Bus Rapid Transit Vision and Principles Study

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Scope of Services

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Bus Rapid Transit Vision and Principles Study

INTRODUCTION

PROJECT BACKGROUND

STUDY OBJECTIVES

OVERVIEW OF SCOPE OF SERVICES

PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES

TASK 1: ADMINISTRATION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

TASK 1.1: GENERAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

TASK 1.2: PROJECT MEETINGS

TASK 1.3: KEY STAKEHOLDER TECHNICAL/COORDINATION MEETINGS

TASK 1.4: PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH SUPPORT

TASK 1.5: MANAGEMENT OF DELIVERABLES

TASK 2: LITERATURE AND BEST PRACTICES REVIEW

TASK 3: VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR BRT

TASK 4: DEFINE BUS RAPID TRANSIT STANDARDS

TASK 5: PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

TASK 6: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR BRT DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

TASK 7: DESIGN CRITERIA

TASK 7.1: OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS CRITERIA

TASK 7.2: BRT STATION/PLATFORM DESIGN CRITERIA

TASK 7.3: BRT RUNNING WAY DESIGN CRITERIA

TASK 7.4: DESIGN CRITERIA FOR BRT ITS SYSTEMS

TASK 7.5: BRT BRANDING DESIGN ELEMENTS

TASK 7.6: INTEGRATION OF TRANSIT ORIENTED COMMUNITIES INTO BRT PLANNING AND DESIGN

TASK 8: IDENTIFY SYSTEMWIDE NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

TASK 9: IDENTIFY INITIAL CORRIDORS

TASK 10: REFINE LIST OF CANDIDATE CORRIDORS

OPTIONAL TASK 11: ANALYSIS OF CANDIDATE CORRIDORS

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TASK 11.1: LAND USE

TASK 11.2: CONDUCT FIELD REVIEWS OF CORRIDORS

TASK 11.3: CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

TASK 11.4: DEVELOP ROUGH ORDER OF MAGNITUDE CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS

TASK 11.5: IDENTIFY PRELIMINARY RIDERSHIP POTENTIAL

TASK 11.6: HIGH LEVEL IMPACT ANALYSIS

TASK 11.7: IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSIT-ORIENTED

COMMUNITIES ON CORRIDORS

TASK 11.8: DEVELOP COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS

TASK 11.9: IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING STRATEGIES

TASK 11.10: PRIORITIZE CORRIDORS

TASK 12: BRT VISION AND PRINCIPLES DESIGN MANUAL

TASK 13: FUTURE BRT NETWORK FINAL REPORT

ATTACHMENT A

ATTACHMENT B

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INTRODUCTION

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is seeking the services of

a Contractor to support planning efforts for a Countywide Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in Los

Angeles County. The Contractor shall work with Metro to establish and build consensus on a

vision, goals and objectives for the BRT network. The Contractor shall also define BRT standards

for Los Angeles County, develop BRT design criteria/guidelines, create performance measures

and identify and prioritize candidate BRT corridors in support of the BRT vision, goals and

objectives.

The Contractor shall have a thorough knowledge of BRT planning principles and operating

characteristics and the necessary qualifications to prepare the required deliverables. The

Contractor shall demonstrate their prior experience with BRT planning and conceptual design

studies, transit vision plans, consensus building, performance measures, traffic/civil engineering,

ridership forecasting, architecture, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) design, strategic

planning, economic analysis, infrastructure finance, first/last-mile planning, active transportation,

equity principles, land use and urban design. Work on this project will involve close coordination

and communication with Metro and a number of other key stakeholders, as well as technical

support for public outreach. As Metro seeks to provide access to opportunity, the Contractor shall

create a team that demonstrates an ability to creatively and strategically propose a BRT network

that serves as community investment corridors. This is not merely a transportation or civil

engineering study, but a comprehensive and holistic undertaking. Public engagement will be

separately procured in coordination with the selected contractor for this study. It will be

commensurate with this study in level of detail and effort.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

As the largest public transportation agency in Los Angeles County, as well as the manager of

County revenues dedicated to public transportation, Metro is committed to the goal of achieving

world class bus system performance and service. BRT is a premium transit service that is flexible

and cost-effective. It provides faster, more reliable and more convenient service than traditional

bus service. BRT has the potential to extend benefits to non-transit riders, as well when choices

are made to incorporate public realm improvements. By significantly improving bus service

performance, enhancing the customer experience and investing in communities, BRT can play a

critical role in the pursuit of creating a world class bus system and a more equitable region.

Thoughtful investment in a BRT network will also support Metro’s goals of promoting mobility,

accessibility and equity.

