© 2014 by The Mission Group 1The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
SAN DIEGO CITIZENS’
Quickway ProposalFOR A FAST, FREQUENT,
CONVENIENT, WORLD-CLASS TRANSIT SYSTEM
PART
1Why We Need a New Approach
to TransitSEPTEMBER 2014
1PART
©2014 BY THE MISSION GROUP, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 2
The ResultsThe Results
The PlanThe Plan
BackgroundBackground
The Quickway Proposal
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 Proposal:
Central
3The Proposal:
Central
4The Proposal:South County
4The Proposal:South County
5The Proposal:
Mid-City & East County
5The Proposal:
Mid-City & East County
6The Proposal:
GreaterGolden Triangle
6The Proposal:
GreaterGolden Triangle
7The Proposal:I-15 Corridor
7The Proposal:I-15 Corridor
8The Proposal:North County
8The Proposal:North County
9Results:
Costs & Benefitsof the Proposal
9Results:
Costs & Benefitsof the Proposal
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 3
Why do we need transit?
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 4
You Are Here.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 5
An effective transit system—one that attracts a large shareof current drivers—can addimmeasurably to regional
quality of life and allow familiesto reduce what they mustspend on transportation.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 6
But will San Diegans ever use transit?
Didn’t I hear that only 2% of people use transit?
© 2014 by The Mission Group 7The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
Not 2% of People!!
How Many People Use Transit?
Transit T rips, 2%
All O
ther Trips, 98%
2% of Daily Trips
© 2014 by The Mission Group 8The Quickway Proposal, 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 T rips, 2%
All O
ther Trips, 98%
2% of Daily Trips
© 2014 by The Mission Group 9The Quickway Proposal, 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 T rips, 2%
All O
ther Trips, 98%
2% of Daily Trips
© 2014 by The Mission Group 10The Quickway Proposal, 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 T rips, 2%
All O
ther Trips, 98%
2% of Daily Trips
Source: SANDAG surveys
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 12
Don’t we already have an extensive
regional transit plan?
Why would we need a better plan?
© 2014 by The Mission Group 13The Quickway Proposal, 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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 14
The Plan looks extensive. So what’s the problem?
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 16
If Your Goal Is to:A. Significantly increase transit use.
Especially among the crucial “middle market.”
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 17
If Your Goal Is to:A. Significantly increase transit use.
B. Get more people to their jobs.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 18
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 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:1. Better serve existing urban form.
2. Make transit faster.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 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.
2. Make transit faster.
3. Improve the customer experience.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 21
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?
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 22
“The Trolley is really popular with San Diegans…
…they’re just not riding it.”
— Job Nelson, reporting on
the KPBS/Competit ive Edge Survey of San Diegans, Full Focus , July 2005
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 23
Problem #1:
The Trolley, as we’ve built it, just doesn’t attract enough
people out of their cars.
Here are the facts…
© 2014 by The Mission Group 24The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 25The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 26The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 27The Quickway Proposal, 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
© 2014 by The Mission Group 28The Quickway Proposal, 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?
© 2014 by The Mission Group 29The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 30The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 31The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 32The Quickway Proposal, 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).
© 2014 by The Mission Group 33The Quickway Proposal, 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
© 2014 by The Mission Group 34The Quickway Proposal, 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).
© 2014 by The Mission Group 35The Quickway Proposal, 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
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 36
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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 37The Quickway Proposal, 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).
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 38
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?
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 39
How Much Time Do You Have?
6 M
ILES
Trolley Station
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 40
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 need
to 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 need
to 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!
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 41
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…
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 42
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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 43The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 44The Quickway Proposal, 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 5 minute walk. On the destination end
of a work trip, most people aren’t even willing to walk that far.
Here, we’ve drawn a ¼ mile radius around each station—a theoretical 5 minute walk. On the destination end
of a work trip, most people aren’t even willing to walk that far.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 45The Quickway Proposal, 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.
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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 46The Quickway Proposal, 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.
With only a couple of exceptions, nearly all of the major office
employment in Mission Valley is inconvenient to a Trolley station.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 47
In other words, after spending $ ¾ billion on building light rail
through Mission Valley, you can’t conveniently get to your office job.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 48
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 49
San Diego:HouseholdDensity
Households per Acre
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 50
San Diego:HouseholdDensity
Exist ing Light Rail (Trolley)
Planned
Households per Acre
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 51
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 52
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 53
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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 54The Quickway Proposal, 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)
© 2014 by The Mission Group 55The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
“Traditional” Rapid Transit
If you board here
© 2014 by The Mission Group 56The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
“Traditional” Rapid Transit
To arrive here
© 2014 by The Mission Group 57The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
“Traditional” Rapid Transit
Board and ride five stops. 1
© 2014 by The Mission Group 58The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
“Traditional” Rapid Transit
Transfer between modes.
