Visioning Mobility Beyond Boundaries FINAL November 2012 PREPARED FOR: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation PROJECT MANAGER: Amy Inman, M.S. Manager of Transit Planning Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation 600 East Main Street, Suite 2102 Richmond, VA 23219 PREPARED BY: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Public input and stakeholder’s input from each county, metropolitan planning organization, and public transportation operating agency throughout the Super NoVa region MISSION ACHIEVED: Vision Mobility Beyond Boundaries The DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please visit the website at www.drpt.virginia.gov or contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Linda Maiden, 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219. Visioning Mobility Beyond Boundaries FINAL November 2012 Super NoVa Transit/TDM Vision Plan | Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation i TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Introduction ...........................................................................1 Introduction ..............................................................................................3 From Congestion Relief to Transportation Choice .....................................................3 Mobility .......................................................................................................................3 Vision Mobility Beyond Boundaries ...........................................................................4 A New Approach ........................................................................................................4 A Broad Focus... .........................................................................................................5 Study Area ..................................................................................................................6 Area Travel Characteristics .........................................................................................6 Regional Growth .........................................................................................................8 Opportunity ..............................................................................................................10 Mission and Goals ....................................................................................................10 Approach ..................................................................................................................10 Agency and Public Outreach .................................................................................................... 10 Involving People... ..................................................................................................................... 10 Technical and Planning Needs Evaluation ................................................................................ 11 Data .................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Land Use (Place) .............................................................................................................................................. 11 Demographics .................................................................................................................................................. 11 Travel Demand .................................................................................................................................................. 11 Transit Suitability .............................................................................................................................................. 11 Regional Origins and Destinations ................................................................................................................... 11 Travel Pattern and Magnitude .......................................................................................................................... 11 Recommendations ........................................................................................................................................... 11 The Vision Plan .........................................................................................................12 Chapter 2: Outreach ..............................................................................13 Introduction ............................................................................................15 Many Voices .............................................................................................................15 Stakeholder Involvement ......................................................................17 Expansive Dialogue ..................................................................................................17 Super NoVa Transit/TDM Vision Plan | Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation iii Stakeholder Meetings ..............................................................................................18 Stakeholder Meeting 1: Vision Plan Introduction/Current Conditions ...................................... 18 Stakeholder Meeting 2: Analysis/Concept Alternatives ............................................................ 18 Stakeholder Meeting 3: Initial Recommendations .................................................................... 18 Stakeholder Meeting 4: Final Recommendations ..................................................................... 18 Stakeholder Comments ............................................................................................18 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 18 Regional Mobility Needs ........................................................................................................... 19 Preliminary Ideas ....................................................................................................................... 19 Draft Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 19 Public Involvement ................................................................................21 Public Discussion .....................................................................................................21 Public Meetings ........................................................................................................23 Public Meeting 1: Vision Plan Introduction/Current Conditions................................................ 23 Public Meeting 2: Analysis/Concept Alternatives ..................................................................... 23 Public Meeting 3: Final Recommendations .............................................................................. 23 Public Outreach and Notifications ............................................................................23 Outreach to Low-Income, Minority, and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Populations ..............................................................................................................24 Public Comment ......................................................................................................26 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 26 Regional Mobility Needs ........................................................................................................... 26 Draft Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 26 Chapter 3: Existing Conditions.............................................................27 Introduction ............................................................................................29 Information ...............................................................................................................29 Transit Planning, Programming, and Funding ..........................................................29 Transit and TDM Agencies .......................................................................................30 Transit System Operation .....................................................................31 Inner Subarea Bus Transit Systems .........................................................................32 Northwest Subarea Bus Transit Systems .................................................................33 iv Super NoVa Transit/TDM Vision Plan | Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation West Subarea Bus Transit Systems .........................................................................34 South Subarea Bus Transit Systems ........................................................................34 Maryland Subarea Bus Transit Systems ..................................................................35 Regional Programs ...................................................................................................36 Local Transit Service ................................................................................................................ 36 Commuter Rail and Amtrak Service .........................................................................................