Agenda - Council - 01/27/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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m m [] [] [] m [lusta!nabi.e transm:t facilities Transit fa oil/ties, passenger -service centers and mass transit waiting areas in the suburban market' have historically been composed of small bus shelters, undesirable remnant land for Park and Ride sites with a general lack of identity, safety and security. The Burnsviile Transit Station (Minnesota, USA) has changed this stereotype and brought vitality, passenger comfort and convenience, and an economic stability to the suburban mass transit marketplace The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (IVlVTA), a suburban ~ransit authority providing ext~ress commuter and local transit service for six Minneapolis/ St. Paul suburban communities, has recently opened the, Burnsville Transit Station as a star.of-the-art transit facility ~5 miles south of the city of The recently opened:Burneville Transit station (above) interior and exterior Minneapolis, Minnesota. Some two years in the master planning and design process, the Burnsville Transit Station seeks to create a strong and stable image for bus transit, somethinf~ that has been sorely lacking with this old and cumbersome vehicle. Planning The MVTA commissioned' LSA Design Inc., as landscape architecture, architec- ture, and planning consultant in 2993 to provide planning and design services for a fully integrated mixed-use transit facility; the first of its kind in r~he state. By utiliz- int~ the land surrounding the station for transit-compatible private development, revenues from retail/commercial/hous- lng land sales as well as shared parl<int~ leases can be used to operate and main- tain the transit facility, This revenue stream will then allow the already short operations funds to I~e used to increase transit service instead of maintainin§ public facilities. LSA Design developed the conceptual site plan and designed the transit facility' building to exemplify the US Federal Transi( Administration's 'Livable Communities' concept by: · enhancing community linkages through transit and pedestrian projects; · blending compatible land uses with tzansit to reduce dependence on automobile and generate revenues to sustain the facility; · developing mixed-use neighborhoods; · enhancing safety and security at transit facilities; · managing parking to conserve space requirements; · promoting full community participa- tion in the development and deci- sion-making processes. The MVTA has been experiencin!~ 10 to 25 per cent growth in its yearly transit ridership. The ridership profile is generally office/professional-based with employ- merit in city center areas. Suburban commuter transit is a viable alternative to driving due primarily to congested freeways aiqd high costs of parking in the downtown area, The construction of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and bus by-pass lanes throughout this metro TC-RMIN,-%L