2
© 2014 by The Mission Group 59The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
“Traditional” Rapid Transit
Board and ride five stops.
3
© 2014 by The Mission Group 60The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
“Traditional” Rapid Transit
Transfer between trains.
4
© 2014 by The Mission Group 61The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
“Traditional” Rapid Transit
Board and ride two stops.5
© 2014 by The Mission Group 62The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
“Traditional” Rapid Transit
Transfer between modes.6
© 2014 by The Mission Group 63The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
“Traditional” Rapid Transit
Board and ride four
stops.7
© 2014 by The Mission Group 64The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 65The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
Faster: Express Routes
© 2014 by The Mission Group 66The Quickway Proposal, 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
© 2014 by The Mission Group 67The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
Faster: Express Routes
Same PlatformTransfer.
2
© 2014 by The Mission Group 68The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
Faster: Express Routes
Ridefive
stops.3
© 2014 by The Mission Group 69The Quickway Proposal, 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
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 70
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?
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 71
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 72
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 73
Passenger unfriendly stations.Passenger unfriendly stations.
San Diego Freeway-Based BRT
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 74
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
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 75
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 76
What about “Arterial Rapid Bus?”
© 2014 by The Mission Group 77The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
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.”
© 2014 by The Mission Group 78The Quickway Proposal, 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…
© 2014 by The Mission Group 79The Quickway Proposal, 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…
© 2014 by The Mission Group 80The Quickway Proposal, 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…
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 81
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 82
Why not just emulate a successful European city?
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 83
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 84
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 85
Bordeaux, at same scale as San Diego map, showing tram lines superimposed on San Diego (with our Trolley lines in red).
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 86
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).
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 87
So how DO we develop an effective rapid transit plan?
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 88
We start with what we know about San Diegans
and what makes them decide to choose a transit option.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 89The Quickway Proposal, 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
© 2014 by The Mission Group 90The Quickway Proposal, 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
© 2014 by The Mission Group 91The Quickway Proposal, 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
© 2014 by The Mission Group 92The Quickway Proposal, 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
© 2014 by The Mission Group 93The Quickway Proposal, 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
© 2014 by The Mission Group 94The Quickway Proposal, 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
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 95
In other words: faster,
more direct, more convenient,
less waiting, and improved experience.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 96
How do you make transit that much faster, pervasive, and
more convenient?
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 97
Here’s how:
A true regional express network.Better-designed stations.Better-located stations.Improved frequencies.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 98
Has any comparable city recently done this?
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 99
Brisbane: A Model City
“Brisbane is now at the leading edge in urban mass transit… the new busway… wil l attract international attention for the level of quality and customer focus that [has been] incorporated.”
— Hans Rat, Secretary General, International Public Transport Association (IUTP)
© 2014 by The Mission Group 100The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
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!
© 2014 by The Mission Group 101The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 102The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 103
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 104
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 105
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 106
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 107
Bikeways and bike storage facilities are built into several
Quickway stations.
Bikeways and bike storage facilities are built into several
Quickway stations.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 108
An elevated station links directly into Brisbane’s largest hospital.
An elevated station links directly into Brisbane’s largest hospital.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 109
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 110
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 111
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 112
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 113
Passengers board buses through
sliding glass doors.
Passengers board buses through
sliding glass doors.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 114The Quickway Proposal, 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
© 2014 by The Mission Group 115The Quickway Proposal, 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.
© 2014 by The Mission Group 116The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%2003 2009
Brisbane: Ridership Growth
2008 Ridership:
Rail : 60 mil l ion
Busway: 50 mil l ion
© 2014 by The Mission Group 117The Quickway Proposal, 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 mil l ion
Busway: 50 mil l ion
2010 Ridership:
Busway: 72 mil l ion
© 2014 by The Mission Group 118The Quickway Proposal, 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 mil l ion
Busway: 50 mil l ion
2010 Ridership:
Busway: 72 mil l ion
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.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 119
The Quickway Proposal is modeled on Brisbane’s successful approach to transit for a dispersed
metro area like San Diego.
The Quickway Proposal, Pt 1: Why We Need a New Approach to Public Transit© 2014 by The Mission Group 120
In Part II of this presentation, we’ll show you the elements
of the Quickway Proposal and how we put them together to fashion a world-class transit system.