CMAP FY 2016-2020 CMAQ PROJECT APPLICATION OTHER PROJECTS I. PROJECT IDENTIFICATION Project Sponsor Contact Information – Name, Title, Agency, Address, Chicago Department of Transportation Phone, e-mail (e-mail required)

Other Agencies Participating in Project Primary/Public Agency Sponsor: Chicago Water Taxi Keith Privett, Coordinating Planner, Chicago DOT (a division of Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc.) 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60602 312/744-1981 [email protected] ☐ New Project TIP ID if project already has one ☒ Existing CMAQ Project 01-00-0040 Secondary/Private Sector Partner: ☐ Add CMAQ to Existing Project (“Chicago River Commuter Andrew Sargis, Chief of Operations, Boat Service”) Chicago Water Taxi / Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc., 400 N Michigan Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611 312/337-1446 ext. 113 [email protected] • II. PROJECT LOCATION Projects not readily identified by location must provide a title on the last line of this section • Attach a map sufficient to accurately locate this project in a GIS system Name of Street or Facility to be Improved Marked Route # Chicago River Commuter Boat Service Chicago River Project Limits: North/West Reference Point/Cross St/Intersection Marked Route # Municipality & County North Ave dock @ 1530 N Cherry St. / 1132 W Blackhawk St. Chicago River Chicago/Cook (Wrigley Center, across ped bridge to Goose Island from 1101 W. North Ave) (North Branch) Project Limits: South/East Reference Point/Cross St/Intersection Marked Route # Municipality & County South: Chinatown Dock @ Ping Tom Park (300 W. 19th St) Chicago River Chicago/Cook East: Mag Mile Dock @ 400 N. Michigan Ave (Wrigley Bldg.) (South Branch, Main Branch) Other Project Location Information or Project Title “Chicago Water Taxi - Fleet - Diesel-Electric Hybrid Vessels”

III. PROJECT FINANCING & CMAQ FUNDING REQUEST Please review the instructions. Other Federal Funds Starting Federal (New) CMAQ Including prior CMAQ awards Fiscal Year* Total Phase Costs Funds Requested Fund Type Amount Engineering Phase 1 $ $ $

Engineering Phase 2 $ $ $

Right-Of-Way Acquisition $ $ $

Construction (Including $ $ $ Construction Engineering) Engineering (For $ $ $ Implementation Projects) 2016 $ 1,400,000 $ 1,120,000 Implementation CMAQ (FY 99) $ 526,000 2018 $ 1,400,000 $ 1,120,000 (for vessel “Bravo” ) Alternatives Analysis $ $ $ *Phase must be accomplished within 3 years $ 2,800,000 $ 2,240,000 Total Project Costs

Source Of Local Matching Funds Private: Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. Indicate if sponsor intends to apply for Transportation Development Credits. No If soft matching funds are intended to be used, please contact CMAP staff. Have Matching Funds Been Secured? Yes, Wendella has committed match from Chicago Water Taxi (Provide Details): operational revenues and fuel economy savings. CMAP FY 2016-2020 CMAQ PROJECT APPLICATION OTHER PROJECTS – PAGE 2 IV. PROJECT EMISSIONS BENEFIT DATA Auto trips eliminated per day (round trips): 13.4 average Length of auto trips eliminated (one-way miles to the nearest tenth): 1.8 mi Auto trips diverted to the new facility (round trips): 14.4 average Line-haul length of trips diverted (one-way miles to the nearest tenth): 24.3 mi Affected days per year: 287 (after service increase) Project life (years): 40 yrs Current traffic volume (ADT – indicate year): N/A 2 vessels, which allow increase in operational Length of project or number of units provided: hours from 9210 to 13844 per year Utilization rate (percent): N/A Describe method used to estimate benefits. Provide basis for parameters used to estimate benefits (e.g., diversion rate, auto occupancy, trip length. See instructions)

New Riders: 404,000 projected for 2018 - 325,301 actual in 2014 = 78,699/year //287 days/year = 239.7/day average. [Wendella Table 1 attached]

Diversion rates: “Up to 6.7% of Wendella trips are diversions from taxis. In addition, up to 7.2% of trips are diverted to Metra” [August 1999 passenger survey Tom Murtha for CATS, reported in 9/3/99 memo to CDOT]

Eliminated = 239.7 new riders * 6.7% “from taxis”/ 1.2 vehicle occupancy= 13.38

Diverted = 239.7 new riders * 7.2% “to Metra” / 1.2 vehicle occupancy = 14.38

Eliminated Length = per Google Maps auto directions from Union Station (Canal St) to NBC tower

Diverted Length = Eliminated Length + Average Metra Trip Length of 22.45 miles (in 2013) [http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_metra/planning_records_reports/ridership_reports/monthlyannualridership.html]

Project Life: per Wendella-CDOT passthrough grant agreement in 2000. [This is a compromise between the 25 years suggested minimum service in FTA Circular 5010.1D Chapter IV, Subsection 3.f.(2)(d) and Wendella statement that “Due to construction material, equipment has indefinite lifetime”]

Units provided: per Wendella Tables 1 & 2 attached

For Direct Emissions Benefits, see attached: copy of Direct Emissions CMAQ application Section IV, Appendix 2, and Table 2.

V. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

Is Right-Of-Way Acquisition required for this project? ☐ Yes ☒ No If so, has it been acquired? ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N.A. ☐ Not Begun ☐ Agreement executed by Central Office ☐ Engineering Underway ☐ Submitted for review ☐ Responding to review comments Preliminary Design Status: ☐ Agreement sent to District 1for signatures ☐ Design approval granted Date approval is anticipated or was granted:______Estimated Completion Year/Year Vehicles in Service: Vessel Charlie in 2016, Delta in 2018

VI. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Please describe the project. For outreach, promotion or marketing efforts give specific details of the campaign. Describe the coordination of this project with respect to other such campaigns

CDOT has agreed to serve as the required public-sector sponsor for a proposal by Wendella to acquire two diesel- electric hybrid passenger ferryboats for the fleet used by its Chicago River commuter boat service, which is marketed as “Chicago Water Taxi” (CWT). Air quality benefits from this proposal would come from both transit- based auto trip elimination (via a 24% increase in ridership) and engine-based direct emissions reduction (reducing service hours for the fleet’s most polluting boat by 85%). A more detailed purpose statement of the proposal is attached as Appendix 1.

CWT originated with commuter shuttles to Michigan Avenue from its main dock outside the Riverside Plaza entrance to Metra/UP’s Ogilvie Transportation Center (and one block from Madison St. Entrance to Union Station). Additional Service has been added to LaSalle Street, North Avenue/Goose Island (weekdays) and Chinatown (weekends). In 2013, it became a partner in RTA’s Transit Benefit Fare Program, allowing fares to be paid with pre-tax payroll deductions.

Both vessels will be used to increase transit ridership by expanding Chicago Water Taxi service capacity. A longer, nine-month operating season will be possible due to climate controlled passenger cabins, engine reliability and reinforced ice cutter hulls. A larger fleet will permit additional departures and express runs at peak periods and during special events and the ability to serve additional destinations in response to the growing number of business and residential developments along the Chicago River in Chicago’s greater Central Area. Details of projected service increases are described in Appendix 2 and quantified in Tables 1 and 2.

These vessels will allow retirement to limited service for the Sunliner, the Wendella vessel that began water taxi service in Chicago in 1962, and was returned to service in recent years to address ridership growth in Water Taxi Service – 62% greater than projected in the FY99 CMAQ grant application. Her World War II-surplus Detroit Diesel Grey Marine 671s engines are considered “Tier 0” as they predate the current emissions classification system. Manufacturer data indicate that these GM671s emit NOx at almost six times the rate of a non-hybrid Tier III engine and CO2 at 2.5 times a non-hybrid Tier III engine. (PM information is not available from vendor, but CDOT and Wendella wish to work with CMAP to find an appropriate measurable analogue.) Table 3 quantifies the reduced operational hours for Sunliner after addition of new vessels while Appendix 3 provides further vessel history and emissions data.

The two new vessels will be built to use hybrid technology in order to minimize emissions and maximize energy efficiency. One or both Tier III engines will operate only as necessary to charge an electric motor and battery bank that would, in turn, propel the vessel and provide power for the “hotel load” (The base amount of electricity needed to work the ship). To further minimize energy use, solar panels and/or wind technology will be installed to assist with auxiliary power needs and “channel coolers” will direct engine heat to the vessel and its passenger deck as needed. Available data from tug boat fleet conversions indicate that hybrid technology in marine use can cut CO 27%, NOx 51% and PM 73% from a Tier II/III baseline; in this project, reductions will also come from the Sunliner’s “Tier 0” engines. Appendix 3 also provides further specifications for new vessels and procurement strategy.

CDOT has agreed to serve as the public sector sponsor for this proposal for both practical and policy reasons. CDOT already has a passthrough grant agreement with Wendella from the FY99 CMAQ grant, and reports CWT ridership and safety data to the National Transit Database and the project also supports one of the Guiding Principles of the Transportation Chapter of the Chicago Central Area Plan (2003): “Alternative Transportation – Encourage alternative modes such as bicycles and water taxis” (p. 57).

