DOCSLIB.ORG

READING AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY Coordinated Public Transit and Human Services Transportation Plan September 2013

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
READING AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY Coordinated Public Transit and Human Services Transportation Plan September 2013 READING AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY Coordinated Public Transit and Human Services Transportation Plan September 2013 Approved: Technical Committee: September 5, 2013 Coordinating Committee: September 19, 2013 READING AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY C/O BERKS COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 633 COURT STREET, 14TH FL READING, PA 19601 Phone: (610) 478-6300 Fax: (610) 478-6316 Email: [email protected]/planning Web Site: http://www.co.berks.pa.us/planning The preparation of this report has been financed in part through grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official policies of either the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the time of publication. This report does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Past Funding Programs ................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Latest Federal Requirements .......................................................................................... 2 1.4 Guidance from PennDOT (prior to MAP-21) .................................................................. 2 2 APPROACH ................................................................................................................................ 3 2.1 Planning Process ............................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Plan Update and Organization........................................................................................ 4 3 EXISTING COORDINATION......................................................................................................... 5 3.1 BARTA Special Services ................................................................................................... 5 3.2 Human Service Transportation Coordination Study ...................................................... 5 3.3 Regional Transit Coordination Study .............................................................................. 6 3.4 Commuter Services of Pennsylvania .............................................................................. 6 4 INVENTORY OF PROVIDERS....................................................................................................... 6 4.1 BARTA ............................................................................................................................. 6 4.2 Human Service and Non-Profit Transportation Services ................................................ 6 4.3 Private/Other Providers ................................................................................................. 8 5 SERVICE AREA PROFILE ........................................................................................................... 12 5.1 Description .................................................................................................................... 13 5.2 Population Trends......................................................................................................... 14 5.3 Population Density ....................................................................................................... 16 5.4 Target Populations ........................................................................................................ 17 5.5 Employment and Commuting ....................................................................................... 21 5.6 Major Trip Origins and Destinations............................................................................. 22 6 MOBILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................... 28 6.1 Mobility Needs Score and Methodology.…………………………………………………………………..28 6.2 Berks County Health and Human Services Survey……………………………………………………..29 6.3 Human Service Transportation Summit…………………………………………………………………….29 7 IDENTIFICATION OF STRATEGIES ............................................................................................ 30 7.1 Guiding Principle ........................................................................................................... 31 7.2 Goal Statements ........................................................................................................... 31 7.3 Project Development Framework……………………………………………………………………………..32 8 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ........................................................................................................ 34 8.1 Prioritization of Strategies ............................................................................................ 34 8.2 Mobility Management .................................................................................................. 35 8.3 Volunteer Driver Networks........................................................................................... 36 8.4 Job Access Strategies .................................................................................................... 36 8.5 Non-Profit Program ...................................................................................................... 37 8.6 Coordination Committee…………………………………………………………………………………………….38 APPENDIX A - Human Service Transportation Summit Documentation APPENDIX B - Public Participation Documentation Reading Area Transportation Study Draft Coordinated Public Transportation and Human Services Transportation Plan 2013 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose The purpose of this plan is to help improve transportation services for persons with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with lower incomes in Berks County through a better coordinated transportation system. The lead agency in such transportation planning initiatives is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region, which for Berks County is the Reading Area Transportation Study (RATS) in coordination with the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA). BARTA operates the public transportation system to assure mobility for Berks County residents and access to employment, shopping, medical and recreational sites in the communities within the County. The preparation of this plan is required by federal transportation regulations and will provide a framework for the development of projects to address the transportation needs of these targeted populations and ensure that RATS and its public transportation and human service agencies coordinate their federally funded transportation resources. Essentially, the Coordinated Plan will identify the transportation needs of individuals in the target population(s), provide strategies for meeting these local needs, and prioritize potential solutions for funding and implementation. In this case, “local” refers to an area within the boundaries of Berks County, Pennsylvania. The majority of this plan was produced, for BARTA, by an outside consultant, Gannett Fleming. The original plan was adopted prior to the passage of MAP-21. Cooperatively, RATS and BARTA have expanded on this original consultant prepared document to make it more applicable to the needs of the target populations within our region and new federal funding legislation (MAP-21). 