2014-05-27_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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171 and a broad outreach program were scheduled during 2014 starting in May, with 172 final designs anticipated for completion in late October of 2014. 173 174 Discussion with Ms. Roth and commissioners included standard station concept 175 amenities versus those intended to enhance the Rosedale Center stop as a major 176 destination and incorporating existing indoor waiting space for anchoring nine 177 existing connecting bus routes; concept drawings for various north and /or 178 southbound stations along the corridor; no planned bump -outs or lane extensions 179 planned along the Snelling Avenue corridor in our area, with all intended to be 180 kept on the curb line; crossing difficulties, particularly at Skillman and at Har Mar 181 during winter and for wheelchair users; and cooperative work with other agencies 182 to address some of those identified access issues. IL 183 184 Further discussion included the availability of refuges mid - intersection for those 185 unable to get across the entire roadway in time, particularly east/west intersections 186 at Snelling Avenue; work with the Rice Creek Watershed District on stormwater 187 management and water quality through adding additional impervious surfaces at 188 these proposed transit stations; and the intentional standardizing of the stops and 189 shelters to keep costs efficiencies and management as the highest priority and in 190 line for the over 400 shelters proposed, with intended development of "art kits" to 191 identify opportunities for art within shelters to add flair to each locale. 192 193 Ms. Roth noted that the shelter proposed at Har Mar would have a smaller 194 platform than preferred to utilize existing sidewalks and the right turn lane 195 beginning just north of the shelter location, due to consideration of a critical 196 safety and operations sta point sto . g further back from the intersection. 197 198 Additional discussion included the proposed use of a beacon at the top of the 199 station pylons to alert riders of the near arrival of buses; and app's available for 200 Smartphone use as well to track stops; inclusion of benches and standard street 201 furniture designed for comfort of those waiting, but also addressing concerns with 202 ad venues using current benches and how to work out each placement without 203 impeding functions of the stations; and better management of trash and recycling 204 at each stop, especially those higher ridership stations. 205 206 Ms. Roth noted that staff was currently working into that decision - making area of 207 who maintains certain aspects, with a current patchwork of agreements 208 throughout service areas; and the future goal to bring management and 209 maintenance of those shelters to an acceptable level in keeping with the premium 210 service offered for the estimated 4,000 riders along this corridor. 211 212 Further discussion included the types of buses (30') to start the line; scheduling 213 considerations and challenges; considerations given for reduced rider fares for 214 shorter segments, not currently intended and not used other than in downtown 215 Minneapolis and St. Paul. 216 Page 5 of 12