensive

summary of background data supporting the study. The data needs for the study

will likely address the following topical areas:

• Demographics - Traditional source summary information (American

Community Survey – 5 year data 2014-2018 or other similar source);

• Information regarding Transit Dependent and Transit Opportunity

Populations;

• Origin and destination information for home to work, and for home to

park-n-Ride where feasible to assess (smart phone data, surveying or other

method);

• Existing land use - Current zoning and available zoning districts along with

surrounding area land use information; and

• Miscellaneous land use policies, constraints (i.e., Southmoor Station

neighborhood agreement), overlays and other similar restrictions.

The consultant will assemble data that summarizes the profile of populations in

the area that may be transit dependent as well as opportunity populations that

may change their commuting patterns once more multi-modal infrastructure is in

place. This request can include alternative data sources that may come in the

form of commercially available segmentation data, DRCOG or Census based

Travel Behavior data, DRCOG commuting pattern models, or other forms.

Additionally, use of smart phone data regarding travel can be helpful in

identifying where people are traveling to, and where people are coming from

who use the park-n-Ride facilities. Where feasible, identify chained trips from the

station park-n-Ride to home. For example, stopping at the gym, grocery store,

child care, etc. If there is no reasonable source for this data, anecdotal

information is acceptable.

This phase will ensure that the project has all available background data,

information and plans to establish a baseline collection of information from which

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to prepare and influence analysis requested in the remaining sections outlined in

this scope of work.

Deliverables: A summary chapter regarding the baseline/background

information, outlined above, for the project area. The summary report should be

incorporated as a chapter into the overall report.

D. Infrastructure Evaluation - The team will be charged with summarizing the

known information regarding infrastructure in direct proximity to the station area

and inventorying infrastructure information within the station influence area:

• Transportation Network;

• Road, trail, and sidewalk; and

• Bus and paratransit operations. Infrastructure capacities for development

will play a critical role in development potential of the remaining vacant

land in the station area and the redevelopment potential of certain station

area properties (i.e., Southmoor RTD parking lot).

The team will be charged with investigating the status and capacities of

infrastructure in the larger station influence area.

Deliverables: A summary chapter should build upon the information captured in

background data and highlight capacity deficiencies based on proposed land

use scenarios. Additionally, the report should outline estimated development

costs for system improvements where feasible and when it involves the public

realm, coordination with city staff on how to develop an estimate is essential.

Ashlee Grace with the City and County of Denver is the current contact person

for this work (subject to change). The summary report should be incorporated as

a chapter into the overall report.

E. Strategic Mobility Planning - Access to and from the station area is a major

focus of the study. The application of multi-modal options and adequate safe

routes to the station are critical for sustaining transit. Investigation of connections

between modes of transportation is a critical element of the plan as they will act

to feed the station area and provide maximum ridership and use. Examination of

these connections will transcend the station planning area geography to

investigate wider connections that will serve the station and provide integrated

access. A emphasis should be the application of principles and services

identified in the RTD First and Last Mile Study completed in 2019.

The consultant will be asked to provide analysis and investigation into the

following topic areas with prioritization of implementation strategies:

• Bike/Ped Trail Connections;

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• Bus Operations Integration;

• Alternative TDM strategies providing linkages to the station area (bike/car

share, neighborhood Eco-Pass, etc.);

• Bike station and other facilities;

• Ped/Bike/Transit/Urban design standards for new construction;

• Implementation and Strategies;

• Prioritization; and

• Funding.

Deliverables: A summary chapter or report regarding the mobility considerations

for the project area. The report should build upon the information captured in

the background data and highlight critical improvements that should be

considered for the project area. Additionally, the report should outline

operational improvements to existing services and innovative approaches to

alternative strategies that would provide the highest levels of accessibility.

The summary report should prioritize these strategies and assign responsible

parties for implementation. The summary report should be incorporated as a

chapter into the overall plan. Where possible, price estimates for FLM operations

and station-area improvements. Phasing will be essential along with a future plan

that provides a reasonable tiemframe for introducing new technologies and

services (i.e., use of driverless shuttles in 3 to 5 years).

Note that both Transportation Solutions and Denver South will provide long term

oversight for the implementation of study recommendations. For example,

Transportation Solutions is working with Denver DOTI in scheduling facility

improvements for both RTD DU and Colorado Stations.

F. LAND USE PLANNING - The remaining vacant land and potential redevelopable

land in the RTD Southmoor Station area present the greatest opportunity for

Transit Oriented and Transit Supporting land use development. Using the results

of stakeholder input, collected background information and other discovered

information, the team will be asked to examine elements of urban design, land

use regulation and development strategies that can yield 2-3 land use scenarios

for consideration and feedback. From these scenarios it is expected that the

team will lead the direct stakeholders in an exercise to promote a preferred

alternative for the station area.

