2013-03-26_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Schwartz introduced Mr. Scott Thompson, Service Development Manager for Metro Transit to discuss development issues and recent transit changes in Roseville and the surrounding area. Mr. Thompson provided a summary of Metro Transit's final Sector Study and Plan and service map as a bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof. Mr. Thompson advised that the Sector Study Project started out about one (1) year ago and updated previous planning studies for Roseville from 2001, which had typically followed a public comment process and subsequent adjustments based on those items identified. However, Mr. Thompson advised that this study had used a different approach, categorizing district sectors near the Central Corridor, and how transit needs could be met and what those needs were. Mr. Thompson reported that a common comment throughout their customer surveys and public hearing comments focused on the need for more frequent service, more hours of serving, including earlier morning and later at night, and operations seven (7) days per week. Therefore, Mr. Thompson advised that the plans were developed based on those comments, and how to develop service plans to connect north/south and east/west service closely parallel to University Avenue to make connections along the Light Rail Transit Corridor(green line). Mr. Thompson reviewed those proposed routes, including Routes 16, 62, 83, 87, 94, 94B, and how those common concerns were being addressed through more frequent and consistent service, adjusted route timing and hours, and other ways to significantly improve that focus. During his review, Mr. Thompson referenced the report (page 54) and appendix maps for route-specific information. Specific to Route 83 (Lexington Avenue), Mr. Thompson addressed a portion that had been implemented in 2001, but unfortunately became a casualty of budget reductions. However, Mr. Thompson noted that with the new service to the green line, it was being reinstated, and potential extension of the route further into Roseville was still undergoing further study, possibly as far as the Target/Har Mar Mall area, beyond Lexington and Larpenteur Avenues. While recognizing the importance of this connection, Mr. Thompson advised that it remained a trial test route, but could provide filling of service gaps between Dale Street and Snelling Avenue. Mr. Thompson noted that reinstating a connection from Rosedale to the intersection of Dale Street to Grand Avenue rather than just to Selby Avenue was also a good move, even though it may require some riders to transfer to the green line if heading to Downtown St Paul. Discussion among Mr. Thompson, staff and Commissioners included Route needs in Roseville on Hamline to facilitate school bus connections; how routes need to be found efficient for cycles, as illustrated by Mr. Thompson, and based on the Page 3 of 14