METRO WESTSIDE/CENTRAL GOVERNANCE COUNCIL March 14, …boardarchives.metro.net/ServiceSectors/Westside... · metro westside/central governance council march 14, 2007 subject: proposed

METRO WESTSIDE/CENTRAL GOVERNANCE COUNCIL March 14, 2007

SUBJECT: PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES TO MTA WESTSIDE/CENTRAL SECTOR SERVICES

ACTION: APPROVE FINDINGS OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT

SERVICE CHANGE PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION

A. Approve the findings of the Public Hearing conducted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 regarding proposed service changes for June 2007 or later (Attachment A).

B. Adopt the June 2007 Service Change Program as outlined in this

report.

ISSUE On February 14, 2007 the Westside/Central Service Sector conducted a public hearing to consider public input before coming to the Governance Council with final recommendations for significant changes to the bus system. After considering public input, the June 2007 Service Change Program is intended to improve service quality by eliminating duplicative services, reducing route lengths, simplifying routes, eliminating non-productive service, and decreasing travel time through the implementation of Metro Rapid and Rapid Express services. OPTIONS The options to the staff recommendations are to either 1) adopt the June Service Change Program; or 2) modify and adopt any subset of the proposals. Staff recommends adoption of the program to improve efficiency of bus operations within the sector, and to ensure a balanced budget for next fiscal year. FINANCIAL IMPACT Staff is recommending a program that can be implemented within the FY 2008 operating budget. Attachment B outlines the revenue service hour and ridership impacts associated with the proposed changes.

BACKGROUND The June 2007 Service Change Program affects eight current routes and includes two new routes. One limited stop route will be replaced by Metro Rapid service, two routes will be shortened, two routes will be consolidated, limited stop service on one route will be expanded, service level on one route will be adjusted, service on one route will be discontinued, and one new Rapid Express route will be implemented. Public Outreach Process On January 10, 2007 the Metro Westside/Central Sector Governance Council approved a Notice of Public Hearing detailing proposed modifications to sector bus lines. The legal hearing notice was published in area newspapers the dates of which are on file with the MTA Board Secretary’s Office. Prior to the public hearing, notice of the hearing was electronically sent out to a sector community database of over 100 maintained by Community Relations. MTA Media Relations issued a press release on the hearing. Take One brochures were printed for placement on buses and rail lines. The information was also posted on Metro’s main website and service sector websites. The public hearing followed on February 14, 2007, at the La Cienega Tennis Center in Beverly Hills. Summary of Public Comment Approximately 21 people attended the public hearing. In total, comments were received from 36 individuals by the close of the public record on February 14, 2007. Ten individuals gave oral testimony at Westside/Central Sector; four individuals gave oral testimony at San Fernando Valley Sector; and twenty-two provided written comments. Fifteen comments supported the recommendations on Routes 16-316, 304, 704, and 920 (Rapid Express) without opposition. One comment supported and three comments opposed the consolidation of Routes 10 and 11. Two comments supported and eight opposed the Route 720 short-line at Westwood. A total of three comments supported, and thirteen comments opposed each of the Route 20-21 recommendations. SUMMARY OF REVISIONS TO SERVICE CHANGE PROPOSALS Considering public input and review of the proposals presented at the public hearing, staff recommends no changes to the original service program. Route 11 Original Proposal: Consolidate Routes 10 and 11. Discontinue

Route 11.

Route 16-316 Original Proposal: Extend limited stop service area to La Brea. Shorten route in downtown L.A. at 6th Street and Maple Avenue.

Route 20-21 Original Proposal: Shorten route 20 in the Westwood area and

discontinue Route 21. Route 304 Original Proposal: Replace limited-stop service with Metro Rapid

704. Route 704 Original Proposal: Implement new Rapid service on Santa Monica

Boulevard, replacing limited-stop Route 304 as previously approved by the MTA Board.

Route 720 Original Proposal: Implement short turns in Westwood and

downtown L. A. Route 920 Original Proposal: Implement Rapid Express service between

Wilshire/Vermont Red Line Station and Santa Monica as previously approved by the MTA Board.

