Agenda - Council - 07/27/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Technical Memorandum #1: General Transit Demand Study April 2004 It should be noted that these figures are for the year 2000. As the population and employment in Ramsey continues to grow, and as transit service becomes more accessible and attractive, so too will the number of local transit users. Part II1: Short Term Transit Needs Based on our demand estimates, we believe that the short term (next 5 years) demand for local transit service in Ramsey is relatively Iow. In order for a local transit service to be successful, it must generate adequate walk-up ridership based on population, commercial and employment density. Although there are a significant number of large employers along the Industry Avenue corridor east of the RTC site, we do not believe that Ramsey currently has an adequate population density to support a productive local transit network at this time. Currently, the most promising area for local transit service in Ramsey is the southeast corner where population density is the highest. As the RTC develops'and becomes a major commercial and employment hub in the area, however,.v~e believe that the need for various types of local transit services will increase. These transit services could include shuttle or circulator routes specifically within the. Ramsey Town Center development, a reverse commute shuttle serving major employers in Ramsey or local service throughout the city that connects the RTC with other parts of Ramsey and Anoka County. Current Transit Facility Needs While we do not believe that there is a strong need for transit services in Ramsey at this time, it is important to ensure that there are adequate transit facilities set aside now for needs that will arise in the future. It is assumed for the purposes of this report that the inclusion of a park and ride and transit station in the Ramsey Town Center (RTC) would result in a stop for the Northstar Commuter Coach. The following section discusses some the future needs of both the park. and ride and transit center. Park and Ride It is most important to ensure that there are adequate park and ride stalls available near the proposed commuter rail station (also the location of a commuter coach stop). As presented earlier, we believe that there will be a future demand for as many as 250-300 parking spaces required for park and ride users in Ramsey by 2020. It is important to note that this estimate could increase or decrease depending on the frequency and type of transit service. Transit will be much more attractive if it runs frequently and when it is most needed. The demand for transit service may also fluctuate depending on the growth that actually occurs in Ramsey by 2020. In general, the park and ride facility should be located adjacent to the proposed commuter rail station and provide easy pedestrian access to the rail station and/or commuter coach stop. Because park and ride users require parking during the traditional work hours of 8a~r~pm, Monday through Friday the ideal location for the park and ride is near the pr~pose~i:~i~ma where parking could most effectively be shared ?;'L.~ ;? Transit Center ~t:t :;~'i,~: ' ;~ Although there may not be local transit service in the RTC in the Short term, it is expected that the Northstar Commuter Coach will stop in the RTC if a park and ride facility is provided. To accommodate the Commuter Coach, it would be important to develop a transit center adjacent to the park and ride that includes a boarding/deboarding area, passenger waiting .area, bench and information about the Northstar Commuter Coach..Should the need arise for a local shuttle or fixed route service over the long term, this facility should also be designed to accommodate as