Further, CWT’s aspiration to have the most energy efficient and environmentally-friendly passenger vessels in the City contributes to several goals of the Sustainable Chicago 2015 Plan, including “Improve Citywide Energy Efficiency,” “Strengthen The Infrastructure To Advance Vehicle Efficiency,” “Increase Average Daily Transit Ridership,” “Reduce Carbon Emissions From All Sectors,” and “Transform The Chicago River Into Our Second Waterfront.” Wendella’s has provided details of their environmental initiatives, which are attached as Appendix 4. The Sustainable Chicago 2015 plan is available for download at: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/progs/env/sustainable_chicago2015.html

CMAP FY 2016-2020 CMAQ PROJECT APPLICATION DIRECT EMISSIONS REDUCTION PROJECTS – SECTION IV Complete this section for each group of vehicles (type, engine, IV. PROJECT EMISSIONS BENEFIT DATA technology, etc.). Use additional sheets as needed. Vehicle Type: ☐ School Bus ☐ Transit Bus ☐ Refuse Hauler ☐ Short Haul ☐ Long Haul ☐ Delivery Truck (check one) ☐ Emergency Vehicle ☐ On-Highway ☐ City/County Vehicle ☐ Passenger Locomotive ☐ Switch Engine ☒ Other: __Passenger Ferryboat____ specify Vehicle Size: ☐ Class 2b (8,501 - 10,000 lbs.) ☐ Class 3 (10,001 - 14,000 lbs.) ☐ Class 4 (14,001 - 16,000 lbs.) (check one) ☐ Class 5 (16,001 - 19,500 lbs.) ☐ Class 6 (19,501 - 26,000 lbs.) ☐ Class 7 (26,001 - 33,000 lbs.) ☐ Class 8a (33,001 - 60,000 lbs.) ☒ Class 8b (60,001 and over) ☐ School Bus ☒ Transit Bus Ferryboat Horsepower ☐ 0 ☐ 1 ☐ 3 ☐ 6 ☐ 11 ☐ 16 ☐ 25 ☐ 40 ☐ 50 ☐ 75 ☐ 175 (check one) ☐ 300 ☐ 600 ☐ 750 ☐ 1000 ☐ 1200 ☐ 2000 ☐ 3000 OTHER: 2 engines at @200 HP each Current Fuel Type: ☐ LPG ☐ LNG ☐ CNG ☐ Biodiesel 100 ☐ Biodiesel 20 ☐ Biodiesel 10 ☐ Biodiesel 5 (check one) ☐ E85 ☐ Diesel, 3,400 ppm sulfur ☐ Diesel, 500 ppm sulfur ☒ Diesel, 15 ppm sulfur ☐ Emulsion Model Year (all vehicles in a group should have the same model year): 1943 Engine, 1962 Vessel. Before project: Fuel Consumed (gallons per year of current fuel type for all vehicles in the group combined): 6990 for Sunliner 978.6 for Sunliner After project: Fuel Consumed (gallons per year of current fuel type for all vehicles in the group combined): (in 2018) Annual Vehicle Miles/vehicle in group: 45,760 land miles (fleet total,2014) Before project Annual Idling Hours/vehicle in group: 1,696 (fleet total in 2014) Annual Vehicle Miles/vehicle in group: 60,000 (estimated fleet total in 2018, with added service) After project Annual Idling Hours/vehicle in group: 2,000 (estimated fleet total in 2018, with added service) Technology to be Applied # veh Technology to be Applied # veh Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Recalibration Diesel Oxidation Catalyst + Closed Crankcase Ventilation Selective Catalytic Reduction Diesel Particulate Filter Exhaust Gas Recirculation + Diesel Particulate Filter Hybrid Electric Replacement with Diesel Particulate Filter 2 Emissions Control Devices Partial Flow Filter Other: Channel Coolers, Solar/Wind supplement 2 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Replacement Engine Repower Lean NOx Catalyst/Diesel Particulate Filter Engine Replacement Post-Implementation Fuel Type: ☐ LPG ☐ LNG ☐ CNG ☐ Biodiesel 100 ☐ Biodiesel 20 ☐ Biodiesel 10 ☐ Biodiesel 5 (check one) ☐ E85 ☐ Diesel, 3,400 ppm sulfur ☐ Diesel, 500 ppm sulfur ☒ Diesel, 15 ppm sulfur (non-road only) ☐ Emulsion ☒ Electricity Diesel Vehicle Replacement Applicants 7 (60 is FTA standard for refurbished ferryboats; Expected remaining life of vehicles being replaced (years): Sunliner has operated since 1962.) Total Number of Vehicles (all groups combined): 2 vehicles Indicate on the map the location of where vehicles will be in service. See Attached Weekdays 6:45 am to 9:00 pm Time of day that vehicles will be in operation (hour): Weekends 10:00 a.m to 8:30 p.m. (11pm on selected Saturdays) Ridership Demographics (If vehicle is for transit service): % over 65 in age 5% under 5 in age (Not measured, presumed < 1%) median household income (use Metra average) % minority (use Metra average)