In November 2016, Los Angeles County voters passed Measure M, a sales tax measure that

provides funding for projects and programs that will bring transformative and innovative changes

to the County’s transportation system, including the development of a BRT network. The

advancement of a Countywide BRT system, one that leverages the success of the Metro Rapid

program, as well as the Metro Orange and Silver Lines, will create a more seamless system and

provide the County’s residents and visitors with better connections to jobs, housing, and

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entertainment. Importantly, a robust BRT system will support improvements to the local bus

system.

The Measure M Expenditure Plan currently includes funding for specific BRT projects, as well as

$50 million for BRT in each of the first three decades (2020 – 2040) and $100 million in the last

two decades (2050 – 2060). Outside this study, Metro is currently studying several BRT corridors,

including Vermont, North Hollywood to Pasadena, and the North San Fernando Valley BRT

Improvement projects. These three BRT corridors represent only a portion of the future BRT

corridors that will be planned and implemented over the next several decades.

The Vermont and North Hollywood to Pasadena corridors were two of nine corridors identified and

recommended for further analysis in the Los Angeles County Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) and

Street Design Improvement Study (https://media.metro.net/projects_studies/brt/report_lacbrt_1-15-

2014.pdf). Completed in December 2013, the purpose of the study was to identify, analyze and

develop recommendations for an effective Countywide BRT system that included dedicated bus

lanes along with other key BRT attributes such as enhanced stations and all-door boarding.

This BRT Vision and Principles Study will be conducted through close coordination of three

separate, but parallel efforts to enhance the bus system and mobility in the region: the Long

Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) the NextGen Study and the Metro Strategic Plan.

The LRTP is Metro’s roadmap to improve mobility, provide more transportation options, stimulate

the local economy, and ensure a safe and sustainable system. Metro is currently in the process of

developing a comprehensive update to the LRTP. Part of the vision of the LRTP is to enhance

Metro’s public transit program by investing in a robust bus network while also expanding the rail

system.

The NextGen Bus Study is a comprehensive bus system restructuring plan currently being

conducted by Metro’s Service Planning Department. The NextGen Study may help inform and/or

provide data including travel demand analysis that will be valuable to this study.

The Metro Strategic Plan will examine the mobility challenges across the region and propose a

set of goals and objectives to maximize the efficient use of our transportation assets, including

potential goals for improving bus network efficiency. This study will likely coordinate with the

strategic planning efforts on the development of a vision and goals for the Countywide BRT

network.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Demands for viable alternatives to the automobile have increased as congestion continues to

suppress both automobile and bus travel speeds. Increased travel times also result in increased

operating costs for transit providers. The purpose of this study is to establish clear vision, goals

and objectives for a Countywide BRT system. The vision, goals and objectives will be supported

https://media.metro.net/projects_studies/brt/report_lacbrt_1-15-2014.pdf

https://media.metro.net/projects_studies/brt/report_lacbrt_1-15-2014.pdf

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and reinforced by the development of design and performance criteria and the identification and

prioritization of future potential BRT corridors.

As the BRT system expands, there is a strong need to define BRT standards and operating

characteristics and develop design criteria/guidelines and performance measures/criteria. The

design criteria/guidelines and performance criteria will assist and guide Metro and other municipal

transit operators with the planning, design, operation and monitoring of an efficient and effective

BRT system. The design criteria/guidelines will build upon lessons learned from Metro’s rail

expansion and streamline design through the use of a kit of parts.

These recommendations will provide guidance on the design of BRT running ways, stations

and/or facilities, ITS, first/last mile strategies and general operating characteristics. The design

criteria/guidelines will also identify creative, adaptable and innovative BRT

improvements/solutions, promote BRT as an investment in communities, facilitate safe pedestrian

and bicycle connections to the corridor and encourage holistic planning efforts that support and

promote Transit Oriented Communities (TOCs). TOCs are both a concept for envisioning and

incentivizing a holistic land use pattern that maximizes access to transportation along a transit

project corridor and a development and connectivity framework to ensure integration between the

project and community.

Safety, operational and capital requirements and cost-effectiveness should be considered when

developing these guidelines. The design guidelines should be flexible enough to address

potential site-specific constraints and/or applicable local ordinances. Key performance indicators

will also be developed to analyze the efficiency and effectiveness of a BRT once implemented.

Should a BRT not perform as well as anticipated, corrective actions to improve performance may

be considered.

Additionally, there is also the need to identify and establish a priority list of future BRT corridors to

be implemented over the next several decades. The Contractor will identify, analyze and

recommend a set of corridors in the County that represent the vision, goals, objectives and

performance based criteria of the BRT network that will be drafted as part of this scope of

services.