NEXT STEPS With approval from the Sector Governance Council, staff will implement all changes effective June 24, 2007 or later. Attachment A: Summary of Public Comments and Staff Response Attachment B: Revenue Service Hour and Ridership Impacts Attachment C: Maps of Service Proposals Attachment D: Public Hearing Notice ___________________________________________ Mark Maloney General Manager – Metro Westside/Central Sector

ATTACHMENT A Summary of February 14, 2007 Public Hearing Findings/Comments/Staff Response for Proposed Westside/Central Service Sector Changes Effective June 24, 2007 or later Page 1 of 2

ROUTE NO. ROUTE NAME MTA PROPOSAL NUMBER OF

COMMENTS SUMMARY OF PUBLIC

COMMENTS AND ISSUES MTA RESPONSE

4-304

Santa Monica Blvd.

Replace Route 304 service with new Rapid Line 704. Discontinue Route 304. Retain Route 4 late night and owl service.

Support: 9 Oppose: 0

All comments support the replacement of Route 304 with new Rapid 704.

Implement recommendation as proposed and consistent with MTA Board approval of Santa Monica Rapid (704). The number of passengers traveling through Sepulveda is 1,877 (11%) on weekday, 1,621 (12%) on Saturday, and 1,387 (12%) on Sunday. Veteran Ave is the optimal location for transfer between local Route 4 and Santa Monica Line 1. New Rapid 704 will operate to Santa Monica and Santa Monica Line 1 provides local service from Westwood.

10-11 Melrose Ave. - Virgil Ave. - Temple St.

Consolidate Routes 10 and 11 to simplify service. Discontinue Route 11. Operate all trips as Route 10 via Hoover and Clinton Sts.

Support: 1 Oppose: 3

Two comments suggested discontinuing Route 10 rather than Route 11, which serves the Metro Red Line station.

Implement recommendation as proposed. The total average boardings on Route 10 segment are 583 (4%) on weekday, 249 (3%) on Saturday, and 230 (4%) on Sunday. In comparison, the total average boardings on Route 11 segment are 363(2%) on weekday, 109(1%) on Saturday and there is no service on Sunday.

16-316 W. 3rd St. Extend limited stop service area to La Brea Ave. Shorten service at 6th St. and Maple Ave.

Support: 2 Oppose: 0 Modify: 2 Support: 2 Oppose: 0

Support for limited stop service. Two comments suggested extending limited stop service to La Cienega.

Implement recommendation as proposed. Number of passengers traveling through Main St. is 821(5%) on weekday, 524(5%) on Saturday, and 501(6%) on Sunday. Alternative local service available on 5th/6th Sts. are Line 18, 53, and 62. Alternative service on 3rd/4th Sts. available on Montebello Line 40.

ATTACHMENT A Summary of February 14, 2007 Public Hearing Findings/Comments/Staff Response for Proposed Westside/Central Service Sector Changes Effective June 24, 2007 or later Page 2 of 2

ROUTE NO. ROUTE NAME MTA PROPOSAL NUMBER OF

COMMENTS SUMMARY OF PUBLIC

COMMENTS AND ISSUES MTA RESPONSE

20 21

Wilshire Blvd. – UCLA – Santa Monica

Shorten service from Main St./Pico Blvd. to Wilshire/Westwood Blvds. due to duplication with Santa Monica Line 2. Retain late night/owl service. Discontinue service to UCLA due to service duplication with Santa Monica 1, 2, 3, 4, 12 (weekend) Super 12(weekday), and Culver City Line 6.

Support: 1 Oppose: 13 Support: 2 Oppose: 11 Modify: 2

Oppose shortening of route due to transfer. Most comments opposed because speakers/ridersprefer direct service to UCLA. Of the 11 opposed, six stated that the proposal would affect them personally and five gave general comments opposing the proposal. Two comments suggested starting Route 21 at Wilshire/Vermont Station and extending to Getty Center.

The number of Route 21 passengers traveling through Westwood Village is 72 with 14 alighting and 9 boardings at Ackerman Loop. On Saturday the number is 50 with 17 alighting and 9 boarding at Ackerman Loop.

