Community Mobility During Transit Strike Mitigation Strategies Contingency Plan - Phase 3

1. Community Mobility During Transit Strike Mitigation Strategies Contingency Plan - Phase 3 Public Works City Operations Council Meeting January 14, 2009

2. Mobility Mitigation Measures Use of Transitway for organized shuttles Possible use of Transitway for general automobile traffic Implementing additional free parking based on number of passengers per car Reviewing parking rates - metered and off-street Considering additional no stopping restrictions Increasing pedestrian and bike mobility That all staff parking at City Hall be strongly recommended to bring passengers with them

3. Mobility Mitigation Measures That paid on-street residential parking have the permit fee waived for the duration of the strike Use of 174 bus lanes Use of red and white signs for ride sharing Car pool enhancements Park & Ride lots Para Transpo service enhancements December transit pass reimbursement.

4. 1. Transitway Access For Shuttles • Staff have opened the Transitway for access by organized shuttles; • Staff have discussed Transitway access with universities, colleges and school boards • Use of Transitway will reduce travel times by bypassing congestion; • Use of Transitway will increase shuttle capacity by allowing more return trips;

5. 1. Transitway Access For Shuttles (Con’t) • Using the same procedures as for existing intercity and commuter by operations; • Organizations will sign access agreement; • All drivers will be trained for Transitway operations; • Organizations encouraged to contact the City (613 842-3600) to enquire or make arrangements.

6. 2. Possible Use of Transitway For General Automobile Traffic • A team comprised of City of Ottawa staff and consultants have explored the use of the Transitway for commuter traffic; • A preliminary assessment has been made of several candidate sections; • Staff’s plan has been reviewed by consultants to confirm:1) Effectiveness (potential use) 2) Safety 3) Ease of implementation 4) System-wide effects 5) Mitigation measures.

7. Road 174 at Blair to Mackenzie King Bridge

8. Ottawa River Parkway at Dominion Station to Albert and Empress Intersection

9. Use of Transitway by Automobiles Operational Challenges • Potential to compromise public safety / emergency response; • Unfamiliarity of the roadway to drivers; • Drivers may try to turn off at Transit Stations or do U-Turns when congested; • Difficulty to access collisions on Transitway; • Lack of illumination; and, • Dealing with current pedestrian crossings along Transitway.

10. Use of Transitway by Automobiles (Con’t) OC Transpo Challenges • Auto congestion could delay Para Transpo service, commuter, inter city buses and new shuttles; • Safety issues related to specifics of the Transitway configuration including centre median fences, platforms, sharp curves, etc.; • Auto access during the strike may encourage trespassing once the strike is over; • Any damage resulting from a collision at a Transitway facility may delay the return to regular transit service when the strike ends; and, • Special Constables have no authority under the HTA and OPS are not familiar with transit by-law.

11. Use of Transitway by Automobiles (Con’t) Corporate Security Challenges • Potential for ATU picketers to demonstrate at intersections along the Transitway or to disrupt the flow of traffic on Transitway; • Lack of security resources from City (Transit Law or Corporate Security) to dedicate adequate personnel along Transitway. Communications Challenges • Clearly communicating to the public the rules and regulations of Transitway use for autos; • Key communication messages on Transitway use may get “lost” with other City messaging.

12. Use of Transitway by Automobiles (Con’t) Snow Clearing Challenges • The use of traffic barrels and the requirement to relocate during winter maintenance operations; • During snow storm will slow down snow clearing activities; • Requires increased snow removal frequency to ensure Transitway is safe and operational; and, • Will require additional work to remove snow behind traffic control measures once transit strike is over.

13. Police Services Comments • The Ottawa Police Service does not support opening any transitway roads in the city to general vehicular traffic.General Concerns:- Roads are neither designed for, nor familiar to, regular vehicular traffic; - Police Services does not provide routine traffic enforcement of collisions on these roadways; - To expand their use will increase the likelihood of collisions and the associated dangers for drivers and pedestrians in Ottawa; - Raises many security and operational issues.

14. Police Service Comments: • Ottawa Police Services concerns specific to the Transitway from Ottawa River Parkway to Albert Street:- Potential traffic problems in the eventuality of a collision on the Transitway (Transitway is in a deep rock cut, rendering any emergency response very difficult); - In the case of a major collision, motorists would most likely block vehicular access to the scene and delay emergency services arrival; - Traffic backlogs at Booth Street and vehicles blocking it due to getting caught in the intersection against the traffic lights; and, - By not protecting the integrity of the Transitway, we are placing our broader community emergency response capability at risk for minimal traffic improvements.