The Land Use Planning section should include, at a minimum, a discussion and

analysis of the following elements:

• Urban Design elements for new development and redevelopment;

• Timing and phasing considerations within the context of the market study;

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• Development preparation/acquisition strategies for the land adjacent to

the station area; and

• 2-3 alternative development scenarios with associated analysis regarding

market feasibility, development cost, development policy requirements,

and other associated considerations.

▪ Task F applies to RTD Southmoor Station. Minimal work under this

task is needed for RTD Yale and Belleview Stations given the level

of current development. Those elements that relate to RTD

Belleview and Yale Station are to be determined by the consultant

in consultation with the PMT.

▪ In reviewing types of land uses, include guidance to support lower

income housing and micro-housing in the three station areas.

Where opportunities are identified, provide actionable next steps

to maximize lower income and micro-housing at the stations.

Deliverables: A summary chapter or report regarding the land use

considerations, outlined above, for the project area. The report should build

upon the information captured in the background data and analyze land use

scenarios at the various opportunity parcels in the surrounding area. The

summary report should outline 2-3 alternative development land use scenarios

for the opportunity parcels in the project area and delineate a preferred

development scenario (Southmoor only). The preferred scenario should outline

the various required implementation steps to realize the plan and assign

responsible parties for implementation.

Note that adjacent properties to RTD Southmoor Station have restrictions on

development that require approval of a neighborhood group. The desired

process is to engage the neighborhood group stakeholders in identifiy

acceptable options. As an alternative, what options exist should the

neighborhood group reject any improvements desired by station users?

Compromise strategies that serve both the neighborhood group and station

users are desired. For example, station users have security concerns before and

after peak periods, i.e., no activity at station, tunnel or parking lot. One idea of a

compromise might be installing a dog park near the station which would bring

activity and a better sense of safety during non peak hours without inviting new

construction in sensitive areas.

G. FINAL DOCUMENTS - The above information will be compiled into a master

document that will act as the overall plan for the study area. The master

document will include information outlined above compiled in an orderly,

readable manner. In addition, the team will prepare an abridged/executive

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summary version of the plan for general public consumption 1) Executive

Summary (public, abridged version); 2) All versions delivered in digital format,

reproducible hard copies, and an editable digital version.

Consultant shall provide 5 hardcopies of the full final report and 30 hardcopies of

the abridged/executive summary.

This includes presentations of the final report to:

• Transportation Solutions Foundation’s Board of Directors

• Denver South’s Board of Directors

• Public Open House

• City Council’s Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

(LUTI)

• Planning Board

• RTD Board of Directors

Figure 3 Southmoor Station

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PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS Proposals should be submitted electronically to the email address shown on the cover page. The consultant/team should have a long and successful background in developing and evaluating transportation and land use strategies for station areas like those in this project. Proposals are limited to a total of 20 pages not including appendices and cover letter. The proposal should include the following key elements:

• A cover letter; • Description of your approach to the project and project schedule;

• Organizational chart, along with a personnel summary and capacity of the team, identifying the Project Manager and other key personnel;

• A summary of relevant experience and references - Prime contractors are requested to submit at least three relevant project descriptions and references, major sub consultants are requested to submit at least one;

• Cost per task with hourly rates for project team members; and • Appendices, including resumes of key staff and additional corporate or project

information that can be helpful in evaluating proposals. Proposals will be evaluated and should address the following criteria:

• Professional qualifications of key team members;

• Demonstrated experience developing successful station area strategic mobility and land use programs;

• Past performance on projects of similar size and scope;

• Adequacy of staff and capacity to accomplish the work for this project in the required time;

• Knowledge and experience with the metro Denver region;

• Demonstrated creativity and innovation when addressing similar issues; and

• Ability to demonstrate the expertise necessary to complete all deliverables listed in the scope of work above.

Innovations, advanced technology coupled with strong RNO engagement are three focus areas for evaluation and should be emphasized in the proposal. Additionally, proposals should highlight the delivery of implementable projects that advance safety, access and multi-modal options at the three stations. And lastly, while visioning is part of this study, it is not the purpose of the study. The plan should be a road map for implementation.

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Transportation Solutions reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to request any additional information it deems necessary to support a decision. The acceptability of the contractors’ responses shall be determined solely by Transportation Solutions. All communication regarding this RFP should be sent via e-mail to: Stuart M. Anderson

Email: Stuart@Transolutions.org Questions must be in writing and not conveyed by telephone or in person. All questions and

answers are available upon request one week following the last date to submit inquiries.

Your proposal must remain in effect and subject to acceptance by Transportation Solutions for 90 days after the due date.

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Figure 4 Belleview Station area