The City of Atlanta’s population is anticipated to grow approximately 40% over the next 20 years. It is essential that as population continues to grow residents continue to have access to employment, services and other amenities. Continued investment along key transportation corridors and integration into the regional transit system will significantly influence land use development, affordable housing choices, diverse communities, access to jobs, mobility options, and quality of life.

The Summerhill Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project (the Project) represents an effort led TIGER 2017 Discretionary Grant funds will by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit support the implementation of the Authority (MARTA), in coordination with the Summerhill BRT project, including the City of Atlanta, Georgia State University and following features: Carter & Associates, LLC (Carter) to address transportation challenges and opportunities  9.4 mile corridor along Juniper/ within the corridor. The Summerhill BRT Courtland St and Piedmont Ave route will address mobility, access and  5 new modern BRT vehicles operating safety challenges in vital corridors within within a mix of exclusive and existing the City of Atlanta. right-of way BRT will produce significant benefits for  30 station locations providing Atlanta by improving access to employment comprehensive service along the route and destinations in the Downtown/Midtown  An approximately 16-minute one-way core areas, supporting regional travel time from end-to-end connectivity, linking several higher education and medical institutions and  10-minute all-day headways on serving as a catalyst for transit-oriented weekdays and weekends development and employment growth. This  Service to operate 16 hours daily project will enhance several South Downtown neighborhoods. It will also add  Enhancements including exclusive a new mode of transit in Atlanta and the lanes, transit signal priority, queue State of Georgia. The proposed BRT route jump lanes, level platform boarding would travel 9.4 miles roundtrip, connecting  Use of an existing vehicle maintenance the existing Arts Center MARTA heavy rail facility station to the Summerhill neighborhood, a  Expected users include residents, new mixed-use site anchored by Georgia workers, students and tourists State University.

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The Summerhill BRT project is expected to centers along the corridor, including provide the following benefits along the Atlantic Station, Woodruff Arts Center, route and for the Atlanta region. the Georgia World Congress Center, and Improved Job and University Access the new Mercedes Benz Stadium (home of the Atlanta Falcons NFL and Atlanta  The Project will improve access to jobs United Major League Soccer team), the and amenities for the Summerhill and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic several South Downtown site and Piedmont Park. neighborhoods by providing a more  viable transportation option. The Project will significantly improve regional transit mobility by connecting  The Project will provide a direct link to to MARTA’s bus and heavy rail system, the new Georgia State University mixed the Georgia Regional Transportation use development that includes Georgia Authority’s (GRTA) Xpress bus service, State University’s new football stadium Cobb County Transit, Gwinnett County (the former Turner Field site). Transit and the Atlanta Streetcar. Increased Access to Transit & Decreased  The Project will provide direct access to Travel Time Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s signature and  Traffic volumes in this corridor are some largest urban park, as well as the Atlanta of the highest in the City of Atlanta at Beltline. The total green space with approximately 34,400 vehicles per day. direct access by this project is significant at 265 acres.  The Summerhill and adjacent South Downtown communities needs better  The Project is located in the Midtown access to public transit. A BRT route in and Downtown Atlanta urban core, near this area would significantly increase over 94,000 jobs, with major employers transit usage by its residents. in the corridor including SunTrust Bank, Emory University Hospital, Grady Regional Connectivity Hospital, Georgia Pacific, Georgia Power,  The Project will improve access to Deloitte and Bank of America. existing and emerging regional activity

TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECT BENEFITS CONNECT WORK REVITALIZE

Provides connections to the Connects workers with more Promotes investment by existing Atlanta Streetcar than 850 affordable housing increasing retail space by network, the heavy rail system, units within the Project area. over 6 million sq. ft. with a large number of activity These vital housing additional housing centers, two universities, opportunities promote developments focusing healthcare services, and major opportunities for a viable on mixed-use, mixed- employers throughout the mix of demographics to be income and transit- region. supported in the study area. oriented development.

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II. PROJECT LOCATION 52.7% minority population. The project will serve a key role in the expansion of Georgia The City of Atlanta, Georgia is located State University. The University, like some within a region of over five million people. fully urban campuses, expands where The Summerhill BRT project will run north- available based on the heavy demands for south along Peachtree, Juniper/Courtland real estate in urban core areas. The former Streets and Piedmont Avenue, between the Turner Field site (site for Atlanta Braves) has Midtown and Downtown Atlanta core. The been purchased by Georgia State University southern terminus of the corridor will be and converted to their collegiate football along Capitol stadium that opened in Avenue/Hank 2017. Additionally, this Aaron Drive to the large 72-acre site has a Summerhill- master plan in place to Georgia State create an iconic University mixed development for use community Atlanta. As the former (See Figure 1). home of the Atlanta The project will Braves, Atlanta Falcons serve 94,000 jobs, and the 1996 Olympic nearly 19,000 Games, this large site is individuals and rich with Atlanta history. 48,000 students Included in this site is a who live vision for 35 acres of private development immediately adjacent to the corridor. Other supporting an additional six million square notable area characteristics are that 23.4% feet of commercial space with Georgia State of the population within a quarter mile of University as the anchor institution of the the project corridor live in poverty with master planned site.

