Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/09/2015 - Work Session

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Transit Overview The Town Center is designed to be `transit ready' in a variety of ways that go beyond providing a walkable public realm and connected street grid. The Master Plan also includes a multi- modal transit station, with dedicated commuter parking, integrated with other uses at the heart of the retail, restaurant and entertainment district. This station functions as a hub where local circulator transit comes together with regional transit service and the Northstar Corridor. This station is designed to meet the short term needs of the Northstar Commuter Coach service, and also the long term objectives for proposed commuter rail service in the future. Transit components include the following: • North Star Commuter Coach service provides peak period, peak direction bus service between downtown Minneapolis and Elk River • North Star Commuter Rail will provide train service between St. Cloud and downtown Minneapolis • 400 park and ride parking spaces are provided for commuters adjacent to the transit station • Pedestrian and bicycle connections are emphasized in the Master Plan as major links between the transit station, various districts within the Town Center and into the surrounding neighborhoods • The Town Center can accommodate Metro Mobility, citywide circulator bus or town trolley connections as part of local and regional service to the transit station The Town Center also uses a Travel Demand Management (TDM) program to both assist and encourage residents and visitors to take advantage of the various modes available for their commuting and travel needs. This TDM program draws from incentives and services available through Anoka County and Metro Commuter Services that match riders with carpools and vanpools, provide discounted transit passes and manage work hours among other functions. The Town Center will use a coordinator to manage the delivery of these services and to promote and market the TDM program. Guideline Recommendations Transit is an important component of the overall plan, with expectations for more ridership, using a greater range of transit options as they become available. More people, together with the mix of activities and amenities in the Town Center, encourages better designed, better connected transit service. It is a shared responsibility between city, county and developer to promote transit use, with both policy and bricks -and -mortar attention to the following guidelines: • Understand and take advantage of opportunities to use existing and proposed transit components • Provide transit related facilities specifically linked to uses and character within each Town Center district, including signage and lighting for way -finding and bicycle amenitiess Objectives The primary objective is to provide a balance of transit service, bicycle and pedestrian connections and lanes to move traffic. Guidelines for the Town Center promote public transportation as part of the solution and suggest a variety of street improvements and other amenities to invite increased use. Photographs on this page (and throughout these guidelines) suggest some of the many possibilities. 10 Ramsey Town Center Development Guidelines