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