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#SystemReimagining work moves forward with development of schedules. |
The METRO Board of Directors approved - in principle - the revamp of the local bus system today.
The move is not final approval of System Reimagining but authorizes staff to move forward with developing schedules for the massive undertaking while reviewing concerns brought forth today by community members and elected officials.
"We are authorizing the staff to get to a greater level of detail and that greater level of detail will actually allow us to better understand the issues that we have before us," said METRO Board Member Christof Spieler.
Board Member Jim Robinson offered a revised motion during today's board meeting, asking staff to further study impacts of the plan such as the elimination of some routes and implementation of Flex Zones. Staff will also work with the public, bus operators and elected representatives, and present recommendations to the METRO Board in November.
TRANSIT REIMAGINING
The goal of System Reimagining is straightforward: make the system easier to use, easier to understand and easier to access.
METRO took on the challenge of rethinking its bus network last summer. It was a multi-step process that included defining goals, drafting a plan based on the goals, and a public outreach period that generated more than 1,100 comments that led to the plan's refinement.
COLOR-CODED NETWORKS
The 5-year transit plan features the "Red Network" - a huge transformation and benefit to METRO customers who can do without a schedule with service running every 15 minutes or better. Under the "Blue Network," customers can expect a bus every 16-30 minutes, while the "Green Network" would provide service ranging from 31-60 minutes.
(Left to right: existing versus reimagined network map)
 OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Frequent service seven-days-a-week
- Reduced wait time at bus stops
- Simpler routes with updated numbering for improved navigation
- Stronger connections between bus and expanding rail network
System Reimagining extends the transit reach with its greatly improved frequent access, connecting a million people to a million jobs. Under the modified project plan, 94 percent of METRO's current customers will still be able to access the same bus stop they use today.
NEXT STEPS
The METRO Board will be briefed on System Reimagining in its regularly scheduled October and November meetings. Roll out of the plan is projected for June 2015.
For more on #SystemReimagining, click here.
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