DETAILED ESTIMATE OF COSTS

Item Description Unit Quantity Unit Price Total

1 Passenger Ferryboat Vessel 2 $1,400,000 $2,800,000 for Water Taxi service Specifications: 90+ passenger capacity Ability to board passengers at drafts of 2-4 ft and 8 – 10 ft, Power by hybrid system with Tier III marine engine (John Deere 6090 or equivalent) and battery bank Solar panels and/or wind technology for auxiliary power Channel coolers to allow engine heat to be directed to deck

TOTAL COST OF ITEMS: $2,800,000

ESTIMATES MUST BE BASED UPON QUANTITIES AND UNIT COSTS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. LUMP SUM AMOUNTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE

Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. MAP 1: CURRENT CHICAGO WATER TAXI ROUTE

MAP 1: CURRENT CHICAGO WATER TAXI ROUTE MAP

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. TABLES 1 AND 2: CURRENT AND PROPOSED SERVICE PLANS

TABLES 1 AND 2: CURRENT AND PROPOSED SERVICE PLANS

The addition of two new hybrid Chicago Water Taxis will allow for expansion of the current Chicago Water Taxi service. Chicago Water Taxi will not only be able to add new route options, but also expand on the current schedule.

TABLE 1: 2014 Chicago Water Taxi Stats

Month Active Vessel Departures Vehicle hours # of Service Vessels Days of per day operated per day riders areas; operation (month) (month)

March Bravo and 0* 0* 0* 0* Main LTD April Bravo and 27 98 (1,323) 24 (324) 7,690 Main LTD Early Bravo, LTD, 78 124 (3,224) 36 (936) 19,873 Main May Sunliner Late May Bravo, LTD, 36 190 (1,710) 52 weekday(156) 7,200 Main Sunliner, 42 weekend(126) South Alpha North June Bravo, LTD, 120 190 (5,700) 52 weekday 55,929 Main Sunliner, (1,092) South Alpha 42 weekend(378) North July Bravo, LTD, 124 190 (5,890) 52 weekday 82,076 Main Sunliner, (1,144) South Alpha 42 weekend(378) North August Bravo, LTD, 124 190 (5,890) 52 weekday 78,799 Main Sunliner, (1,092) South Alpha 42 weekend(420) North Sept Bravo, LTD, 102 190 (4,845) 52 weekday 36,612 Main Sunliner, (1,040) South Alpha 42 weekend(336) North Oct Bravo, 63 124 (3,087) 36 (1,116) 24,883 Main Sunliner, Alpha Nov Bravo and 60 98 (2,940) 24 (672) 12,239 Main Sunliner Total 707 vessel 34,609 9,210 hours 325,301 2014 days departures * in 2014 Chicago Water Taxi started one month late due to renovations at the Ogilvie/Union Dock facility. In 2015, as in every other year, Chicago Water Taxi will begin in Mid-March. NOTE: “Main” to route from Ogilvie/Union – LaSalle – Michigan Avenue “South” refers to route from Ogilvie/Union to Chinatown “North” refers to route from Ogilvie/Union to North Avenue

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. TABLES 1 AND 2: CURRENT AND PROPOSED SERVICE PLANS

TABLE 2: Projected 2018 Chicago Water Taxi Stats with “Charlie” and “Delta”

Month Active Vessel Departures Vehicle hours # of riders Service Areas Vessels Days of per day operated per day operation (month) (month)

March Bravo and 42 98 (2,058) 24 (480) 12,000 Main LTD April Bravo, LTD, 65 98 (3,185) 36 (1,080) 18,000 Main Charlie South Early Bravo, LTD, 80 136 48 (1,056) 22,000 Main May Charlie, (3,536) South Delta North

Late Bravo, LTD, 36 234 52 (468) 12,000 Main May Charlie, (2,106) South Delta North Additional June Bravo, LTD, 180 234 76 (2,280) 65,000 Main Charlie, (7,020) South Delta, North Sunliner, Additional Alpha July Bravo, LTD, 186 234 76 (2,356) 90,000 Main Charlie, (7,254) South Delta, North Sunliner, Additional Alpha August Bravo, LTD, 186 234 76 (2,356) 85,000 Main Charlie, (7,254) South Delta, North Sunliner, Additional Alpha Sep Bravo, LTD, 120 234 52 (1,612) 40,000 Main Charlie, (5,967) South Delta North Additional Oct Bravo, 64 124 36 (1,116) 30,000 Main Charlie, (3,211) South Delta Nov Charlie, 60 98 (2,940) 24 (720) 20,000 Main Delta Dec Charlie, 30 98 (1,470) 24 (360) 10,000 Main Delta Total 1,019 46,001 13,884 vehicle 404,000 vessel Departures hours days

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. TABLE 3: PROPOSED REDUCTION IN SUNLINER VESSEL OPERATIONS

TABLE 3: PROPOSED REDUCTION IN MV SUNLINER VESSEL OPERATIONS New water taxis Charlie and Delta would be used to expand the water taxi route and partially replace MV Sunliner, the fleet’s oldest and least fuel efficient water taxi. The below table compares current operations with operations implementing two new water taxis.