1.2 Past Funding Programs Historically, the following funding programs were formula driven and allocated based on the number of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and individuals with low incomes that live in each state. Award of funds was through a discretionary process, usually requiring a 20 percent local match for capital expenses and planning activities and 50 percent for operating expenses. These programs have been consolidated as the result of new federal transportation funding authorization as detailed in the following section. The previously identified program goals and their targeted populations, as listed below will continue to apply to any future identified and coordinated mobility projects: • Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) Program - The JARC program included two distinct components. The goal of the “job access” component was to improve access to transportation services to employment and employment-related activities (training, child care, etc.) for welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals. The goal of the “reverse commute” component was to transport residents of urbanized and non- urbanized areas to suburban employment opportunities. • New Freedom Program - The stated goal of the New Freedom program was to provide additional transportation options to help Americans with disabilities overcome existing 1 Reading Area Transportation Study Draft Coordinated Public Transportation and Human Services Transportation Plan 2013 barriers to full integration with the workforce and participation in society. Dating back to the time period preceding passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), lack of adequate transportation has long been identified as the primary barrier between persons with disabilities and stable employment. The New Freedom
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Chapter 9 - Transportation
    Chapter 9 - Transportation INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 171 ROADS AND BRIDGES ........................................................................................ 172 CONGESTION MANAGEMENT ........................................................................... 174 AIR QUALITY ......................................................................................................... 176 SAFETY .................................................................................................................. 176 ACCESS MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................... 178 TRANSIT ................................................................................................................ 179 FREIGHT ................................................................................................................ 181 BERKS COUNTY FREIGHT NETWORK ............................................................. 182 NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION ............................................................. 184 AVIATION ............................................................................................................... 185 TRANSPORTATION POLICIES ............................................................................ 187 Berks County Comprehensive Plan 2030 Update 169 Chapter 9 - Transportation TRANSPORTATION A. Introduction Berks County is a large county – at nearly 900 square miles, and as a result
    [Show full text]
  • Greater Reading: a Call to Action
    GREATER READING: A CALL TO ACTION To: The Greater Reading Community The Initiative for a Competitive Greater Reading (ICGR) was started by several local business leaders in response to a challenge – and a commitment of support – by local elected political leaders. These early initiators recognized and stated that they wanted something differ- ent, something real, and something that would make an impact toward creating an exciting and vibrant future for the Greater Reading region. Our approach was based on a simple principle – quality of life begins with a healthy economy. Put more simply, we needed to provide jobs for our residents. And, given our recent history of losing so many jobs, this required us to begin to think about doing some things differently. The good news is that we found a widespread interest in bringing about the necessary changes. What we found lacking initially, at least, was the necessary consensus on priorities. The Initiative for a Competitive Greater Reading set about to change this. Our region is unique in many ways. Sure, we have our problems and challenges. Who doesn’t? But we took account of these, dealt with them and focused most of our efforts on a very real set of opportunities. This we called “dealing with reality”. And “dealing with reality” implies, first, that we recognize things as they actually are, not as we wish they might be or as we might remember them. Among today’s realities, we all need to accept and come to terms with the following: - The region cannot be successful without a vibrant urban core.
    [Show full text]
  • Department of Defense Office of the Secretary
    Monday, May 16, 2005 Part LXII Department of Defense Office of the Secretary Base Closures and Realignments (BRAC); Notice VerDate jul<14>2003 10:07 May 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4717 Sfmt 4717 E:\FR\FM\16MYN2.SGM 16MYN2 28030 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 93 / Monday, May 16, 2005 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Headquarters U.S. Army Forces Budget/Funding, Contracting, Command (FORSCOM), and the Cataloging, Requisition Processing, Office of the Secretary Headquarters U.S. Army Reserve Customer Services, Item Management, Command (USARC) to Pope Air Force Stock Control, Weapon System Base Closures and Realignments Base, NC. Relocate the Headquarters 3rd Secondary Item Support, Requirements (BRAC) U.S. Army to Shaw Air Force Base, SC. Determination, Integrated Materiel AGENCY: Department of Defense. Relocate the Installation Management Management Technical Support ACTION: Notice of Recommended Base Agency Southeastern Region Inventory Control Point functions for Closures and Realignments. Headquarters and the U.S. Army Consumable Items to Defense Supply Network Enterprise Technology Center Columbus, OH, and reestablish SUMMARY: The Secretary of Defense is Command (NETCOM) Southeastern them as Defense Logistics Agency authorized to recommend military Region Headquarters to Fort Eustis, VA. Inventory Control Point functions; installations inside the United States for Relocate the Army Contracting Agency relocate the procurement management closure and realignment in accordance Southern Region Headquarters to Fort and related support functions for Depot with Section 2914(a) of the Defense Base Sam Houston. Level Reparables to Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, and designate them as Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, as Operational Army (IGPBS) amended (Pub.
