Southeast Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Environmental Assessment Study Scoping Meeting

1. Southeast Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Environmental Assessment StudyScoping Meeting

2. Seek Comments Purpose of Tonight’s Meeting Kickoff Share Info Overview of BRT in the Southeast Corridor Potential Alignment and Station Locations Environmental Assessment Factors

3. JTA Transit Initiatives – New Services

4. Bus Rapid Transit Corridors • JTA has studied four • BRT Corridors in the region: • - North • - Southeast • - East • - Southwest • Potential stations were identified • North Corridor • – assessment nearing • completion • Southeast Corridor • – next level of study

5. Study Coordination • JTA transit initiatives - commuter rail • FDOT Philips Highway improvements and I-95 Overland • Bridge Replacement • North Florida TPO 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan • Development plans for Avenues Walk, Jackson Square • and East San Marco • COJ Southeast Vision Plan • and 2030 Mobility Plan

6. How is BRT Different from Current Bus? New low-floor buses with 10-15 minute frequency Can operate in mixed traffic or transit lanes Uses signal technology at intersections to help stay on time

7. How is BRT Different from Current Bus? Enhanced transit stations More connections with community shuttles and future transit

8. Transit Signal Priority (TSP) Green time extension allows bus to pass through intersection without stopping - reducing congestion and delays

9. Queue Jumps Bypass lane allows buses to move to front of line at traffic signals Sometimes add bus-only right lane signal to allow buses to proceed first through the intersection before cars All major intersections along the corridor will be evaluated for TSP and Queue Jumps to improve transit travel times.

10. Other Improvements to Address Congestion and Improve Travel Time Considerations • Adjusting existing lanes • Adding dedicated lanes within selected segments • Modifying intersections and the coordination of traffic movements • Evaluating the number of stops • Evaluating locations relative to intersections

11. Why is BRT Needed in the Southeast? Concentration of employment, shopping, education and entertainment

12. Why is BRT Needed in the Southeast? • People who live, work, shop and go to school in the southeast corridor • need more reliable transit. 38,000 residents 12,000 students 67,000 employees + 30% + 18% • Existing bus services in the corridor do not operate frequently or • adequately connect people with jobs. BRT can provide more frequent service with better access to jobs, connections to local buses and community shuttles, and improved overall travel time.

13. Kings Ave. Skyway Station Emerson St. Area Potential Alignment and Station Areas

14. University Blvd./Bowden Rd. J Turner Butler (JTB) Blvd. Potential Alignment and Station Areas

15. Baymeadows Rd. Avenues/Southside Blvd. Potential Alignment and Station Areas

16. Park-N-Ride Park–N-Ride locations will be evaluated for areas near JTB and Bowden Road. A Kiss–N-Ride drop off area will be evaluated for Avenues Walk.

17. Planning an Integrated Transit System Role BRT – enhanced bus service in corridor Commuter Rail – suburban commuter service Service Area BRT – Downtown to Avenues Commuter Rail – Downtown to St. Aug. Frequency BRT – 10/15 minutes Commuter Rail – 30/60 minutes

18. Serving Multiple Transportation Needs Just Imagine… “I get on the train in the morning with my husband. Sometimes I take BRT to meet friends for lunch at that cute little restaurant in San Marco. Before I go home after work, I take BRT to stop at Wal-Mart for a few things before meeting my husband to go home on the 6:30 train.”

19. Serving Multiple Transportation Needs “I finally got a job. It’s a good one at a warehouse near University Boulevard. But I live on the Northside, don’t have a car and I need public transportation that can get me to work on time. Now with BRT, there’s one less thing I have to worry about.”

20. Serving Multiple Transportation Needs “I take BRT to my arts school every day and after school I can take it to mall! Now Mom doesn’t have to drive far to pick me up after rehearsals. I just meet her at The Avenues. Sometimes my sister comes up from Flagler College and meets us for dinner.”

21. Serving Multiple Transportation Needs “We’re retired, but I work part time at the mall for extra money because we’re on a fixed income. It used to take much longer riding the bus to work. Now with BRT I get to work and back home faster, so I can spend more time with my hubby!”

22. Environmental AssessmentConsiderations Natural Features – ecosystems and endangered species, water resources, park lands, air quality, geology, soils and seismic impacts Man-made Features – transportation, noise impacts, cultural resources, hazardous materials, energy, construction impacts, safety and security Community Features – community impacts, visual and aesthetics, environmental justice, economic development and land use Recommended Alternative

23. Next Steps Alternatives Public Meeting Winter 2010 Public Hearing Spring 2011 Final Environmental Assessment/ Finding of No Significant Impacts End of 2011 Design 2013 Construction/Implementation 2014

24. We Want To Know • What are your thoughts on potential station locations • and how they will help connect people with jobs? • Are there any changes planned in these areas that • we should know about or coordinate with? • Are there any potential benefits or impacts associated • with having a station in a certain location?

25. Submit Your Comments • Tonight on the comment forms provided • Email to whart@jtafla.com • Fax to (904) 630-3166 • Mail to: Winova Hart-Mayer • Communication and Outreach Coordinator • Jacksonville Transportation Authority • 100 North Myrtle Avenue • Jacksonville, FL 32204 For more information visit www.jtafla.com or contact Winova Mayer at (904) 630-3185.

26. THANK YOU!