Current and Proposed Sunliner Schedule Since 2013, and continuing into 2015, Sunliner operates the North Avenue and Chinatown route during the late Spring and Summer, and then runs the main branch route during either the fall or spring depending on her offseason maintenance and service interval. Adding Charlie and Delta to the fleet will allow Sunliner to be retired from full time service, only to be used during summer weekends, special events, or emergencies.

Month 2014 days 2014 hours 2016 2016 2018 2018 operated operated days hours Days hours operating operating operating operating March 0 0 0 0 0 0 April 0 0 0 0 0 0 May 27 351 9 117 0 0 June 30 390 30 390 10 * 130 July 31 403 31 403 10* 130 August 31 403 31 403 10* 130 September 30 390 22 286 0 0 October 31 403 0 0 0 0 November 28 364 0 0 0 0 December 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 208 2,704 123 1,599 30 390 * Weekends Only

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. APPENDIX 1: DETAILED PROPOSAL

APPENDIX 1: DETAILED PROPOSAL

In order to provide efficient service and accommodate the demand for increased transportation alternatives in the inner city, Wendella proposes to build two diesel electric hybrid water taxis for the purpose of transportation along the Chicago River. The vessels will be used to expand Chicago Water Taxi service frequency, to serve additional Chicago River locations, and to retire to limited service a legacy water taxi with World War II surplus engines.

Chicago Water Taxi Bravo on the Main Branch Route

Air quality benefits will accrue from both direct emissions reduction (replacing use of the Chicago Water Taxi fleet’s most polluting engine) and transit based trip elimination (replacing long distance motor vehicle trips with combined Metra and Chicago Water Taxi use), and replacing local surface taxi trips with Chicago Water Taxi trips. Wendella Sightseeing Company has offered commuter service on the Chicago River since 1962 connecting the city’s major commuter train stations with Michigan Avenue. In the last 52 years Wendella’s river transportation service has grown from a limited one boat service, to its current four vessel Chicago Water Taxi service. Chicago Water Taxi operates on a closed loop route on the Chicago River, from March to December, shuttling passengers between Chinatown and Madison Street on the south branch; La Salle Street and Michigan Avenue on the main branch, and North Avenue on the north branch. During the summer, departures and arrivals are scheduled on Monday thru Friday from 6:45 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., weekends from 10:00 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday nights until 11:00pm for Navy Pier fireworks.

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QULAITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. Appendix 1: Detailed Proposal

Public Benefit Chicago Water Taxi ridership has grown exponentially since CDOT and Wendella partnered to build the water taxi Bravo with CMAQ funds, and has far surpassed the projections used for the Riverbus during the 1999 application process. Chicago Water Taxi’s annual ridership, dates of operations, and number of departures continues to grow each year.

Chicago Water Taxi service has seen its annual ridership and capacity grow every year since 2007, and in 2014 Chicago Water Taxi recorded over 325,000 riders from March through the end of November. As the City continues to focus on the Chicago River for tourism and recreation, Wendella is focusing on the river as a transportation asset. The table below compares original projections (from the 1999 CMAQ application) with realized statistics from the 2014 operating season.

Category Projections from 1999 CMAQ Realized statistics from 2014 application season Passengers per year 200,000 with 2 vessels 325,301 with 4 vessels Months of operation 6 months phase I, 7 months phase II 8 months Runs per day 16 (Summer) 40 (Spring/Fall) 58 (Summer) Water Taxi Stops (Docks) 3 5 - 6

Chicago Water Taxi Participation in RTA Transit Benefits Program In order to better serve the needs of Chicago’s commuter workforce, Chicago Water Taxi became a partner in RTA’s Transit Benefit Fare Program in 2013. The program allows employees to use pre-tax deductions from their paycheck for the purchase of Chicago Water Taxi transit fares. Chicago Water Taxi also accepts WageWorks pre-tax funds for Chicago Water Taxi tickets. These programs allow water taxi transportation to become a more affordable and feasible option for all workers.