The 9.4 mile Project provides new and vital transportation mobility options for the Summerhill community, which has traditionally been auto-oriented, providing greater access to neighborhoods and large employment destinations, connectivity to major colleges and universities and access to the regional transit system. The MARTA rail system does not serve Summerhill and adjacent neighborhoods. This project will have three transfer points to the existing heavy rail system, two paired stops for the Atlanta Streetcar system, 18 new stops that are not currently associated with any other MARTA route and 12 existing stops to be replaced/improved.

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Figure 1: Summerhill BRT Project Map

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Major Colleges and Universities  Georgia State University A public institution offering a variety of degree programs ranging from law to religious studies.  Georgia Institute of Technology A public institution focusing on engineering and various sciences.

Summerhill Community Development Major Attractions/Destinations Below is a description of the Summerhill  Atlantic Station Development that will be the anchor for the Mixed-use, walkable development with southern terminus of the BRT route. over 50 shops and a central park.  72-acre site with strong collegiate  Georgia World Congress Center sports team and Olympic history. Convention center in Downtown Atlanta  Close proximity to the Hartsfield- with over 3.9 million sq. ft. of space. Jackson Atlanta International Airport,  Piedmont Park the world’s busiest airport. Urban park in Midtown Atlanta boasting  35 acres of private development 189 acres of green space. envisioned along the site with six million sq. ft. of commercial space.  Martin Luther King Jr. National  Historic Site Massive economic development potential for Summerhill and Historic site with Dr. King’s childhood home and Ebenezer Baptist Church. adjacent neighborhoods.  New urbanist-type development with Sport Venues a large mix of retail uses.  Mercedes Benz Stadium  Sustainable, adaptive re-use model. The new home of the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta United teams.  Philips Arena An indoor arena that hosts the Atlanta Hawks professional basketball team and various concerts.

 GSU Football Stadium Former Turner Field site converted for Georgia State football in August 2017.

 GSU Basketball Arena An indoor arena hosting the Georgia State Men’s and Women’s basketball teams and Court/Sand volleyball teams.

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III. PROJECT PARTIES providing financial support and MARTA will be the owner and operator of coordinating land use regulations for the Summerhill BRT project with proven adjacent developments along the corridor. experience and technical capacity to Additionally, Georgia State University and operate and maintain bus services. MARTA Carter will serve as vital Project partners. will lead the project administration, Better connectivity to the Summerhill development and implementation activities, Development site will be crucial as as well as operate and maintain the BRT revitalization plans are implemented in the Project, as service is implemented. The City future. of Atlanta is an integral Project partner

METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY Applicant/Owner/Operator

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) was formed by an act of the Georgia General Assembly in 1965. MARTA operates bus, rail and paratransit services and is among the 10 largest transit systems in the United States. MARTA’s role includes:

 TIGER 2017 Discretionary Grant Applicant and Recipient.  Owner, Implementer and Local Funding Partner of the Project.  Operator and Maintainer of the BRT service.

CITY OF ATLANTA Project Supporter

The City of Atlanta is the largest city and the capital of the State of Georgia with a population of approximately 450,000 residents. The City’s role includes:

 Local Funding Partner of the Project, contributing up to $30 million local dollars.  Supporter and Regulator of adjacent development through Land Use Planning and Zoning.

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Project Supporter

Georgia State University is the largest university in the state of Georgia. With seven campuses throughout metropolitan Atlanta and more than 50,000 students, university support is vital. The University’s role includes:

 Lead developer for the master-planned 75-acre Summerhill community site.  Project anchor to create a vibrant, unique campus personality and culture.

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IV. GRANT FUNDS, SOURCES, AND USES OF PROJECT FUNDS Capital Costs

MARTA requests $12.6 million of TIGER 2017 Discretionary Grant funds for the Summerhill BRT project, with $35.97 million (74%) identified in local matching funds, resulting in a total project cost of $48.576 million as presented in Table 1. Elements of the Project include transit signal priority, queue jump lanes, exclusive and shared lanes, level platform boarding and innovative station amenities. Table 1: Capital Cost Estimates FTA SCC Description Estimated Costs (2017) 10 Guideway Elements $4,688,000 20 Stations/Stops $887,000 40 Sitework & Special Conditions $4,819,000 50 Systems $20,831,000 70 Vehicles $5,670,000 80 Professional Services $9,368,000 90 Unallocated Contingency $2,313,000 Total Cost $48,576,000

MARTA’s Capital Improvement Program sources to match the TIGER grant funds. (CIP) provides for the replacement, The Project will utilize CNG buses rehabilitation and enhancement of facilities specifically branded for this service. MARTA and equipment required to support transit is committed to implementation and operations, regulatory requirements, system expansion of a BRT system to best serve safety and continued delivery of high this area. quality service. The CIP includes dedicated funding towards BRT enhancements. This project will lessen congestion and will Additionally, the City of Atlanta passed a connect to future transit in the service area. half penny transportation special purpose The Summerhill BRT project will create an local option sales tax (T-SPLOST) for innovative transportation service to address transportation Improvements in 2016. $30 increasing demand in one of the fastest million from this source will be utilized for growing metro areas. Atlanta was one of Project infrastructure improvements along only three metro areas in the last decade to the route. MARTA will utilize both funding add more than one million people.