OVERVIEW OF SCOPE OF SERVICES

Four themes from the LRTP will also guide the development of the BRT Vision and Principles study:

Public engagement and analytical rigor - undertake a strategic public engagement effort and coordinate with strong technical work and other Metro planning efforts previously referenced, to help support and guide the decision-making process.

Equity, environment and health – ensures that a comprehensive BRT network enables mobility and access and thereby actively promotes equity, enhances the environment and improves public health

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Innovations and resiliency - reinforce the importance of a flexible and adaptable plan to address a range of innovations, which ensures that the plan can withstand these and other major changes, along with emphasizing the significance of maintaining a state of good repair and service.

Financial discipline and economic development - balance building significant, new BRT infrastructure with assuring funding to maintain a high operating standard and state of good repair; invest in a holistic multi-modal transportation network has in facilitating economic prosperity.

Utilizing these guiding themes, the BRT Vision and Principles study shall:

A. Develop consensus on a shared vision, goals, and objectives for BRT design and

implementation;

B. Support outreach efforts to the public and stakeholders;

C. Synthesize existing relevant local data and industry best practices on BRT design and

performance measures to develop local context sensitive standards;

D. Define BRT standards for Metro (and Metro funded) projects;

E. Create a methodology for identifying and evaluating promising BRT corridors;

F. Prepare guidelines for BRT operating characteristics;

G. Develop design criteria/guidelines, recommendations and conceptual designs for BRT

stations, running ways and transfer points;

H. Create design criteria for ITS elements in BRT applications;

I. Recommend ways to integrate specialized branding into BRT design;

J. Identify opportunities to integrate and coordinate BRT projects with other mobility

initiatives and the broader transportation system;

K. Develop guidelines for integrating TOC elements and opportunities into BRT project

planning;

L. Identify innovative, context sensitive approaches to implementing BRT;

M. Develop performance measures and corrective actions to evaluate and improve the

effectiveness and efficiency of BRT projects;

N. Collect and analyze data to identify systemwide needs and opportunities;

O. Identify potential BRT corridors;

P. Prioritize BRT corridors into phases for implementation; and

Q. All other appropriate goals and objectives.

The study shall involve a broad, systemwide approach in identifying and recommending corridors

for a Countywide BRT system. The Contractor shall identify potential BRT corridors that may be

good candidates to serve major activity centers, connect destinations, integrate well with the

larger regional transit network and promote equity. In identifying potential corridors, the

Contractor shall consider a network approach that embodies the vision, goals and objectives of

the future BRT network and fits within Metro’s existing commitments and funding constraints that

results in implementable BRTs that incorporate dedicated bus lanes with other BRT system

elements including, but not limited to, stations, fares collection, ITS and operational

enhancements.

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PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES

The following tasks identify the work required to develop and complete the study. The period of

performance is anticipated to be twenty-eight (28) months, subject to opportunities to expedite the

overall schedule. All tasks with the exception of Optional Task 11 are anticipated to be completed

in sixteen (16) months. Some of these tasks may overlap, happen concurrently or be reordered at

the discretion of Metro. Attachment A provides a flowchart overview of the study.

TASK 1: ADMINISTRATION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Contractor shall regularly report the status of the work effort, progress and schedule. The

Contractor shall use systems that are compatible with already established Metro systems,

policies, software, procedures and practices. Reports shall be straightforward, easy to read and

understand, logically organized and structured to provide the relevant and important information.

Reports shall provide the needed information to assure Metro that the work is being accomplished

as required and to facilitate invoice review and approval. The Contractor’s project management

system shall feature safeguards for the early identification of issues and their effective resolution.

TASK 1.1: GENERAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Contractor’s Project Manager is responsible for monitoring project performance and, if

necessary, adjusting project resources to accomplish activities in a manner consistent with the

adopted scope, budget and schedule. The Contractor shall report all corrective measures to the

Metro Project Manager (PM) for review and approval.

The Contractor must provide a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days for Metro staff to

thoroughly review each deliverable. More complex documents may require up to three (3) to four

(4) additional weeks for Metro review. A deliverable is not accepted until formal written notice is

provided by Metro. This process shall ensure that quality is achieved through checking, reviewing

and the managing of work activities for both Metro and the Contractor.

The status of the work efforts shall be reflected in Monthly Progress Reports documenting the

Contractor’s effort during the billing period, tasks to be accomplished over the next sixty (60) days

as well as any forthcoming challenges and issues and potential methods for resolution.

