Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904
Issue link: https://metromag.epubxp.com/i/131307
Photos on this page: ©Chang Kim, courtesy RNL The rebuilt and expanded El Monte facility, which includes a two-level station to mitigate trafc congestion, accommodates 40,000 passengers, as well as 30 buses. The transit center earned LEED Gold status for its solar panels, LED lighting, use of natural light and drought-resistant plants in the landscaping. pansion demanded the relocation of the system's current high-volume park-and-ride, staff service and consultants, on behalf of Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro), evaluated current and future capacity needs to identify several candidate sites. Te characteristics of each candidate site were organized into a matrix and analyzed by all stakeholders. Every criterion for each candidate site was assigned a score and an optimal site was identifed based upon these scores. which an agency's situation is particularly applicable? Second, will the funding of a new project create jobs? A job creation analysis can often be obtained from a local agency, such as the Chamber of Commerce, and may provide for additional sources of funding. Tird, is there an experienced third party from whom a project evaluation can be obtained? Frequently, this type of review process helps organizations avoid pitfalls, particularly in the design stage, through the sharing of lessons learned. Because of the success of this type of review process, expenses are typically eligible for reimbursement through a project's capital grant. CONDUCT FEASIBILITY STUDY Armed with these preliminary details, agencies next focus on conducting a feasibility study. By incorporating more stakeholders in this feasibility process, the agency and project designers develop a detailed and comprehensive program in the early planning stages. An agency can then establish an accurate facility size estimate, evaluate expansion needs and understand the type of project parcel that will best accommodate those needs. Tis analysis should include location deadhead, visibility, and other intangibles that could alter the project location or budget. As seen in the Austin Lakeline Park & Ride Project, designed and engineered by MWM Design, when highway ex- DETERMINE SITE VIABILITY Once a detailed feasibility study is conducted, the planning focus turns to a specific property site's viability. The physical site has a huge impact on the project budget — from availability and efciency of location, to cost of construction and lifetime operating costs. A specifc project location may require condemnation proceedings, environmental remediation or rezoning action. For example, if federal funding is being pursued, an agency should complete an environmental assessment, in compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act. Tis was done for the East Valley Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility in Tempe, Ariz., a project designed by RNL and completed in 2007. "Because of the commitment of local partner agencies to sustainable practices, the East Valley project garnered substantial federal and local funds," Robert Yabes, principal planner for the City of Tempe, says. Trough a project cost analysis, including the project site factors discussed above, a project team can create a detailed submission for the Policy Support Board, federal funding or other capital funding sources. Te more information that an organization is able to gather, the wider the available funding opportunities. CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY When funding for the project is secure and a project location JUNE 2013 mETRO mAGAZINE > 59