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Figure 2: MARTA FY 2017 Operating Revenue

Project Operations and Maintenance Costs

MARTA has dedicated funding The opening year cost to operate and available through its existing operations maintain the BRT service is estimated at budget to support the operations and $2.676 million as presented in Table 2 maintenance costs of the project for over (Opening year projected to be 2024). This 20 years. estimation includes six total fleet vehicles.

MARTA’s net operating revenues for FY Anticipated operating and maintenance 2017 is $458.2 million, with net operating expenses to support the Project include: expenditures at $453.3 million and additional carry-over from FY 2016 of  Salaries & Wages $250.4 million in sales tax and other  Benefits reserves, which supports the long-term plan  Contractual Services to fund operations of the Project. Figure 2  Materials & Supplies highlights the current FY17 operating  Casualty & Liability Costs revenues for MARTA.  Miscellaneous Expenses

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Table 2: Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Estimates

One-Way One-Way Total Vehicle Opening Year Route Route Miles Travel Time Fleet (FY 2024) Summerhill BRT 4.9 16 minutes 5 $2,676,100

SELECTION CRITERIA traveled. With the addition of the Summerhill BRT, there will be a reduction of a. Primary Selection Criteria collisions, fatalities, injuries, and associated healthcare costs for Atlanta. i. Safety In addition to the direct safety benefits of Improving safety within these corridors will decreasing crash rates, there are also a lead to a reduction in the number, rate, and number of public health benefits associated consequences of surface transportation- with the project. Increasing the related crashes including serious injuries walking/cycling options for Atlanta and fatalities among transportation users. residents will help increase their physical The Summerhill BRT Project will foster a activity and has the potential to affect safe, connected, accessible transportation obesity health outcomes. Currently 65% of system for the multimodal movement of Georgia’s adults are overweight. As similar people. transit systems have been shown to lead to There are approximately 0.26 bus fatalities denser, more walkable environments2, the per 100 million vehicle miles, a 68% BRT service will reduce transit users’ obesity reduction compared to automobile crashes rates and improve the health and (0.8 fatalities/100 million vehicle miles). productivity of area residents3. Reducing the number of vehicles on a congested urban facility such as Juniper Increased transit service along the corridor Street or Piedmont Avenue has the would provide frequent and reliable access potential to decrease the overall crash rate to health and medical centers. Several large along the corridor and within the City. medical facilities are located either directly on the alignment or within less than two BRT systems reduce fatalities and crashes blocks. Emory University Hospital Midtown 1 by 40-50% after implementation . In 2016, and Grady Memorial Hospital are among there were 1,311 traffic collisions with 176 the largest medical facilities in the state and injury collisions in this project area. The both are accessible from the proposed proposed route had about four times the Summerhill BRT route. As transportation statewide average for urban minor arterials can often be a barrier to adequate and two and a half to three times the healthcare access, improving this access for number of injury collisions per vehicle miles

1 http://www.bloomberg.org/program/public-health/road-safety/ 3 Federal Transit Administration, https://www.fta.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/PublicTranspo 2 World Resources Institute, http://www.wri.org/blog/2013/12/4- rtationsRoleInRespondingToClimateChange2010.pdf ways-cities-benefit-bus-rapid-transit-brt

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Atlanta residents would further enable them Vehicles for the Project may be utilized on to get the treatment and care they need4. other proposed BRT corridors in the future as implementation for those corridors is ii. State of Good Repair realized. The Project supports interoperability with MARTA’s bus fleet to The Project will enhance the existing promote efficiencies and cost-effectiveness MARTA system by promoting consistency in the operation and maintenance of the with the performance and utilization of system. This Project will not require the existing transportation facilities. It will also construction of any additional maintenance support the City of Atlanta’s planned facilities. The Project will also include improvements along the corridors in terms “smart” bus shelters to advance technology of mobility, safety, bicycle and pedestrian innovation and promote sustainability use and access to local and regional public transportation services. Sustainable Source of Revenue Consistency with Relevant Planned MARTA has a proven record of being fiscally Improvements responsible with budgeting and balancing operating revenues with expenditures. The The Project is consistent with other Project will have a dedicated funding source transportation and land use plans led by to provide for operation and maintenance local, regional and state entities as through the life of the project, as presented presented in Table 3. This Summerhill BRT in Section IV. Project and the Summerhill Development have been included in several master land Improved Reliability of Multimodal use and transportation plans. Transportation System The Project provides a premium transit Asset Management Approach service that’s currently missing from the The basis of the capital cost estimate for the MARTA system and especially needed along Project utilizes the Federal Transit the proposed corridor. With traditionally Administration’s (FTA) Standard Cost auto-oriented land uses along these Categories (SCC) to factor in sound corridors, existing neighborhoods and estimates with appropriate contingencies emerging developments are increasing the based on industry standards. The cost transportation impacts and demand for estimate to implement the project other forms of transportation to access jobs incorporates year of expenditure (YOE) and services. The Project will promote a costs with escalation factors. The Project competitive transportation option to link to will utilize newly purchased and specifically- the regional transportation network, as well branded Clean Natural Gas (CNG) 40-foot as encourage pedestrian and safety buses to service the proposed Summerhill enhancements to connect stations with BRT corridor. The MARTA fleet is neighborhoods through sidewalk and compromised largely of CNG buses which crosswalk improvements. has reduced the agency’s carbon footprint.