    [Show full text]
  • Phase I Final Report and Recommended Plan 19 April 2012
    Phase I Final Report and Recommended Plan 19 April 2012 BPT Contract #4400006253 – MMOE2 Work Order #52 – Transit Development Plan for Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority Deliverable #7 – Recommended Plan and Phase I Final Report Transit Development Plan for Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (Page Intentionally Left Blank) ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Report Page i Transit Development Plan for Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Introduction 1 Service Area Profile 3 Population Trends 5 Population Density 11 Transportation-Disadvantaged Population Groups 14 Employment and Commuting 28 Major Travel Generators 34 Mobility Needs Assessment 40 Future Land Use 42 Existing Conditions 45 Service Description 45 Fare Structure 53 Demand Responsive Services 55 Physical Plant and Assets 55 Organization 57 Trends 59 Summary 64 Peer and Trend Analysis 65 Peer Selection 65 Overview of Analysis Techniques 67 Peer Group Analysis 70 Trend Analysis 80 Combination Analysis 88 Rider Survey 94 Survey Methodology 94 Survey Results 99 Resident Survey 113 Survey Methodology 113 Survey Results 114 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Report Page ii Transit Development Plan for Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) Section Page Community Leader Interviews 129 Community Leaders 129 Findings and Results 129 Staff Input 140 Process 140 Findings and Results 140 Route
    [Show full text]
  • Courtyard Reading Wyomissing Reading, Pennsylvania Offering Memorandum Courtyard Reading Wyomissing Reading, Pennsylvania
    COURTYARD READING WYOMISSING READING, PENNSYLVANIA OFFERING MEMORANDUM COURTYARD READING WYOMISSING READING, PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL REACH. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. Teague Hunter Trey Scott David Perrin Jatin Patel Blair Revercomb President Vice President Vice President Associate Analyst [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 770-916-0300 404-550-4231 770-701-2199 770-916-0300 770-916-0300 / PREPARED BY HUNTER HOTEL ADVISORS / 1 COURTYARD READING WYOMISSING TABLE READING, PENNSYLVANIA OF CONTENTS Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................3 Property Description ...........................................................................................................................7 Financial Overview ........................................................................................................................... 11 Market Summary .............................................................................................................................. 13 Disclaimers and Disclosures ......................................................................................................... 19 About Hunter ..................................................................................................................................... 20 / PREPARED BY HUNTER HOTEL ADVISORS / 2 COURTYARD READING WYOMISSING EXECUTIVE READING, PENNSYLVANIA
    [Show full text]
  • BACKGROUND for the PLAN Fleetwood Borough – Maidencreek Township – Richmond Township Joint Comprehensive Plan Background Report
    BACKGROUND FOR THE PLAN Fleetwood Borough – Maidencreek Township – Richmond Township Joint Comprehensive Plan Background Report BACKGROUND FOR THE PLAN This part of the Plan summarizes major findings in the following subject areas: • Regional Influences • Brief History • Government Profile • Natural Features • Population, Housing and Employment • Existing Land Use • Community Facilities and Services • Transportation and Circulation • Land Use Policies and Zoning in the Region REGIONAL INFLUENCES A community’s regional setting is a prominent influence on its growth and development. Fleetwood Borough, Maidencreek and Richmond Townships are located in north-central Berks County, a suburban to rural area that has seen steady development pressures from the Lehigh Valley and Reading areas. The area still maintains a very strong agricultural community. Fleetwood Borough, Maidencreek and Richmond Townships are situated in north-central Berks County in southeastern Pennsylvania. Berks County lies along the western edge of the Delaware Valley region, which is part of the growing urban corridor between New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. This corridor is one of the leading industrial and commercial trade regions of the United States. Fleetwood lies in the southern portion of Richmond Township and is surrounded by the Township on three sides with Ruscombmanor Township being its southern border. Richmond Township is bordered by Greenwich Township to the north, Maxatawny Township to the northeast, Lyons Borough and Rockland Township to the southeast, Ruscombmanor Township to the south and Perry Township to the northwest. Maidencreek Township’s is bordered by Richmond Township on the eastern side, Ruscombmanor and Muhlenberg Township on the southern side, Ontelaunee Township to the west and Perry Township to the north.
