Streetcar Workshop Denver CO September 27, 2007 Keith Jones Regional Transit Planning Manager URS Corporation
Betting On River Rail Streetcar
Since Opening Day of 2004, within two blocks of Phase 1 and Phase 2 2 More than $350 million in new construction and major renovation has been started *Excludes $180 million Clinton Presidential Library *Excludes $100 million Heifer International Headquarters
1998 Feasibility Study Goals Downtown mobility-extend walking distance Support tourism, focus economic development. Connect with our history Build support for total transit system.
Historic Connection
Phase 1 Opened Nov 2004 2.5 miles of track and overhead wire, 3 cars, one Trolley Barn
400,000 Riders and Counting
Monthly Ridership Jan-May 2006 Jan-May 2007 25000 21300 20000 15804 15000 13364 13954 12451 12600 2006 2007 10000 5853 5850 5000 3800 4389 0 jna feb mar apr may
Phase 2 Opened Feb 2007 4,500 feet of track, 2 more cars
Total Cost of Phase One: $20.5 million Total Cost of Phase 2: $7.5 million
Phase 1 and Phase 2
Developers on River Rail We felt the first thing to do would be to develop along the planned rail system and grow from there. It connects Little Rock and North Little Rock so it breaks down that barrier automatically. It s s more than a contributing factor. It identifies and gives a sense of place to the area. Paul Esterer,, First Security Vanadis
First Security Vanadis 2002 2003 2006
Developers on River Rail Jimmy Moses, developer of two high-rise condos worth $150 million, a hotel, apartments, other commercial properties on the streetcar line: It s s by design. It really is a link for the major anchors now, so it s s easy to see why that would make a good location to build housing
Moses Tucker Developments
Developers on River Rail It just made sense to be in the middle of all the things there. The streetcar is one piece of the puzzle. John Gilbert, Senior VP of Bormasado Group, Houston TX The job of the streetcar is to animate downtown Jimmy Moses
Bormasado Development 260 Units
River Rail Streetcar Line Phase 1 Opened November 2004 2.5 miles of track, 3 replica cars, maintenance facility Cost including Design and CM: $20.5 Million $8.2 Million Per Mile
River Rail Streetcar Line Phase 1 Opened November 2004 2.5 miles of track, 3 replica cars,maintenance facility Cost including Design and CM: $20.5 Million $8.2 Million Per Mile Phase 2 Opened February 2007 4500 of track to Clinton Presidential Library Cost including Design and CM: $7.5 Million $8.8 Million Per Mile
Funding-Phase 1 80% Federal-- --$16.5 Million New Starts STP Flex TEA 21 HHP Livable Communities-streetscape/poles streetscape/poles FHWA TCSP-
Funding-Phase 2 80% Federal New Starts
- Operating Cost and Revenue Operating Cost $550,000 for 2006 Approx $68/hour Operating Revenue $62,000
Fares Fare = 50 cents 25 cents for grandparents and grandkids
Transit is an expensive way to collect coins..
Economic Development Major Projects 18 floor condominium tower, opening this fall-$75m 20 floor condominium tower, opening 2009-$80 M 8 floor Hampton Inn Hotel, opening 2009-$20 M 7 floor Doubletree Condomium Project-$35M 260 Unit Enclave Development-$25 M Arkansas History Center-$22 M Creghan Irish Pub/Offices-$20M Arkansas Travelers Ballpark-$35 M Capital Hotel Renovation-$40 M
Economic Development
Economic Development
Community enthusiasm Multiplier of Tourist Activities Adopted as a Regional And Downtown Icon Enhance special events e.g. Clinton Library opening Riverfest, concerts, other ar events
Small TOD 60 units
Small Delays Small Construction Impact 2 weeks, 2 blocks of track
Maintenance
Streetscape,Decorative Poles Lighting
How do you get to Opening Day?
TIMELINE Idea-1995 First Earmark 1996 Feasibility Study-1998 Prelim Engineering 98-2000 Env.. Assessment- Peer Review Final Design 2000-2002 2002 Value Engineering Construction Began Late 2002 Track Construction May 2003 Opening Day Nov 2004
Vision Continuity of Political Leadership
You Must Have-- Vision Leadership Consensus Transit Agency Transit Riders Business & Property Interests Community Advocates Neighborhood Groups City Other Governments Public Opinion Tourism & Hotels Federal Transit Administration Developers and Investors
Workable Concept Technical Organization Financial Plan Perserverance Thick Skin Luck
You Must Overcome Bus Versus Rail Argument Outside Hired Opponents Federal Policies Ridership Experts:
www.cat.org keith_ jones@urscorp.com URS 515 Houston Street Fort Worth TX 76102