Implement recommendation as proposed. The number of passengers on Route 20 traveling past Westwood Blvd. is 891 (8%) on weekday, 876 (12%) on Saturday, and 829 (14%) on Sunday.

704 Sauta Monica Blvd Metro Rapid

Implement new Rapid service on Santa Monica. Discontinue Route 304 service.

Support: 9 Oppose: 0

All comments support the replacement of Route 304 with new Rapid 704.

Implement recommendation as proposed and previously approved by MTA Board.

720 920

Wilshire-Whittier Rapid Wilshire Rapid Express

Implement short turns in Westwood and Downtown Los Angeles. Implement new Rapid Express service between Santa Monica and Wilshire/Vermont Metro Red Line Station

Support: 2 Oppose: 8 Support: 2 Oppose: 0

Most comments opposed the implementation of short turn in Westwood. Support the new Rapid Express.

Implement recommendation as proposed, and as previously approved by MTA Board (920). In June 2006 all trips were through routed due to Consent Decree order. Service levels could be adjusted after one year. Boardings between Westwood and Santa Monica are approximately 13 to 16 percent, between Westwood and downtown LA are approximately 61 to 66 percent, and between downtown to Commerce are approximately 18 to 21 percent of total boardings.

ATTACHMENT B Revenue Service Hours and Ridership Impacts from Proposed Westside/Central Service Sector Changes Effective June 24, 2007 or later

ESTIMATED CHANGE IN REVENUE SERVICE HOURS

ESTIMATED RIDERSHIP IMPACT

ROUTE NO. ROUTE NAME MTA PROPOSAL Daily Saturday Sunday Daily Saturday Sunday 4-304 Santa Monica Blvd. Replace Route 304 service with new Rapid Line 704.

Discontinue Route 304. Retain Route 4 late night and owl service.

(280) (225) (160) 17,488 13,163 10,103

10-11 Melrose Ave. -Virgil Ave. - Temple St.

Consolidate Routes 10 and 11 to simplify service. Discontinue Route 11. Operate all trips as Route 10 via Hoover and Clinton Sts.

(0) (0) N/A 363 109 0

16-316 W. 3rd St. Extend limited stop service area to La Brea Ave. Shorten service at 6th St. and Maple Ave.

(15) (10) (10) 821 524 501

20-21 Wilshire Blvd. –UCLA – Santa Monica

Shorten service from Main St./Pico Blvd. to Wilshire/Westwood Blvds. due to duplication with Santa Monica Line 2. Retain late night/owl service. Discontinue service to UCLA due to service duplication with Santa Monica 1, 2, 3, 4, 12 (weekend) Super 12(weekday), and Culver City Line 6.

(27) (20) (15) 963 926 829

704 Sauta Monica Blvd Metro Rapid

Implement new Rapid service on Santa Monica. Discontinue Route 304 service.

280 225 160 15,611 11,542 8,716

720 920

Wilshire-Whittier Rapid

Implement short turns in Westwood and Downtown Los Angeles. Implement new Rapid Express service between Santa Monica and Wilshire/Vermont Metro Red Line Station

(195)

161

(28)

N/A

(20)

N/A

Fewer trips to Santa Monica Faster service

ATTACHMENT C

MAPS OF SERVICE PROPOSALS

JUNE 2005 SERVICE CHANGE PROGRAM

Line 4-304 – (Santa Monica Blvd.) Line 10-11 – (Melrose Ave.) Line 16-316 – (West 3rd St.) Line 20-21 – (Wilshire Blvd. – UCLA – Santa Monica) Line 704 – (Santa Monica Rapid) Line 720 – (Wilshire Rapid) Line 920 – (Wilshire Rapid Express)

Metro Connections Routes 10-11Consolidate routes 11 and 10 to simplify service.