4 Syed, Samina T., Ben S. Gerber, and Lisa K. Sharp. “Traveling Access.” Journal of community health 38.5 (2013): 976–993. PMC. Towards Disease: Transportation Barriers to Health Care Web. 4 Apr. 2016.

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Table 3: Relevant Plans and Studies Plan/Study Year Summary Plan 2040 Regional Current Plan 2040 is the Atlanta region’s comprehensive plan for land use and Transportation Plan transportation investment, inclusive of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), FY 2018-2023 (RTP) and five-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Transportation plan also includes Concept 3, the region’s aspirational transit vision, Improvement which proposes streetcar lines along Georgia Avenue and Capitol Program (TIP) and Avenue/Hank Aaron, as well as a line from Downtown to Midtown City of Atlanta Five Atlanta. This project is included in the Five Year Action Plan for the City Year Action Plan of Atlanta as a high priority transit project for environmental initiation. Blueprint Midtown III 2017 Originally produced in 1997, Blueprint Midtown provides a framework for new housing, office space, transportation improvements, public safety improvements, and pedestrian facilities throughout Midtown Atlanta. Juniper Street and Piedmont Avenue are indicated as Neighborhood Main Streets, and are recommended for long-term conversion from one-way to two-way traffic and complete streets design. North-South high-capacity transit is also envisioned to be implemented through Midtown, along Peachtree Street. Turner Field Stadium 2016 The LCI plan includes Turner Field (the former Atlanta Braves stadium), Neighborhoods LCI and surrounding neighborhoods, including Summerhill, Peoplestown, Plan Mechanicsville, and Pittsburgh. The LCI plan identifies Capitol Avenue, Georgia Avenue, and Hank Aaron Drive as signature streets and potential streetcar routes. High density redevelopment is envisioned along these streets as the area redevelops. Georgia State 2016 GSU’s redevelopment plan was approved by the City of Atlanta in University – Turner 2016. GSU and a private development team will spend $52.8 M to Field Redevelopment modify Turner Field into the school’s football stadium and redevelop Plan surrounding properties into student and private housing, classrooms, and retail space. The conversion of Turner Field into a football stadium was completed in 2017 for the Fall football season. Atlanta Streetcar 2015 The Streetcar System Plan (SSP) supplements the Connect Atlanta Plan System Plan to provide the vision and implementation plan for expanding Atlanta’s streetcar transit system. The SSP includes streetcar transit lines through

Midtown and Downtown Atlanta, as well as through Summerhill along Capitol Avenue and Georgia Avenue. Georgia State 2013 The GSU Master Plan focuses on three key districts. Campus Core University Master District is centered between Courtland Street and Piedmont Avenue on Plan Decatur Street as well as blocks immediately to the north and south. A major university expansion area is envisioned in the Piedmont Corridor, with new development and facilities along Courtland Street and Piedmont Avenue between Ellis Street and Edgewood Avenue, including Panther Square, a new hub of student housing and supporting mixed use development. Imagine Downtown 2009 Imagine Downtown provides a vision plan for future public and private Plan Update investment in Atlanta. Courtland Street and Piedmont Avenue are designated for corridor capacity studies. Capitol Avenue realignment; enhancements to Piedmont Avenue through the Georgia State University area, and the replacement of the Courtland Street viaduct are projects relevant to the Project that are identified in this plan. October 2017 11 TIGE R 20 1 7 DISCRETIONARY GRANT APPLICATION S UMMERHILL B U S R A P I D T RANSIT iii. Economic Competitiveness New transit users, those users who currently drive to and from their destinations but are Atlanta is renowned as a national and expected switch to the Summerhill BRT, will global city for business and a primary benefit from reduced vehicle operating transportation hub in the Southeastern U.S. costs, such as fuel, oil, and tires, and It contains the world headquarters for reduced parking costs. Monthly parking in major companies such as Coca-Cola, Home Midtown and Downtown Atlanta averages Depot, UPS, Delta Air Lines, and Turner $100 per month, with daily parking on Broadcasting. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson average costing $12 per day. Special event International Airport is the busiest airport in parking at destinations such as the Georgia the world. The City’s economy is led by the World Congress Convention Center and the service, communications, retail trade, Georgia Dome can be $30 or higher manufacturing, finance, and insurance depending on the event. Transportation is industries, and also has a strong convention the second largest expense for most business. households in the United States after housing, and transit users in cities with Decrease Transportation Costs and robust transit systems can save up to Improve Access $10,230 per year by taking transit rather The Summerhill BRT Project will contribute than owning a vehicle5. to the economic competitiveness of the corridor and City by decreasing travel time Increase Economic Productivity and for current transit users and decreasing Long-Term Job Creation costs for new transit users. Also, by Important economic characteristics of the reducing the overall number of automobiles Summerhill BRT project area, Atlanta, and on these major roadways, this project will the United States are shown in Table 4. reduce congestion, idling time, and travel time for the remaining motorists and Table 4: Select Economic Characteristics freight along the corridor, while improving Summer air quality. United Hill Atlanta States A current transit user travelling from the Corridor northern terminus of the project to the Unemployment 10.1% 5.1% 4.4% southern terminus, at the former Turner Rate Field site, would have to take a transit trip Per Capita $35,991 $37,175 $28,930 involving both bus and rail modes with Income multiple transfers resulting in a travel time Percent Below 25.0% 21.3% 14.2% of over an hour. The Summerhill BRT Poverty Level service is projected to have a one-way route Source: US Census Bureau, 2015 American Community Survey 5- run-time of only 16 minutes, a savings of Year Estimates approximately 40 minutes per one-way trip.