15. Police Service Comments: • Ottawa Police Services concerns specific to the Transitway from the Ottawa River Parkway to Albert Street (Con’t):- Impact on ability of response to other collisions blocking Roadways; - Need to ensure Police Service has quick access to the downtown core during rush hour; and, - In the case of a major catastrophe, Police Services is concerned that it would be extremely difficult to get emergency assistance from the outer core inbound into the downtown area without the Transitway.

16. Legal / Risk Management Comments • City’s Insurer will not provide any liability coverage if automobiles driven by general public are permitted to travel on Transitway; • Any collisions on the Transitway will put City at risk to court action.

17. Use of Transitway by Automobiles (Con’t) Summary • With all the mentioned challenges, the net benefit of the road network is an additional capacity of 300-400 vehicles per hour into the inner core from both the east and west ends of the City for a total of 600-800 vehicles per hour; • Conclusion: Net benefit to commuters traffic is minimal. Risks are extremely high and compromises other mitigation measures that have better returns; • Recommendation:Do not open up any portion of the Transitway to commuter traffic.

18. 3. Free Parking Based on Number of Passengers Per Car Recommend discount coupons (automated machines) or parking tokens (regular parking lots) be provided for vehicles with 3 or more passengers between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.: - One dollar discount per person over 3 persons; - Parking lots 5 in the By Ward Market and City Hall implementation by Monday January 19; - All other municipal parking with the exception of Glebe and lot 4 in the market and Lansdowne Park will be rolling out the following week; - This will cease upon the termination of the OC Transpo strike - Unanimous support from BIA’s.

19. 4. Reviewing Parking Rates - Metered On Street Only Staff met with BIA’s on January 13, 2009 to explore options: • Q1: Do the BIA’s want the City to change / modify on street parking?A: Unanimous support from the BIA’s that all City parking meters and parking restrictions for meters should remain in service. • Q2: Do the BIA’s want changes to on street parking rates?A: Yes, unanimous support that parking rates be reduced from $3.00 to $2.50 per hour.

20. 4. Reviewing Parking Rates - Metered On Street Only Staff comments: On street parking rates can be reduced and will take approximately one week to implement. Estimated loss revenue is up to $20,000 per week (based on 2008);Cost to implement $20,000; Staff will work in partnership with BIA in messaging out; Rates will revert back to $3.00 at the end of the strike. Staff recommendation: That on street parking rates be reduced from $3.00 per hour to $2.50 per hour until the OC Transpo service disruption ends.

21. 5. Additional Parking & Stopping Regulations • Continuously monitoring: • - Arterial roadways for need to extend peak hour restrictions; • - Residential roadways to relax existing no-parking regulations (i.e. hospitals or employment centers); • No additional roadways identified at this time; • Staff are making minor adjustments for things such as school bus shuttle services, etc.; • All changes will be vetted through Ward Councillor prior to additions; • General Manager of Public Works has delegated authority.

22. 6. Increasing Pedestrian and Bike Mobility Pedestrian Mobility To identify integral pedestrian links for supplementary snow clearing during the strike period: • Availability of alternative routes • Estimated commuter demand • Origin / Destination • Directness of route • Additional benefits • Operational feasibility / challenges • Focus was on pedestrian movement into the core of the city.

23. Network Review Outcome of Analysis • 21 key segments identified; • Recommended Enhancements:- Experimental Farm from Merrivale to Maitland pathway for supplementary service at reduced standard;- Bank Street Bridge at Rideau Canal staircase to be winter maintained in the core.

24. All other pedestrian enhancements not recommended; • Pathways difficult to find under snow – no identifiable reliable survey; • Significant property damage:- Any deviation of clearing from paved surface will result in extensive damage property when travelled by pedestrians during sunny weather- City equipment and NCC furniture (benches, etc.); • Ice forming on pathway likely due to drainage issues resulting in intensive effort to maintain safe conditions; • Safety risk due to potential for slip and fall along lengthy pathways in remote areas, particularly during events;

25. Service availability challenges. Pathways typically have very limited entry and exit points and entire length of pathways has to be passable. Blowing snow may close / restrict access between passes causing significant inconveniences; • Alternative maintenance / grooming cross country skiing is a possibility and requires further investigation in partnership with the NCC.

26. 6. Increasing Pedestrian and Bike Mobility(Con’t) Cycling • Continuing with increased monitoring and maintenance of key cycling facilities; • Not recommending adding any new cycling facilities to be winter maintained as resources to provide expanded services cannot be guaranteed as capacity does not exist; • Added options to find bike and walking buddies to OttawaRideMatch.com; • Adding more prominent link to Wet and Cold Weather Cycling Information on Ottawa.ca.