Proposed discontinue route segment

Route 11 - Proposed discontinued route segment

Route 10

Legend

Metro Connections Line 16-316 Shorten service at 6th St. and Maple Ave. Extend limited Stop service to La Brea

Proposed discontinued route segment

Proposed new eastern terminal

Proposed extended limited service

Legend

Proposed limited stops

Metro Connections Line 20-21

Shorten Route 20 service at Wilshire/Westwood Blvds. Discontinue Route 21

Proposed discontinued segment Route 20

Legend

Proposed discontinued Route 21

Metro Rapid 704Shorten Route 20 service at Wilshire/Westwood Blvds. Discontinue Route 21

Legend

Line 4-304Replace Route 304 with Rapid 704

Metro Rapid 720

Implement short turns in Westwood and Downtown LA. Implement Rapid Express between Santa Monica and

Wilshire/Vermont Red Line Station

LegendProposed Rapid Express stops

ATTACHMENT D

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will hold five public hearings in February 2007 to receive community input on proposed modifications to Metro’s bus services. Approved changes will become effective June 24, 2007 or later. Details of the hearing dates, times, and locations are listed at the end of this notice. The upcoming public hearings are being held in conformance with federal public hearing requirements outlined in Section 5307 (d) 1 of Title 49 U.S.C., and public hearing guidelines adopted by the MTA’s Board of Directors in 1993, as amended. Listed below are the service proposals to be considered at the hearings, and the respective service sectors that will host the public hearings. In general, the proposed modifications will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the public transportation system through a better use of resources. The public can attend any of these hearings and comment on proposals of interest to them.

METRO WESTSIDE/CENTRAL SERVICE SECTOR

LINE/

ROUTE LINE NAME PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGE

4-304 Santa Monica Blvd. Replace Line 304 service with new Rapid Line 704. Discontinue Line 304.

10-11-48

Melrose Ave.- Virgil Ave. - Vermont Ave. - Temple St. -San Pedro St.

Consolidate Lines 10 and 11 to simplify service. Discontinue Line 11.

16-316 W. 3rd St. Extend Line 316 limited stop service area to La Brea Ave. Shorten route of Lines 16 & 316 in downtown L.A. at 6th St. and Maple Ave.

20-21 Wilshire Blvd. - UCLA - Santa Monica

Shorten Line 20 service at Wilshire Blvd. and Veteran Ave. Discontinue Line21.

New 704

Santa Monica Blvd. Metro Rapid Implement new Rapid service on Santa Monica Blvd.

720 Wilshire - Whittier Implement short turns in Westwood and Downtown Los Angeles. Implement New Rapid Express service between Santa Monica and Wilshire/Vermont Metro Red Line Station.

Metro Public Hearing Notice (Continued)

2

METRO SOUTH BAY SERVICE SECTOR

LINE/

ROUTE LINE NAME PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGE

115 Manchester – Firestone Cancel service west of Sepulveda Bl. and replace with extended Line 625 (Green Line Shuttle World Way West)

119/126 108th St. – Manhattan Beach Bl. Cancel service. Alternatives include Line 117 (Century Bl) and Line 120 (Imperial Hwy)

120/121 Imperial Highway Make permanent current demonstration project to restructure service as two separate routes

124 El Segundo Bl. Cancel service. Alternatives include Line 125 (Rosecrans Av) and the Metro Green Line

202 Willowbrook - Compton– Wilmington

Cancel service. Alternatives include the Metro Blue Line, the Hahn Trolley, Compton Renaissance, and Line 205 (Wilmington Av)

214 Artesia Transit Center-Harbor Green Line via Broadway/Main St

Cancel service on Broadway. Continue service on Main St and extend to Western Av and Imperial Hwy via El Segundo Bl.

305 Crosstown Bus Cancel service north of Pico Bl. Alternatives include Line 550 (W. Hollywood-San Pedro) and Line 2/302 (Sunset Bl)

442 Hawthorne – Inglewood – Los Angeles Express

Cancel service. Alternatives include Line 315 (Manchester Limited), Line 740 (Hawthorne Metro Rapid) and the Harbor Transitway

445 Los Angeles - San Pedro Express Consider converting some peak hour trips to faster service via Line 455X

455X 7th/Metro – Harbor Beacon Park-Ride Super Express

Consider new peak hour service with one stop at Harbor Metro Green Line Station

622 Late Night Service Cancel service

625 Green Line Shuttle World Way West

Extend to Playa del Rey to replace Line 115 west of Sepulveda Bl.