5 http://www.colliers.com/- /media/E07526DAAD034D4DB16D3606AF1D802C.ashx

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The Summerhill BRT service will improve access for residents with transportation disadvantages due to a lack of reliable and timely access to employment centers, education and training opportunities, and other basic needs. The Project is located adjacent to the Downtown and Midtown Atlanta urban core areas, with nearly 94,000 jobs. Yet nearly 25% of the population living adjacent to the corridor lives below the poverty level, compared to 14.2% of the United States as a whole. Approximately 9% proposed study area, four of the census of the workers and 10% of the population tracts are designated as Very High ETA, along this corridor live in households and six are designated High ETA tracts – without cars. The addition of a reliable meaning these areas have significantly transit option will increase economic higher concentrations of these opportunities for people who live along this populations than the Atlanta region. corridor by connecting them to job and  The study area includes four Tax education opportunities. Allocation Districts (TADs), also Overall, this project will decrease costs, known as tax increment financing (TIF) improve access, improve long-term districts, where property taxes above a efficiency, increase productivity, preserve specified threshold are reinvested within permanent jobs, and facilitate the that district to fund infrastructure and movement of both workers and freight other improvements. Five different along this major urban thoroughfare. TADs - Eastside, Westside, Atlantic Station, Stadium, and BeltLine - have Opportunity and Economic Development portions of their districts within the half mile BRT study area. The Summerhill BRT project will serve areas  The study area includes three of already high employment concentrations Opportunity Zone areas: Midtown, in the Downtown Central Business District Downtown, and Auburn Avenue. These and Midtown Atlanta. Additionally, it would zones include typically older commercial also provide service to several areas that and industrial areas that qualify for the have historically experienced disinvestment state’s maximum job credits. This and/or are targeted for redevelopment, tax applies to any business that creates two benefits or other business and economic or more jobs within an Opportunity development incentives. Zone.  The entire study area south of North  Equitable Target Area (ETA) Avenue (approximately two-thirds of the Index. The Atlanta Regional study area) is within areas designated as Commission provides an index based on HUBZones (Historically Underutilized concentrations of minority, low-income Business Zones). This program helps and non-driving populations within each small businesses in these areas gain of the region’s census tracts. In the

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preferential access to federal allow for a quick trip by public transit to procurement opportunities. many destinations and attractions in the  Brownfield sites - the study area City including the Georgia World Congress includes 15 properties that are Center and the new Georgia State designated as brownfield sites, which University football stadium. For many, this are eligible for federal grants and new service will enable them to access work technical assistance to assess, clean up by transit, without sacrificing time spent in and reuse previously contaminated sites longer commutes via other fixed route to bring them back into productive use. alternatives.  Greater than 50% of the study area is Over 68% of commuters in the corridor eligible for New Market Tax Credits, drive to work, of which 63% drive alone. which is a federal tax credit program The private automobile is the most that aims to attract private investment common commute mode in the corridor. towards revitalizing neighborhoods with Public transportation and walking are the high rates of poverty and next most popular options with 12% and unemployment. 8% using these options, respectively.  Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) is a Around 3% of the study area’s commuters regional grant program funded through choose to ride a bicycle, take a taxi, walk, federal transportation dollars that ride a motorcycle, or use another means to incentivizes local jurisdictions to reach work. The Project will promote implement plans and projects aimed at alternative commuting choices with new creating vibrant, walkable communities transit service, which in turn will create with increased mobility options and long-term quality of life benefits in the access to jobs and services. There are corridor. four LCI study areas that have overlapping boundaries with the Transit Dependent Population Summerhill BRT study area: Midtown, Of the approximately 94,000 people living Turner Field Neighborhoods, Ponce de in the corridor around 9%, or roughly 8,300 Leon, and Memorial Drive. are over the age of 16 and members of iv. Quality of Life households with no access to a vehicle; these individuals could be considered The Summerhill BRT service will provide transit dependent. efficient connections between employment areas, neighborhoods, major attractions, Low Income Population hospitals and wellness facilities within The 2015 American Community Survey 5- Atlanta’s urban core. While much of Atlanta Year Estimates show that around 25% of the is well served by transit, the City and the residents in the study area have reported region have continued to develop and living below the poverty level in the past 12 expand local and regional transit services. months. Per capita income also varies with This project continues the same trend of the 25 census tracts reporting a per capita investment in mobility improvements in the income below $6,000 per year – 11 of which urban area. The premium transit service have a per capita income below $25,000 per provided by the Summerhill BRT project will year.

