Update on the Metro Dodger Stadium Express
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30 One Gateway Plaza 213-922.2000 Tel Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952 metro. net SYSTEM SAFETY, SECURITY AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MARCH 19, 2015 SUBJECT: METRO DODGER STADIUM EXPRESS UPDATE ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE RECOMMENDATION Receive and file report for an update on the Metro Dodger Stadium Express. ISSUE Beginning this 2015 Dodger baseball season, the Metro Dodger Stadium Express will begin its fifth season of operation. This report will review a history of the service and provide an update on the planning and funding process required each year of operation . DISCUSSION For many years, Metro and its predecessor agencies operated game day service to Dodger Stadium. Originally Line 177 operated game day service, offering two trips each game prior to the first pitch. The service operated through Downtown LA making all local stops up to the entrance of Dodger Stadium. During the early 1980's, the line was renumbered Line 635 and continued to operate three trips before the first pitch. Due to declining patronage during a period of a budget shortfall, the line was cancelled at the end of the 1993 season with little opposition from Dodger fans. Fast forward to year 2010, and Union Station has become "the" transportation hub for Los Angeles. Patrons can reach Union Station by almost anywhere in Los Angeles County through the growing Metro Rail network, complimented by buses, Metrolink and Amtrak. Metro CEO Art Leahy began talks with Dodger management regarding the need to re-establish bus service to the stadium, with the goals of reducing traffic, carbon emissions, and providing a faster more pleasant alternative to driving. In order to operate the service, funding would need to be obtained from an outside source, as regular funding sources cannot be used for special event operating costs. It was determined that funding was available for implementation of new or expanded public transit programs for event center destinations located in the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). Through an application process, Metro has been awarded MSRC grants to operate the service each year. Also funded is added Metrolink service during the "freeway series" held between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Operational Statistics An average game day service consists of utilizing 14 Metro 40 foot CNG buses, however as many as 28 are used on Opening Day. These buses are operated by a Metro contract operator. Bus service operates approximately every five minutes from Union Station to the Stadium, making one stop on Cesar Chavez at Broadway. Service starts 90 minutes prior to game time. Over the years, staff has worked to improve the service travel time from Union Station to the Stadium. The MSRC grant now funds the game day installation of a Bus Only lane on Sunset Bl. Bicycles are also allowed to use the lane. The graph below shows the annual ridership history of the service. Ridership continues to grow each year. 220,000 200,000 180,000 160,000 • Fans 140,000 120,000 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Dodger Stadium Express Page 2 DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT The Dodger Shuttle is now providing over 200,000 patron's service to Dodger Stadium by bus. Without the shuttle, these trips would most likely be replaced by the use of cars, adding congestion and pollution along streets that provide access to the stadium. In order to provide an even safer trip to the stadium, the MSRC grant also provides funding that established a bus only lane from Sunset Bland Figueroa St to the stadium entrance. The bus stop within the stadium is also handicapped accessible, providing a paved and safe link to the stadium entrance. Also when the game is over, patrons are provided a safe and paved queuing for boarding the buses. FINANCIAL IMPACT No operating funds are expended to operate the Dodger Stadium Express. The MSRC provides $663,000 for Metro operations (6 ,600 revenue service hours), $206,000 for LADOT traffic control, and $96,000 for Metrolink operations over the two year period. Metro Marketing Department provides an in-kind match valued at $590,000 each year. NEXT STEPS Every two years, Service Planning staff prepares an application presented to MSRC. A regular planning and operations program has been developed and will be implemented prior to the beginning of each baseball season. Prepared by: Jon Hillmer, Executive Director Service Development Scott Page, Director Service Planning Questions: Christopher Reyes, Senior Administrative Analyst, Operations (213) 922-4808 Dodger Stadium Express Page 3 R~~~ Interim Chief Operations Officer Arthur T. Leahy Chief Executive Officer Dodger Stadium Express Page 4 .