27. 7. Staff Parking at City Hall • Staff are strongly encouraged to bring passengers with them; • A “Commuting / Carpooling” folder already exists in Outlook for all staff; • Communication has been sent to all staff to promote the existence of this tool and to encourage its usage.

28. 8. On Street Residential Monthly Permit Parking • Business Identity Card Annual Parking Permit not affected – allows for parking in no-parking or loading zones for 15 minutes • Affected permits: On-Street Residential, Consideration, and Visitor Parking • 641 permits issued as of January 8, 2009 Benefits: - Allows to park up to 48 hours in the same spot - Excluded from the winter overnight parking restrictionsCost: - Weekly: $12.75 plus GST - Monthly: $51 plus GST - Annual: $570 plus GST

29. 8. On Street Residential Monthly Permit Parking (Con’t) • Recommend fees be waived by 50% , (range from $6.38/week and $25.50/month; • Affected permits are those issued since the start of the transit strike or for future permits purchased until transit strike ends: • Permit continues to be a benefit to residents when winter overnight parking restrictions are in effect; • Ensures that only residents who meet criteria will continue to benefit; and • Ensures that snow clearing operations can be undertaken in the most efficient manner.

30. 8. On Street Residential Monthly Permit Parking (Con’t) • Total monthly impact - $ 16,500 per month (based on current number of permits issued); • For weekly and monthly permits, City will send refund to permit holders immediately; • For annual permit, City will send refund once strike is over and total amount can be determined; and, • No need for permit holders to apply for refund. Staff will send a letter to permit holders.

31. 9. Road 174 Staff have opened the 174 bus lanes for use by organized shuttles: • Using the same procedures as for existing intercity and commuter bus operations; • All drivers will be trained for Transitway and bus lane operations; • Organisations encouraged to contact the City (613 842-3600).

32. 9. Road 174 (Con’t) Staff do not recommend that general auto traffic be permitted to use the bus lanes for safety reasons: • Bus lanes are not continuous through interchanges; • Vehicles would have to shift lanes to get back in through lane in advance of off ramps; • Unfamiliarity of the bus lane and its termination points to drivers; • Inconsistent with the operation of the 417 bus lanes – other, almost identical, high speed facility within the City.

33. 9. Road 174 (Con’t) - During peak period would compromise the response times of emergency responders; - During off peak periods, lane changing and merging activities at high speeds can lead to serious collisions; - Public safety concerns could lead to liability potential in event of a serious collision in the bus lanes. Police Services • Ottawa Police does not support the use of the 174 transit lane.

34. 10. Use of Red & White Printed Signs for Ride Sharing • Legal opinion has been provided; • Not recommending we proceed with this initiative.

35. 11. Carpool Enhancements For Established Carpools: • Currently, signage is in place for carpool pick up on Albert and on Slater; • Will be adding pick-up locations signage at the four major Park & Ride lots; • These lots have been added as origin / destinations on OttawaRideMatch.com; • Plan to add other destinations from the Park & Rides lots to facilitate carpools.

36. 12. Additional Off-Street Parking • Additional Signage to 11 new Park & Ride lots to increase visibility and awareness • Additional parking lot utilization rates:- Park & Ride lots: 6.6 %- Free Off-Street lots: 5 %- Off-Street Paid lots: 85% • As occupancy rates at the 2 new Albert Street lots are increasing, we are opening a third parking lot adjacent to the two existing lots by the weekend • No other lots are proposed at this time due to low utilization rates.

37. 13. Para Transpo Service Enhancement • To offer additional car service for ambulatory Para Transpo customers; • As of January 19, 20 cars ready to be put in service; • Some vehicles to be assigned to support Community agencies to provide additional capacity to service those that have been impacted by the strike.

38. 14. December Transit Pass Reimbursement • Recommended strategy is to provide incentive to December pass holders to maintain them as customers; • The incentive will be the value of the pass that will be greater after service resumption (December pass will be valid for greater than the up to 22 days of lost service); • 80,000 OC Transpo December pass holders (incl. Fall Semester, Annual Adult); • Can refund the proportional value of the December bus passes for service not provided (amount of refund will depend of type of pass purchased – approximately $2.80 per day);

39. 14. December Transit Pass Reimbursement (Con’t) • To provide a refund on 22 days for all customers would be in excess of $5M; • Commencing this Thursday (January 15 ) four (4) Client Service Centres will able to process refunds; • December pass must be exchanged to receive refund, receipt will be provided for income tax purposes; • Automatic payroll deductions for Ecopass holders has been stopped and will not be resumed for an appropriate period after service resumes (this will vary by employer).

40. Questions? Thank you