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. Appendix 1: Detailed Proposal

Water Taxi riders board at Michigan Avenue There is much Wendella and Chicago Water Taxi can contribute to CMAP’s inspiring GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan, specifically efficient transportation and commuting as well as air pollution reduction from transportation. The Chicago River remains the City’s most underutilized and unappreciated transportation asset and has the ability to take hundreds of thousands, if not millions, off the roads in Chicago’s central business and tourist districts. In order to help grow the Chicago Water Taxi service it is imperative that Wendella expand its Chicago Water Taxi fleet in an environmentally conscious manner to mitigate road congestion and improve air quality.

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc APPENDIX 2: PLANNED SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE WATER TAXI USE

APPENDIX 2: PLANNED SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE WATER TAXI USE BY COMMUTERS

Chicago Water Taxi Sunliner at the North Avenue Stop The addition of two vessels to the Chicago Water Taxi fleet by 2018 will allow for various improvements to Chicago Water Taxi service that would increase its efficiency and appeal to the region’s commuters.

Longer Operation Intervals. Every water taxi needs a few months of down time during the year to repair all the wear and tear the vessels sustain during the season. Current market demand allows for very little down time without losing service. An additional two water taxis will allow for service intervals without having to take boats away from the river. This will translate into a longer operating season with four or more vessels operating from April/May to November. Additional Departures. In 2014 water taxis on the main branch route were at or near capacity frequently throughout the season, especially during rush hour and on weekends. Additional taxis will allow for not only more capacity, but also increased and more frequent departures. Additional water taxis will also allow for express routes to Michigan Avenue or North Avenue without intermediary stops increasing the quality and efficiency of the commute.

Increased Quality of Commute. The two hybrid water taxis will also include measures to protect against foul weather such as reinforced hulls at the bow (ice cutting), heated and

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc APPENDIX 2: PLANNED SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE WATER TAXI USE climate controlled main cabin, and insulated propulsion systems. These features will allow for efficient and safe cold weather transportation in March, November, and December. This will make river commuting a reasonable option over nine months a year.

Expansion of Chicago Water Taxi Route. Two new hybrid water taxis will allow for expansion of the water taxi route. In 2014, dozens of properties and communities approached Wendella to inquire about expanding water taxi transportation to their property or district. Unfortunately due to Chicago Water Taxi’s limited fleet, only one additional intermediary stop could be added. This leaves thousands of prospective commuters without additional transit options. If two vessels were added to Chicago Water Taxi’s fleet, areas of serious consideration include but are not limited to; - Navy Pier and Lake Shore Drive - Chicago Riverwalk - Pilsen (Fisk Redevelopment Site) - Kendall College - Clark Park - Merchandise Mart - Finkel/ Gutman redevelopment Site - Old Post office and Roosevelt Road redevelopment Site - Lake Express ( Belmont Harbor – Chicago Loop in 30 minutes)

In 2012 Chicago Water Taxi transported thousands of sailors and civilians from the USS Dewert at anchor in Lake Michigan to Chicago for a transportation charter. Increased vessels will allow for increased availability for transportation during special events and conventions.

In addition to allowing for expansion of current Chicago Water Taxi Stops, extra vessels will mean increased availability for transportation charters and special city wide events. Currently transportation charters are only available in the spring/fall. An extra vessel will allow for availability in the summer months for private transportation and special events. This is imperative to mitigating congestion during special city wide events and will increase Chicago’s competitive position for hosting conventions and special events.

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. APPENDIX 3: Vehicle Characteristics

APPENDIX 3: VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS

Replacement of Vessel Sunliner

The addition of two new Chicago Water Taxi hybrids will allow for the partial replacement of Chicago Water Taxi’s oldest vessel; MV Sunliner.

Chicago Water Taxi Sunliner in 2014 (left) and in 1962 (right).

The Sunliner was Chicago’s first water taxi, offering rush hour transportation between Northwest Train Station and Michigan Avenue in 1962. Equipped with World War II surplus engines (Detroit Diesel Grey Marine 671s) and “crash box” gears she is still bringing passengers along The Chicago River as a full-time water taxi. As Sunliner has aged, the market for water taxi service has continued to grow, ruling out her retirement. However, with two new Chicago Water Taxi vessels by 2018, it would allow for the Sunliner’s partial retirement, keeping her service to peak season only. The Sunliner currently operates twin GM 671 diesel engines at 200 HP each for propulsion. These engines pre-date the current tier system for evaluating engines. She consumes an average of 6990 gallons of ULSD per year since she converted to a full time water taxi in 2009. Engine specification data concerning emissions as provided by Detroit Diesel Corporation are as follows;

Emissions Grams Per Hour @ 305 BHP CO2 3100 NOx + HC 5938 SO2 Unknown PM Unknown Source: Detroit Diesel Corp. Engine Specification data

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. APPENDIX 3: Vehicle Characteristics