    [Show full text]
  • $23,815,000* City of Reading Berks County, Pennsylvania General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2017
    PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 15, 2017 NEW ISSUE RATINGS: Moody’s Underlying Baa2 (Stable Outlook) BOOK ENTRY S&P Insured AA (Stable Outlook) See “RATINGS” herein In the opinion of Stevens & Lee, P.C., Reading, Pennsylvania, Bond Counsel, assuming continuing compliance by the City with certain covenants to comply with provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and any applicable regulations thereunder, interest on the Bonds is not includable in gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code and interest on the Bonds is not an item of tax preference for purposes of the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes, see “TAX MATTERS - Tax Exemption” in this Official Statement. Other provisions of the Code may affect purchasers and holders of the Bonds. See “TAX MATTERS – Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Bonds” herein for a brief description of these provisions. Under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Bonds and interest on the Bonds shall be free from taxation for State and local purposes within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but this exemption does not extend to gift, estate, succession or inheritance taxes or any other taxes not levied or assessed directly on the Bonds or the interest thereon. Under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, profits, gains or income derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the Bonds shall be subject to State and local taxation within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. $23,815,000* CITY OF READING BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES OF 2017 Dated: Date of Delivery Principal Due: November 1 Interest Due: May 1 and November 1 First Interest Payment: May 1, 2017 The City of Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania (the “City”) will issue its General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2017 (the “Bonds”), in fully registered form, without coupons in denominations of $5,000 or any integral multiples thereof.
    [Show full text]
  • Commissioners' Workshop Meeting
    Commissioners’ Workshop Meeting Tuesday, April 20, 2004 I. CALL TO ORDER: The Berks County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, at 7:00 PM, at the Fairgrounds Square Mall, pursuant to due notice to Board members and the public. Commissioner Chair Judith L. Schwank called the meeting to order with Commissioners Tom Gajewski and Mark C. Scott in attendance. Also present were Acting Chief Clerk William E. Dennis and Solicitor Alan Miller. Row Offices represented were the Coroner Bybel, Controller Graffius, Sheriff Jozwiak and Acting Treasurer Kaucher. Commissioner Schwank explained that the meeting was being held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall as part of observing County Government Week and as a continuation of the Board’s commitment to holding evening meetings. Commissioner Schwank followed with a moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Board of Commissioners discussed and approved the following items for listing at the April 22, 2004 Meeting: II. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS: A. Adopt Proclamation regarding National County Government Week, April 18, 2004 through April 24, 2004. B. Present a Certificate of Recognition to The Peanut Bar Restaurant regarding their 80th Anniversary in the City of Reading. Commissioner Gajewski presented the certificate to Harold Leifer, calling the Peanut Bar an outstanding, one of a kind business in downtown Reading that has been in existence since 1924. Mr. Leifer stated his pride and pleasure in accepting the certificate, and expressed his thanks to the people of the County who have been so supportive over the years. C. Present a Certificate of Recognition to The Greater Berks Food Bank for their outstanding efforts in Berks County.