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livability principles utilized in the The Summerhill BRT project furthers the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. HUD-DOT-EPA six livability principles: Affordable Housing  Provide more transportation choices According to the Atlanta Housing Authority  Promote equitable, affordable housing (AHA), 11 different affordable housing  Enhance economic competitiveness developments (850 units) are located in the corridor. Per AHA policy further affordable  Support existing communities housing developments occurring under the  Coordinate and leverage federal policies AHA banner will focus on mixed-use, and investment mixed-income, and transit oriented developments.  Value communities and neighborhoods. Planned and Proposed Developments

Further, 10% of people in the corridor were The Summerhill BRT project will connect identified as unemployed. and catalyze many planned and proposed developments in the corridor. Several TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECT BENEFITS residential and hotel developments are currently under construction that will fill out The Summerhill BRT project will also the land use mix with new generators and provide strong regional connectivity attractors and provide a more compact because the project’s southern terminus is urban live, work, play environment. The directly adjacent to three major Atlanta Project has the potential to catalyze several interstates – Interstates 75, 85 and 20. The development proposals in the study area location of the Summerhill Development including many mixed-use structures in the has been selected to provide this important form of retail, office, restaurant or interstate connection to allow the large residential. commuter population in Atlanta access to this new mode of transit. Activity Centers, Educational Facilities, Healthcare Services, and Major The corridor also includes numerous Employers worksites with employment opportunities in The Project is significant in its role as it the service industry, professional offices, provides connections to a large number of and government agencies. Located midway activity centers, educational facilities, on this project corridor are several healthcare services, and major employers buildings making up the state government within a half-mile of the planned alignment. complex, including the Georgia State Capitol building and several auxiliary state According to data from the Atlanta government buildings. Additionally, the Regional Commission (ARC), the corridor Atlanta City Hall is located within this same houses six recognized activity centers government complex. (Memorial Drive, City Center, Midtown, Atlantic Station, Georgia Tech and JSA- Finally, this project and especially the McGill City Center). The corridor is also Summerhill Development embody the

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critical in terms of access to educational emissions, reduction in dependence upon facilities. Major post-secondary institutions foreign oil, and facilitation of compact land are located in the corridor including use. The Project will also contribute toward Georgia State University and the Georgia delivering MARTA’s Sustainability Program, Institute of Technology. which emphasizes less traffic resulting in less carbon; use of Compressed Natural Gas Access to healthcare services in the corridor (CNG); increasing commuter options; also will be greatly increased with the developing regional partnerships; and Project. Currently three major medical multi-modal connectivity. centers, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Grady Memorial Hospital and Children’s Reduce Energy Usage and Improve Air Healthcare of Atlanta, are within one block Quality of the Summerhill BRT project corridor. The Project service will utilize 40-foot buses Along with providing essential educational, powered by Compressed Natural Gas health, and community services within the (CNG), which are more energy efficient, Corridor, the major activity centers, colleges produce less greenhouse gas emissions, and universities, and healthcare centers and reduce dependence on foreign oil provide employment opportunities. when compared with diesel-powered buses. Facilities such as Atlantic Station, Woodruff In particular, the Project corridor will result Arts Center, and Georgia State University in environmental benefits through the are all located within a half-mile of the conversion of private vehicle usage to Project alignment making the Summerhill transit vehicles. By adding new transit users BRT Project unique in terms of connectivity and reducing private vehicle usage, BRT and job access. service will aid in minimizing trips in private New industrial development and job vehicles by replacing many separate centers are planned and will potentially emissions-producing vehicles with fewer provide new types of employment in the transit vehicles that are capable of emitting area. New construction, compatible with the less pollution per person, as well as by planned industrial land use and historic using more energy efficient transit vehicles. preservation efforts, is encouraged to Increasing accessibility from Summerhill to continue to complement a diverse urban Georgia State University main campus in economy. The promotion of a compact, downtown could eliminate up to 10,000 pedestrian-oriented urban form will ensure daily trips. The northern end of the that development occurs along the Summerhill Development is currently being Summerhill BRT project. used as a commuter parking lot for Georgia v. Environmental Sustainability State University students.