710 Crenshaw – Vine Metro Rapid Cancel service north of Wilshire Bl. on Rossmore Av. and Vine St. and reroute to new northern terminal at Wilshire-Western Metro Red Line Station. Alternative service to Hollywood via Line 210 (Vine-Crenshaw Local) or Line 757 (Western Metro Rapid)

Metro Public Hearing Notice (Continued)

3

METRO SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SERVICE SECTOR

LINE/ ROUTE LINE NAME PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGE

90/91 LA-Sylmar via Foothill Bl Shorten northern terminal at Foothill and Fenwick in Sunland; Remainder of route proposed to be served by new Line 290.

92 L.A. - Burbank via Glenoaks Bl Shorten northern terminal at Downtown Burbank Station; Remainder of route proposed to be served by new Line 292.

154 Burbank Bl-Oxnard St Cancel midday and Saturday service; Reallocate resources to relieve overcrowding on major corridors.

155 Universal City Station-Downtown Burbank Station via Alameda Av

Cancel late night and weekend service; Reallocate resources to relieve overcrowding on major streets

168 Lassen St-Paxton St Cancel service; Reallocate resources to relieve overcrowding on major corridors.

183 Magnolia Bl.-Kenneth Rd.-Chevy Chase Dr.

Shorten eastbound terminal at Alameda Avenue and San Fernando Road in Glendale and reroute service via San Fernando Rd and Verdugo Avenue to Downtown Burbank or Downtown Burbank Station.

239 White Oak Av-Zelzah Av-Rinaldi St

Cancel midday and weekend service; Reallocate resources to relieve overcrowding on major corridors.

New Line 290

Sylmar-Sunland via Foothill Bl. Proposed new line operating between Olive View Medical Center and Mt. Gleason loop in Sunland, replacing the northern segment of former Lines 90/91.

New Line 292

Sylmar-Burbank via Glenoaks Bl. Proposed new line operating between Olive View Medical Center and Downtown Burbank Station, replacing segment of Line 92 operating north of Downtown Burbank.

656 Panorama City-Downtown LA Owl Shorten owl at Santa Monica and Highland Av.

Study Express

Line

Tri-City Transit Link Express

Proposed new express line to operating between North Hollywood Red/Orange Line Station and Pasadena Gold Line with two in-route stops, one in Burbank (Media District) and the other in Glendale (off of -134- freeway)

METRO SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SERVICE SECTOR

LINE/

ROUTE LINE NAME PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGE

170 El Monte-Montebello via Rush St & Walnut Grove Av

Cancel line and replace with modification to Line 287

Metro Public Hearing Notice (Continued)

4

176 El Monte-Glassell Park via Mission

Discontinue service between Highland Park Station and Glassell Park. Establish western terminal near the Highland Park Gold Line Station. Remove Line 176 service from Ave. 50, El Paso Dr. and Division Street.

260/361

Altadena-North Long Beach via Fair Oaks Av & Atlantic Bl

Discontinue Line 260/361 service between Atlantic Av and Alondra Bl. Consider establishing southern terminal at Atlantic Ave and Alondra Bl.

287 El Monte-Sierra Madre Villa Station

Extend to Montebello Towne Ctr via Ramona, Tyler, Rush, Rosemead, Garvey, Walnut Grove, Rush, San Gabriel to Montebello Towne Ctr.

684 Pomona-Brea via Holt Bl & Diamond Bar Bl

Cancel line due to low ridership.

686 Arroyo Parkway-North Allen Av Consider combining with Line 687. Line numbers to remain the same. Service proposed to operate via Los Robles, Colorado, Fair Oaks, Glenarm, Raymond, Colorado,and Allen.

