2017-10-10 Transportation and Infrastructure Minutes

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Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Minutes October10, 2017 D. Metro Customer Parking Options at Interurban Avenue South and 52' Avenue South Staff updated the Committee on two new permit programs for King County Metro customers desiring to park at Interurban Avenue South and 52nd Avenue South. Applications are now open for groups of two or more commuters carpooling together three days a week for free permits at the Tukwila Park & Ride operated by Metro. This is part of an expanded pilot project that started in 2017 to alleviate parking congestion throughout the County. The Tukwila Park & Ride is typically at 90% capacity or above by 9 a.m. so it has been included in the pilot expansion. The other new program is at the privately -owned lot across the street, which is now operated by Diamond Parking. Users can purchase a monthly permit at a rate of $85.50, or around $4 per weekday, with the first month free. Although Metro launched this program with federal funding, the rates at various lots were determined by Diamond based upon the local market. Metro's role now is in promoting this option to its customers. Staff also referenced two comment letters sent to two Councilmembers. One was in regard to the cost at the Diamond lot, considering it to be too high. The other referenced poor lighting for those drivers who park on the street along 52nd Avenue South. Councilmembers and staff discussed the comments. Councilmember Duffie noted that the Council has heard from a woman in a wheelchair regarding the dangerous route down to the bus stop. Staff agreed to check the area to verify what signs are currently posted and if it is still clear that there is a 4- hour time limit during daytime hours. Chair Kruller asked about feasibility of implementing a zoned parking permit lottery program for Tukwila resident commuters. Violators could be reported to a contracted towing company. Staff replied that the municipal code does include a provision for permit parking but it is not currently implemented anywhere. Councilmember Robertson mentioned that there would be administrative costs to consider among competing budget priorities. He is also curious how many people currently violate the time limit. Chair Kruller stated that she would raise this during a Council meeting to see if there is consensus to ask staff to evaluate such a program. Regarding the issue of poor lighting, Committee members asked staff to look into working with Seattle City Light on an improvement. Chair Kruller also suggested that there may be ADA related funding available to help with sidewalk mobility issues for commuters. DISCUSSION ONLY. E. Speed Cushion Pilot Project Implementation Criteria The Committee previously requested that staff develop implementation criteria for traffic calming features such as speed cushions and radar speed display signs in preparation for potential funding in future budget cycles. A speed cushion pilot program was implemented on South 160th Street this year and residents and Councilmembers have been very interested to know how that street was selected over other problem areas in the City. Staff restated that the engineering criteria typically used to justify traffic calming efforts are speeding, accidents, and volumes. Other factors can include population density, school routes, pedestrian facilities, transit routes, or other specific characteristics. Mobile radar signs have been placed at various points around the City and staff has developed a tracking methodology to record average speeds, accident history and other factors discussed with the Committee. Chair Kruller reminded staff that the specific request was for a schedule, workplan and budget for the Council to consider. She reasserted that residents are concerned about the location of South 160th St for the pilot. Staff will return with the requested details to the Committee meeting on October 24. DISCUSSION ONLY.