Diesel Electric Water Taxis

Chicago’s world class passenger vessel industry has yet to include a hybrid vessel. Wendella aims to make Chicago Water Taxi the greenest fleet in the City. Wendella proposes to construct two vessels implementing diesel-electric propulsion and other “green” features. Preliminary research suggests, as based upon current examples of successful diesel- electric applications on the west coast; The vessels would use a tier three engine(s) to turn and charge an electric motor and battery bank that would, in turn, propel the vessel and provide power for the “hotel” loads. Therefore emissions output would be that of a tier three engine operating at its most efficient point. The below table compares the GM 671 emissions with the John Deere 6090 Marine Engine

Emission Type grams GM 671 John Deere 6090 (Tier 3 Marine) Savings per hour NOx + HC 5938 1355.2 4582.8 CO2 3100 1210 1890 PM Unknown 82.28 unknown

Current examples of diesel-electric passenger vessels include Hornblower’s Alcatraz ferry in San Fransico, and Northern Lights’ HybriDrive Propulsion System One marine engine manufacturer (Caterpillar) provided data regarding a hybrid system they implemented on several tugboats on the west coast (Xeropint Hybrid Systems with Aspin Kemp and Associates). Compared to the former tier 2/3 engines they saw the following reductions; PM 2.5 reduced by 73%, NOx reduced by 51%, and CO2 reduced by 27%. The antique engines on the Sunliner already have higher outputs than the Tier 2/3 baseline, and thus the improvements will be even greater. New Vessel Procurement Plan If programmed for CMAQ funds, The City would begin the process of amending its previous pass through agreement with Wendella, and Wendella would issue an RFP for construction of vessels (contingent on grant award) that – in addition to grant requirements – would include the following standards. - Must use recycled materials when applicable and reasonable - Inclusion of solar panels and/or wind technology for auxiliary power. - Addition of channel coolers to use engine heat to heat vessels and vessel deck maximizing energy efficiency and use. - ability to load passengers at drafts of 2 -4ft and 8 - 10ft making vessel able to interface with any riverbank in the Chicagoland area to accommodate imminent expansion of route. - Minimum 90 passengers.

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. APPENDIX 3: Vehicle Characteristics

The projected procurement timeline is as follows January 2016 – Notify vendors/contractors of bid award February 2016 – begin construction on CWT vessel Charlie October 2016 – Charlie is delivered September 2017 – begin construction for CWT vessel Delta June 2018 – Delta is delivered

Chicago Water Taxi vessels transit the Chicago River

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. APPENDIX 4: WENDELLA’S COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIROMENT

APPENDIX 4: WENDELLA’S COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIROMENT

Wendella and Chicago Water Taxi have enormous pride in the beauty of the City of Chicago and the Chicago River, which is the driving force in Wendella’s use of environmentally friendly and sound methods of operation at each location and on its vessels. Wendella’s goal is creating a greener and cleaner Chicago for its residents, wildlife, and visitors. Michael Borgstrom, President of Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc., co-founded the Passenger Vessel Association’s Green Waters Program; a best practices guide for environmentally sound operations. Through the Green Waters Program, hundreds of passenger Wendella President Michael Borgstrom (left) vessel operators across the continent have with Ret. USCG Com. Thad Allen (right) implemented environmentally conscious business and operating procedures.

Wendella participates annually in Friends of the Chicago River’s River Day by cleaning debris along the Chicago Water Taxi routes

In addition to Wendella’s spearheading of PVA Green Waters, Wendella meets or exceeds all provision of the EPA’s Vessel General Permit, and has voluntarily implemented many environmentally conscious practices including but not limited to; - A extensive recycling program for riders and employees encompassing oil filters, anti-freeze, oil, cans, bottles, paper, cardboard, and ink cartridges - Use of compact fluorescent and LED lighting - Idle reduction policy

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. APPENDIX 4: WENDELLA’S COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIROMENT

- Energy STAR appliances and paper reduction - Use of Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel - Frequent and regular overhauling and repowering of vessels - Use of low flow toilets on board vessels - Vessel windows rated for energy efficiency - Compostable cups used on vessels and for concessions - Recycled plastic dock construction - Implementation of solar panels and wind turbines at off-season shipyard

MV Bravo during her 2015 service interval at Wendella’s offseason shipyard.