687 Altadena-Pasadena via Los Robles Av & Fair Oaks Av

See Line 686 for details

751 Cypress Park-Lynwood via Soto St & Long Beach Bl

Establish southern terminal at Palm Pl in South Gate. Service south of South Gate to Lynwood replaced by new Rapid Line 760. Improve peak service to every 10 minutes.

METRO GATEWAY CITIES SERVICE SECTOR

LINE/

ROUTE LINE NAME PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGE

60/360 Long Beach-downtown Los Angeles-via Long Beach Bl & Santa Fe Av

Restructure line due to start-up of new Rapid Bus Line 760. Line 60 to operate between Artesia Blue Line Station and downtown Los Angeles. Service south of Artesia Bl proposed to be replaced by Long Beach Transit Line 51.Owl service continued to Long Beach Mall by MTA or Long Beach Transit. Limited- stop Line 360 discontinued.

65 Los Angeles-City Terrace via Washington Bl-Indiana St & Gage Av

Cancel line due to excessive duplication. Eastern segment replaced by extending Line 254 over affected segment to CSLA; western segment proposed to be replaced by Montebello Line 50.

254 Watts-Boyle Heights via Maie Av, Boyle Av & Lorena St

Modify northern route to take over segment of Line 65 from 1st St to Cal State LA. Consider adding Sunday service. Alternative service on Lorena St provided by Line 605; Line 68 on Cesar Chavez Av.

Metro Public Hearing Notice (Continued)

5

265 Lakewood-Montebello via Paramount Bl

Discontinue route between Montebello Mall and Pico Rivera due to low productivity. Northern route to end in Pico Rivera at Washington Bl and Durfee Rd. Increase peak hour headways on weekdays to every 30 minutes.

275 Cerritos-Whittier via Artesia Bl-Valley View Av & Carmenita Rd

Discontinue route due to low productivity.

577X Long Beach-El Monte-Norwalk Express

Extend route to serve the Long Beach Transit Mall. Service proposed to operate in limited-stop mode via 7th St, Atlantic Ave and 1st St. Eliminate night service after 8 pm; consider midday reductions due to low ridership.

760 Downtown Los Angeles-Long Beach Bl Rapid Bus

Operate new rapid bus line over route of local Line 60 seven days a week. South terminal to be established at the Artesia Blue Line Station.

LOCATIONS AND DATES OF SECTOR PUBLIC HEARINGS SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SECTOR GATEWAY CITIES SECTOR February 7, 2007, 6:30 PM February 8, 2007, 5 PM Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center The Gas Company 6262 Van Nuys Bl. 9240 Firestone Bl. Van Nuys Downey SOUTH BAY SECTOR SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SECTOR February 9, 2007, 9:30 AM February 12, 2007, 6 PM Carson Community Center SGV Sector Office 801 Carson St 3369 Santa Anita Av Carson El Monte

WESTSIDE/CENTRAL SECTOR February 14, 2007, 5 PM La Cienega Tennis Center 325 So. La Cienega Bl. Beverly Hills

Additional details about these proposals will be available for public review after January 23, 2007. To obtain this information contact the address listed below, or visit your nearest Metro customer relations center. Information can also be accessed at: www.metro.net These proposals may be approved in whole or in part at a date following the public hearings. Approved changes may also include other alternatives derived from public comment. Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend the upcoming hearings and provide testimony on any service change proposal (public comments will not be restricted to just the bus routes operating in one geographical area). All public comment received will be forwarded to the responsible Sector Governance Council to be

Metro Public Hearing Notice (Continued)

6

considered prior to taking action on the service change proposals. Persons unable to attend the hearings may submit written testimony postmarked through February 14, 2007. All written testimony should be addressed to:

Metro Customer Relations One Gateway Plaza, 99PL4

Los Angeles, CA 90012-2932 Attn: Service Changes June 2007

Comments can also be sent via e-mail with Service Changes June 2007 as the subject to:

[email protected] at: 213-922-6988

Upon request, foreign language translation, sign language interpretation, materials in alternative formats and other accommodations are available to the public for MTA-sponsored meetings and events. All requests for reasonable accommodations must be made at least three working days (72 hours) in advance of the scheduled meeting date. Please telephone (213) 922-4600 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.