    [Show full text]
  • FAA Facility Consolidation and Realignment, Parts
    U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Section 804 Collaborative Workgroup Federal Aviation Administration National Facilities Realignment and Consolidation Report Parts 4 & 5 Recommendations Response to U.S. Congress Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Bill Public Law 112-95 Section 804 Contents Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Section 804 Collaborative Workgroup ........................................................................................... 2 Four-Step Process for Facilities Realignment Analysis.................................................................. 3 Goals of Realignment ..................................................................................................................... 4 Report Scope ................................................................................................................................... 4 Analysis Scenarios .......................................................................................................................... 4 FAA Administrator’s Recommendations ....................................................................................... 6 Recommendation #1: Realign Reading, PA (RDG) TRACON Operations to Harrisburg, PA (MDT) TRACON .......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • NEW! Where You Age: YOUR PROCESS Anniversaries
    April 2016 • Vol. 16 • Issue 04 • www.BerksEncore.org For information on advertising in berksencore news please contact 610-374-3195, ext. 227. Inside This Issue... YOUR PLAN, Agency Happenings ..... pgs 3~5 NEW! Where You Age: YOUR PROCESS Anniversaries ....................pg 26 By Sarah Hunter-Lascoskie, Editor Berks Encore Programs ......pg 16 This article is the third in our series on where option allows you to age in one location no matter Center News ..............pgs 17, 20 we can choose to age—and what challenges and what stage of life or type of care you may need. Main- Combat Veteran Remembers ..pg 22 opportunities you’ll face wherever you choose to tenance is taken care of, and transportation is often Discount Program ............... pg 6 live. If you missed the first two articles in this provided; medical staff and emergency personnel are always available. Dollars and Sense ................ pg 7 series, check out our archive of Berks Encore • Age-restricted communities are housing areas that Editorial .............................. pg 2 News on our website, www.berksencore.org. usually limit 80 percent of occupied units to individu- Law & Order ......................pg 14 How and where you age is an inevitable, per- sonal decision. While traditional aging in place is als over a set age. This age can be 50, 55, or 60. These On-Going Activities .. pgs 18 & 19 communities are often gated. These communities You’re Invited! .............pgs 8 & 9 preferable to many older adults, the reality is that often many people are unable to age in their cur- may also be called active adult communities.
    [Show full text]
  • 2014-2018 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Study
    Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice County of Berks & City of Reading 2014 - 2018 1 Table of Contents A. What is Fair Housing Choice? ................................................................................................. 5 B. The Federal Fair Housing Act ................................................................................................. 6 i. What housing is covered? ................................................................................................... 6 ii. What does the Fair Housing Act prohibit? ........................................................................ 6 a. In the Sale and Rental of Housing ................................................................................ 6 b. In Mortgage Lending ....................................................................................................... 7 c. Other Prohibitions ............................................................................................................ 7 iii. Additional Protections for the Disabled ............................................................................. 7 iv. Requirements for New Buildings .................................................................................... 8 v. Housing Opportunities for Families ................................................................................... 8 C. The City of Reading Discrimination Ordinance .................................................................... 9 D. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) ..............................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Boscov's Department Stores
    Revised 2/1/2013 DEPARTMENT STORE ROUTING GUIDE February 1, 2013 This guide replaces all other Routing Guides and exceptions All future changes to this guide will be posted to the online version of our Routing Guide as they occur. If you provide us with your Email address, we will advise you of any changes or updates. PLEASE VISIT OUR VENDOR INFORMATION SITE AT www.vspec.boscovs.com/main.htm ON A REGULAR BASIS AS YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH ALL POSTED REQUIREMENTS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW BOSCOV’S ROUTING GUIDE AND PURCHASE ORDER REQUESTS WILL INCUR EXPENSE OFFSETS. All hyperlinks are available when viewing the routing guide online. 1 Revised 2/1/2013 Boscov's Department Store, LLC P.O. Box 4116, Reading, PA 19606-0516 / Phone: 610.779.2000 / www.boscovs.com Dear Trading Partner, Boscov’s Department Store compiled the following information to assist you in addressing our purchase order requirements, and preparing your merchandise shipments for delivery to our company. Our distribution network is committed to delivering your products to our stores in a timely and efficient manner. To achieve this goal, the mutual efforts of supplier and retailer must be focused on implementing the industry standards put forth by VICS and EPCGlobal. An integral element of complying with industry standards is the transmission and receipt of business documents via EDI. This routing guide describes Boscov’s corporate requirements for shipping, packaging, and preparing imported and domestic merchandise for our receipt. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in an expense offset fee, as outlined in the guide.
    [Show full text]