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2015 Chapter 2 Transportation

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 2-6 Chapter 2: Transportation August 2009

Goals and Needs

he 2003 Central Area Plan estab- Improve Pedestrian Environment Improve National & International lished the major theme of an ac- • Improved on-street environment: Connections T • Expanded regional high-speed cessible, connected Central Area and Identify and improve key pedestrian corridors using CDOT streetscape rail network: Build service levels defined a set of key goals for- trans and lighting program, focus on sig- and reliability to continue growth portation in the Central Area. The nature east-west streets and linkage in daily intercity rail passengers Transportation Task Force took these of key destinations. from throughout the Midwest, goals as the starting point for the Ac- • Improved off-street environment: with Chicago as the central hub for high-speed rail investments. tion Plan, and worked to establish key There are numerous opportuni- ties to connect to the off-street • Improved access to airports: Im- needs for each goal and to help priori- trail network, in particular along prove the attractiveness of Cen- tize the proposed transportation proj- the Lakefront and Riverfront. tral Area as a hub of national busi- ects. The key needs related to each • Serve growth in transit trips: The ness with faster and more efficient goal are outlined below. growth in transit trips translates connections to airport. into a growing number of pedes- trians walking to their final desti- Improve Transit in Central Area nation and highlights the need for • Serve the growth in trips: Daily pedestrian improvements around trips into the Central Area contin- the busiest transit stations in the ue to grow; as residential growth Central Area. accelerates, the fastest growing trip types are those which both Manage Traffic Circulation start and end within the Central • Improved roadway efficiency: Area. Maximize the efficiency of the ex- • Improved transit system coverage: isting grid network in the Central While the existing system serves Area. the Loop, portions of the Central • Connected grid network: Rein- Area lack access to rapid transit, force the grid system to connect in particular Streeterville, Near existing gaps, for example, along South and Near West. the River on the south side. • Improved service options in key • Improved safety and security: growth districts: Many districts Safeguard the assets of the Cen- continue to grow due to transit tral Area by ensuring mobility access, others grow despite poor during major events and reducing transit access. Investments in the hazardous conditions. system should target locations with projected high employment Encourage Alternative Modes densities (e.g., West Loop) and • Connected off-street bicycle net- high residential densities (e.g., work: Build upon the existing net- Streeterville). work of trails and greenways in the Central Area to create a sys- Increase Regional Transit Capacity tem connecting waterfronts and • Improved system capacity and open space assets. reliability: Maintain and enhance • Improved on-street bicycle net- high-capacity transit options for work: Improve the safety of on- the economic viability of a dense street routes for bicycles in the and growing Central Area. Central Area by creating consis- • Creating a more extensive rapid- tent street lanes and markings. transit network: Capture oppor- • Exploring other alternative mode tunities to extend and expand options: Create alternative com- direct connections to the Central muting options for Central Area Area along the rapid transit rail residents, including the expansion network. of water taxi services and docks. • Connecting to regional growth areas: Keep pace with regional growth and development pat- terns by improving or adding transit service in key suburban corridors.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 2: Transportation Page 2-15 August 2009

CENTRAL AREA transportation Projects Alternative Modes West Loop Bicycle Station Project Description: Build upon success Implementation Considerations: of Millennium Park Station (at left), adding • Work with RTA and Metra to research an additional station for bicycle parking customer base for West Loop station and rental in the West Loop. • Lanes and access need to be com- Implementation Goal: Complete West bined with new stations Loop station by 2012 Potential Funding Sources: ITEP; TIFs and other taxing districts; CMAQ; Local Next Steps: Bonds • Create West Loop bicycle station tar- geting commuters City Role: Project Lead • Identify additional locations/markets Cost Estimate: $1,000,000

Image 2-28: The bicycle station and rental facility at Millennium Park is highly uti- lized.

Expand Bicycle Lanes Project Description: Comprehensive pro- Implementation Considerations: gram to install lanes and signage through • City’s Bike 2015 Plan establishes goals the Central Area. for the number of east-west and north- Implementation Goal: Ongoing program south routes • Combine with Streetscape program in Next Steps: identified corridors • Identify major routes for each Central Potential Funding Sources: ITEP; TIFs Area subdistrict and other taxing districts; CMAQ; Local • Combine with effort to increase in- Bonds, SSAs door bicycle parking in Central Area offices City Role: Project Lead • Address safety perceptions through Cost Estimate: Undetermined (coordinate driver education program with scheduled roadway and streetscape improvements)

Image 2-29: The network of bicycle lanes will be completed to add key north-south and east-west routes through the Central Area.

Expand Water Taxi Service Project Description: Continued expan- • Combine with strategy to create high sion of Water Taxi service along north intensity development and recreation and south branches to serve new develop- along waterway ment. Potential Funding Sources: Public-private Project Implementation Goal: Ongoing partnership with developers, water taxi operators Next Steps: City Role: Partner with Taxi Companies • Work with private developers to cre- and Developers ate docks along Riverwalk • Study market for water taxi services Cost Estimate: Undetermined Implementation Considerations: • Improved access to Navy Pier could be achieved by creating water con- nection from south edge to the Canal Basin Image 2-30: The City will capitalize on op- portunities to increase the water taxi ser- vice area.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan