|
Following the results of systems planning, project planning focuses on a specific transportation need (or set of needs) in a given metropolitan corridor or sub-area, identifies alternative actions to address these needs, and generates the information needed to select a preferred project for implementation. These activities are often collectively referred to as “alternatives analysis” and typically address such issues as costs, benefits, environmental and community impacts, and financial feasibility. Consequently, an alternatives analysis spans a wide range of technical disciplines, ranging from engineering to ridership forecasting to the natural and social sciences. Project planning continues beyond the selection of a preferred capital investment strategy (or “New Start” for fixed guideway transit projects funded, in part, through the discretionary FTA Section 5309 grant program) and into further refinement and analysis, including completion of federal environmental review requirements.
Projects eligible for New Starts (49 USC §5309) funding include any fixed guideway system which utilizes and occupies a separate right-of-way, or rail line, for the exclusive use of mass transportation and other high occupancy vehicles, or uses a fixed cantenary system and a right-of-way usable by other forms of transportation. This includes, but is not limited to, rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, automated guideway transit, people movers, and exclusive facilities for buses (such as bus rapid transit) and other high occupancy vehicles.
Targeted Technical Transportation Planning Assistance for New Starts FTA is soliciting requests from transit agencies and metropolitan planning organizations who anticipate conducting a transit alternative analysis (AA) within the next two to four years.
|
One of Sun Metro's new buses parked in front of the historic Union Passenger Station in El Paso, TX. Get more info at http://www.sunmetro.org.
|
