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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTrans 2016-08-15 Item 2D - Update - Transit Network Plan UpdatePublic Works Department - Bob Giberson, Director TO: Transportation Committee FROM: Bob Giberson, Public Works Director BY: Cyndy Knighton, Senior Program Manager CC: Mayor Ekberg DATE: August 12, 2016 SUBJECT: Transit Network Plan Update Project No. 91510409 ISSUE Update on the Transit Network Plan and present the draft document for discussion. BACKGROUND Allan Ekberg, Mayor The Transit Network Plan was first developed and adopted in 2005 as part of a larger update to the Transportation Element Update. In 2012, the City updated the Transportation Element again, but did not update the Transit Network Plan. PSRC strongly suggested that the City update the Transit Network Plan during their certification review of the latest Transportation Element. Nelson \Nygaard was retained to update the Transit Network Plan in July 2015. One key focus for this update was identifying transit needs for Tukwila's diverse population and develop strategies to improve residential access to public transportation. To gather this information, there was a large public outreach element which included: an online survey translated into multiple languages; face -to -face meetings with employers, organizations and groups representing the traditionally underserved population; and a pop -up open house held at the Saars grocery store on Tukwila International Boulevard with interpreters in five languages. Another key focus for the City was to have updated data, vision, and policy direction on public transit, particularly to support the City's interest in regional long range transit plans under development for both King County Metro and Sound Transit. The ongoing work developed for this Transit Network Plan, including the details of the local transit needs discovered during the extensive public outreach efforts, have been provided to both Metro and Sound Transit as part of the formal comments provided to both agencies. DISCUSSION The draft Transit Network Plan has been completed and reviewed by City staff. It is a comprehensive document intended to set a clear direction for transit in Tukwila for the next 10 years and recommends short -term actions to improve transit service for the entire City. In general, Tukwila has good transit service, but that doesn't mean there is no room for improvements. The document identifies service and policy recommendations as well as capital improvements that should be considered by Council for inclusion in the Plan. The next step for this draft Transit Network Plan, after consideration by the Transportation Committee, is to go back out to the public and solicit feedback regarding the conclusions and recommendations included in the draft Plan. Public comments on the plan will be solicited from the general public, elected officials, and outside agencies. A second pop -up open house at the Saars grocery store will be held as well as a scheduled open house at a location to be determined. After the public input round, revisions to the draft plan will be made and the final version will be presented to Council for consideration. The final adoption of the Transit Network Plan update will be done via a resolution. FINANCIAL IMPACT None. The update is part of the current project scope and budget. RECOMMENDATION Information and discussion only. Attachments: Draft Transit Network Plan provided earlier under separate cover [cal WAPW Eng \PROJECTS\A- RW & RS Projects \Transit Network Plan Update (91510409) \Design \Plan Documents \INFO MEMO Draft Plan to TC 08 -12 -16 gl sb.docx