The environmental sustainability benefits The Summerhill BRT service will support that the Summerhill BRT project can sustainable development through the provide are similar to many public transit addition of transit to corridors used benefits, such as improved air and water primarily for travel in private vehicles, quality, reduction in greenhouse gas

October 2017 16 TIGE R 20 1 7 DISCRETIONARY GRANT APPLICATION S UMMERHILL B U S R A P I D T RANSIT providing a key component to compact Figure 3: Summerhill LCI Plan Study Area land uses that support transit-oriented development and multi-modal transportation options. The project will encourage multi-modal transportation through high density land use redevelopment. The current multiple land uses along and in the vicinity of this corridor consist of commercial, industrial, infrastructure, universities, and residential.

The project also encourages sustainable development through the Summerhill Development. This project will be a catalyst for a mixed-use neighborhood development and support the needs of corporate relocations to the area.

Additionally, this area and the proposed development was the subject of a 2016 Turner Field Stadium Neighborhoods Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Plan focusing on more than 1,300 acres encompassing the Summerhill Development and “Improving high quality transit access and operations to and surrounding three neighborhoods (See through the Turner Field LCI Study Area is vital to provide Figure 3). The plan addressed the area’s new and better opportunities for residents and visitors to history, future development and access Downtown Atlanta and other regional activity and job transportation needs. centers.” -- Turner Field Stadium LCI

In addition to the BRT service providing b. Secondary Selection Criteria access to these current and proposed origins and destinations, putting premium i. Innovation transit in place also allows for transit The Summerhill BRT project will utilize oriented development to occur in currently innovative strategies and technologies, unforeseen areas. By promoting resulting in positive long-term outcomes sustainable development, the BRT service and enhanced operational performance of also provides an opportunity for users to the transportation system. From smart combine a transit option with a walking and shelter integration to transit signal priority, cycling option to reach their destinations. this project corridor will utilize innovative With Georgia State University and the technologies to create a transformative BRT Georgia Institute of Technology both project for metro Atlanta (See Figure 4 – located along this corridor, the BRT service Smart Shelter Concept). will encourage new multi-modal users to choose sustainable transportation options.

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Smart Shelter Integration Figure 4: Smart Shelter Concept The Summerhill BRT project will include new MARTA bus shelters at 29 of the 30 station locations along the corridor. The shelters will include new security features such as cameras, lighting, interactive signage and customer convenience items such as bike kiosks. The Summerhill BRT corridor will have a tremendous impact on the adjacent neighborhoods with improvements to security, lighting and connectivity. The stations will promote sustainability principles and more technology enhancements to improve the transit customer experience and help weave Applications for a 21 year assessment adjacent communities together. period beginning with capital outlays from ii. Partnership 2021 to 2023 and operations from 2024 to 2043, discounted back to 2017. MARTA will continue to foster collaborative partnerships with public and private entities The realization of the Summerhill BRT to ensure successful implementation of the project will deliver a variety of regional Project, quality service and buy-in from benefits, most notably in travel time stakeholders and the community. The City savings, personal vehicle cost savings, of Atlanta and Georgia State University will accident incident avoidance, and increased be key partners throughout the life of the property values along the entire corridor. project, as will key stakeholders, businesses The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) that the and institutions along the corridor and implementation of the Summerhill BRT within the Summerhill Development. Project would deliver is 1.86:1 at a 7% V. RESULTS OF BENEFIT-COST discount and 2.08:1 at a 3% discount. ANALYSIS Notable impacts that the Summerhill BRT Project will deliver benefits for long term The methodologies used for the Benefit outcomes criteria include the following Cost Analysis (BCA) was conducted in summarized in Table 5. accordance with the 2017 Benefit-Cost Analysis Guidance for Tiger and INFRA

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Table 5: Benefit-Cost Analysis Summary ($2017M) 7% Discount Rate 3% Discount Rate State of Good Repair Residual Value 2.8 7.5 Pavement Savings 0.0 0.1 Economic Competitiveness Passenger Travel Time Savings 26.6 47.9 Congestion Savings 3.7 6.7 Net Personal Vehicle Operating Savings (0.6) (1.0) Property Premium Uplift (Net of Travel Time Savings) 31.2 26.0 Environmental Sustainability Benefits Mode Shift Emissions Savings 0.2 0.4 Total Benefits 67.5 94.2 Capital Costs 34.7 41.9 Asset Renewal 1.7 3.3 Net Operating and Maintenance Costs (4.2) (7.4) Safety Mode Shift Safety Savings 7.8 14.0 Net Costs 36.4 45.2 Total Benefits 67.5 94.2 Net Present Value 31.1 49.0 Benefit-Cost Ratio 1.86 2.08

Ridership Methodology on the changes in bus miles traveled. TCRP The ridership forecasts were developed 118 suggests elasticities in the range of 0.6 using a data-driven approach based on the to 1.0 for increase in bus miles in the 2010 MARTA Regional Transit On-Board corridor. An elasticity value of 0.8 was used. Survey data. The forecasts were developed assuming that the potential riders would Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction shift from existing transit as well as from Methodology auto and non-motorized modes due to improvements in improved access, egress, With the introduction of the BRT, some of and reduced transfer times. the auto trips could shift to transit reducing the auto Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). To Some auto trips and non-motorized trips estimate the savings in VMT, average trip that do not use transit currently could shift length for the potential trips using BRT was to BRT due to improved accessibility and estimated using the origin and destination fewer transfers. These new riders were data from the on-board survey. An estimated using elasticities. The Transit estimated average trip length was 6.1 miles Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) which was multiplied with the ‘New Riders’ Report 118: Bus Rapid Transit Practitioner’s to get average auto VMT savings. Guide suggests elasticities that can be used to estimate increase in transit riders based

