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This study aims to identify the transportation needs of residents, employers, and visitors in Daphne, Fairhope, and Spanish Fort. With a projected 29% population increase and growing traffic congestion, the study proposes financially feasible recommendations. By engaging community members through public meetings and stakeholder interviews, the study emphasizes the need for improved public transit services that operate all day, enhance connectivity, and accommodate various commuting patterns. Key findings highlight the necessity for shuttle services, safer pedestrian access, and effective marketing strategies to foster transit usage.
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Eastern ShorePublic Transit Study Gresham Smith & Partners McDonald Transit Associates February 2008
Purpose of the Study • Identify transportation needs for residents, employers, and visitors in the cities of Daphne, Fairhope, and Spanish Fort • Develop financially feasible recommendations to meet those needs
Background • County population projected to increase by 29% • In the three cities: • 35% increase in population over 10 years • 35% increase in traffic congestion over 10 years • Traffic and population growing at 3% each year
Pending Improvements • New bridge crossing at I-10 • Widening SR 181/CR 27 • Widening CR 13
AutoOwnership % of Households with <1 available automobile
Public Meetings • 65 attendees at 3 meetings • Generally supportive of public transit • Need good marketing efforts • Need to change people’s mindsets to get them to ride • Service would need to be all day, not just 8 to 5 • Must engage employers
Public Meetings • Need connectivity; emphasis on sidewalks and bicycle access • Roads need to be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists • Discussion about various funding ideas • Need service for commuters to Mobile, Pensacola • Need ferry service across bay • Must be reasonably priced
Stakeholder Interviews • Few of the transportation needs are being met today • Service not available all day or in evenings • There is a need for transit service because of: • Aging population • Cost of fuel • Congestion • Tourism
Stakeholder Interviews • Service should be provided to all major employers, shopping areas, medical centers, Mobile, Pensacola • Many barriers, including; • How to get funding • Community perception of transit • Large area with little density • Lack of interest in public transportation
Stakeholder Interviews • Most do not see enough support for a local tax to fund transit service • Need for public transit services will increase • Do not see a parking problem, with exception of Downtown Daphne • BRATS had mixed reviews; generally seen as not adequate to meet needs
Baylinc Rider Survey • Conducted by BRATS January 2008 • 20 respondents • 45% use Baylinc 5 days/week • 45% use it 3-4 days/week • 100% use service to/from work • 15% (3) needed to transfer • Some comments on comfort of vehicles (more leg room, temperature) • Requested additional trips
BRATS • Demand-response based system • Provides fixed route service from specific sites with timed transfers to other parts of county • Monday through Friday 6 a.m.-6 p.m. • Special contract service on weekends • Efficient mode for large employer transportation (drop off at one location)
Service Options • Based on analysis and input develop list of possible services • Take an evolving approach • Be specific enough now to engage public in next round of meetings • Present in unbiased way
OPTION A • Enhance BRATS • Increase number of vehicles serving area • Add more trips to Baylinc • Maintain demand response and subscription basis of service
OPTION B • Enhance BRATS • Add carpool and vanpool program • Work through SARPC • Carpool matching first • Vanpools as demand warrants • Work closely with employers
OPTION C • Enhance BRATS • Add carpool and vanpool program • Add bus routes • Six days a week to start • At least 12 hours per day • Full size bus on Route 1 • Small buses on all other routes
BUS ROUTES • Enhanced Baylinc • 3 trips in rush hours • 1 trip every 2 hours during the day • Connection to all other Eastern Shore routes and BRATS
ROUTE 1 • Highway 98 Spanish Fort to Fairhope • 30 minute frequency • 6:00 am to 8:00 pm • Monday through Saturday • Timed transfers at Thomas Hospital
ROUTE 2 • Daphne Local • 6:00 am to 8:00 pm • Monday through Saturday • Sixty minute frequency • Positive connection with Route 1 at Park and Highway 98
ROUTE 3 • Fairhope East West Resort • Marriot Grand - downtown Fairhope – Thomas Hospital • Sixty minute frequency • 6:00 am to 8:00 pm • Monday through Saturday • Positive connection at hospital – Route 1 and 4
ROUTE 4 • Fairhope – North South Local • Sixty minute frequency • 6:00 am to 8:00 pm • Monday through Saturday • Positive connection at hospital – Route 1 and 4
Next Steps • Finish BRATS customer survey • Complete stakeholder interviews • Develop order of magnitude funding scenarios • Develop conceptual patronage estimates
Next Steps • Take final options to public meetings • Fine tune recommendations • Develop implementation plan • Final report to the Chamber