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Travel Time Savings Methodology For the year 2024, it is estimated that The introduction of BRT could offer around 8,500 riders would use the potential savings in travel times for the trips proposed BRT on an average weekday, out shifting to BRT as well as ‘New Riders’. of which around 2,500 trips would be due Transit times using the BRT were compared to new riders. The new BRT is estimated to to the transit times from the survey and the produce approximately 55,200 minutes in travel time savings were estimated based travel time savings on an average weekday. on the difference in access, egress, and Due to riders shifting away from auto, it is transfer times between the two options. estimated that there would be about 14,800 Similarly, to estimate the average travel daily vehicle-miles savings in auto VMT. time savings for the new riders, “Google” For the 2040 horizon year, it is estimated congested auto travel times were compared that the BRT would attract around 11,250 to the transit times using the BRT. The riders with 3,300 new riders on an average average travel time savings from both were weekday. The BRT could potentially offer multiplied by the estimated shifts and new around 72,800 minutes of travel time daily riders to estimate the total travel time savings and an estimated 19,900 vehicle- savings. miles savings in auto VMT. Table 6 presents Forecast Results the forecast summary for the base, opening and 2040 future year. Ridership and related impacts were first developed for the base year (2010). It is Table 6: Average Weekday Forecast Summary estimated that the BRT could attract around 2010 2024 2040 6,200 trips on an average weekday, out of which around 1,900 would be new riders New Riders 1,900 2,500 3,300 who currently do not use transit. The new BRT service is estimated to provide around 39,100 minutes of travel time savings. Due Ridership 6,200 8,500 11,250 to riders shifting away from auto, it is estimated that there would be about 14,800 VMT Savings 11,400 14,800 19,900 daily vehicle-miles savings. (Vehicle Miles)

Ridership forecasts were also developed for Travel Time 39,100 55,200 72,800 the opening year 2024 and a horizon year Savings (min) 2040. The growth in population and employment from base year 2010 to 2024 and 2040 was estimated using Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC’s) demographic forecasts. Year 2040 was VI. PROJECT READINESS selected based on the availability of the

ARC data. An average of the population and i. Technical Feasibility employment growth rates was applied to The Summerhill BRT project will be the base year ridership to estimate 2024 implemented within existing City-owned and 2040 ridership. right-of-way, utilizing both exclusive and

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shared lanes with vehicular traffic. The iv. Assessment of Project Risks and Project will be designed to reduce Mitigation Strategies environmental and construction impacts. The Project is anticipated to have very ii. Project Schedule minor impacts with the implementation within existing right-of-way throughout the Based on an announcement of the TIGER length of the corridor. MARTA will notify funding expected in 2018, the Documented the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Categorical Exclusion (DCE) and design Region IV office regarding the intent to engineering tasks and efforts will proceed undertake a NEPA review and will work in 2018. Construction is anticipated in early closely with the regional office throughout 2021, followed by pre-revenue testing and the NEPA process. With no plans for right- revenue service to begin in 2024 (See of-way acquisition or major capital Figure 5). improvements to support the Project (i.e. new transit centers or vehicle maintenance Figure 5: Project Schedule facilities), the Project could qualify for a Documented Categorical Exclusion (DCE) under the FAST Act as the appropriate Phase Year Environmental Review and Class of Action for this Project. Walk-up stations and other Environmental 2018-2019 required facilities for the Summerhill BRT Project will ensure that there is little to no Design/Vehicles 2020 impact to the surrounding built environment. Furthermore, placement of

Construction 2021-2023 the new stations for this BRT route will have no effect on historic structures along the Testing and Revenue route. 2023-2024 Service MARTA will work closely with the City of Atlanta throughout the project to iii. Required Approvals determine any potential project risks. Mitigation measures for any risks identified The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has will be developed through the committed to include the Project in the environmental and design phases of the financially constrained Plan 2040 Regional Project. The Project will continue to be Transportation Plan (RTP) and FY 2018-2023 assessed and refined, as needed, during Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) engineering and construction to identify after the Project is granted the TIGER 2017 recommended strategies to complete the Discretionary Grant award. The Project will project within the identified schedule and undertake the National Environmental budget within this TIGER application. All Policy Act (NEPA) review process, with construction activities will be completed approval anticipated by the end of calendar within the timeframes specified in the TIGER year 2019. NOFO.

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VII. FEDERAL WAGE RATE CERTIFICATION

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Appendix A Project Letters of Support

October 2017 TIGE R 20 1 7 DISCRETIONARY GRANT APPLICATION S UMMERHILL B U S R A P I D T RANSIT

Appendix B Benefit-Cost Analysis Technical Memorandum

October 2017

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