Project Implementation Plan: The Contractor shall submit a draft Project Implementation Plan

(PIP) to Metro within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Contract Execution for review and

acceptance. The Contractor shall submit a final PIP to Metro within thirty (30) calendar days of the

Contract Execution for review and acceptance. Metro shall approve the final PIP to be posted to

the Computerized Project Folder. The final PIP shall be a controlled document that cannot be

altered without the permission of the Contractor’s Project Manager and Metro. Approved

amendments to the PIP shall be uploaded onto the Computerized Project Folder as separate

controlled documents.

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The PIP shall identify key personnel, work plan activities, coordination with sub contractors, a

system for project control including necessary procedures for conducting the work and managing

resources, communications and document control. The Contractor must show an integrated

approach to managing the work effort that shall control the schedule(s), invoicing and quality of

work. The Contractor must also describe a system for Quality Assurance/Quality Control as a part

of the PIP. The Contractor must provide an approach to the Quality Assurance/Quality Control

(QA/QC) process as a part of the proposal.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all required draft and final version of reports and

technical documents to Metro for review and acceptance. The Contractor shall use a Document

Control Log (DCL) system, approved by Metro, for all project deliverable documents. The

Contractor shall develop the DCL tailored to this project as a part of the Contractor’s PIP. Each

deliverable entered into the DCL shall certify that the deliverable has been formally submitted to

Metro and that the document can be reviewed, but not altered.

The Contractor shall develop, maintain and manage the Project Schedule. The Contractor shall

submit an initial and final Project Schedule to Metro as a part of the PIP. Metro shall approve the

final Project Schedule. Upon approval of the final Schedule, it shall be recorded in the file as the

Baseline Schedule.

The Project Schedule shall be updated on a monthly basis to correspond to the submission of

Monthly Progress Reports and the progress meetings as well as deliverables. The Project

Schedule shall be in a format appropriate for a firm fixed price contract and the corresponding

progress tracking requirements. Each subsequent Schedule or revised Schedule shall follow this

same format and is subject to Metro’s review and approval. The project scheduling software shall

be approved by Metro and shall provide the necessary tools to meet Metro requirements.

Computerized Project Folder: The Contractor shall provide a project folder that is accessible via

the Internet (e.g., a file transfer protocol (FTP) site) to the Project Team. This project folder shall

contain documentation related to the Project including, but not limited to the Schedule, PIP,

correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, maps, photos, work plans, project deliverables,

reference documents, technical documents, etc. It is unnecessary for this folder to include

contractual materials, amendments or task authorizations. The Contractor shall provide an index

file and table of contents for the Computerized Project Folder.

This project folder shall be updated within two (2) working days of the distribution of a deliverable

with an accompanying document control log that certifies that the document submitted in the

Computerized Project Folder is a controlled document, which cannot be altered. All printed

deliverables submitted shall have a corresponding electronic file submitted to this folder as a

controlled document, and the project folder should have username and password protection.

Upon completion of the Project, all contents shall be transferred to Metro on CD, DVD or USB

drive. The Metro shall approve the organization of the folder after the Contract Execution.

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DELIVERABLES:

Monthly Progress Reports attached to the Contractor’s invoice to Metro

Draft and final Project Implementation Plan including a system for QA/QC, DCL system and

Project Schedule

DCL system for all contract deliverables approved by Metro (to be updated throughout the

project)

Draft and final Project Schedule with monthly updates and tracking report

Computerized Electronic Project Folder (to be updated throughout the project)

TASK 1.2: PROJECT MEETINGS

The Contractor shall facilitate and/or lead up to twenty-four (24) project coordination and/or

technical meetings to discuss project status, provide technical consultation and receive feedback

from various Metro departments to ensure the timely delivery of work products, track project

activities and coordinate key personnel to meet project milestones.

All meetings shall be held at Metro’s offices. The Contractor shall be in close communication with

Metro’s PM and key personnel shall attend each meeting. The Contractor’s PM shall be in close

communication with Metro’s PM, removing the need for more frequent meetings. For each

meeting, the Contractor shall prepare draft meeting agendas and a 60-day look-ahead calendar

and distribute all meeting materials electronically to Metro’s PM for approval at least five (5)

working days before the scheduled meeting. At the conclusion of each meeting, the Contractor

shall prepare meeting minutes within five (5) days of the meeting. All meeting materials shall be

approved by Metro’s PM prior to distribution and/or posting to the computerized project folder.

DELIVERABLES:

Meeting agendas

Meeting minutes

60-day look-ahead calendar

Supporting meeting materials

Attendance at up to twenty-four (24) project team/technical meetings

TASK 1.3: KEY STAKEHOLDER TECHNICAL/COORDINATION MEETINGS

The BRT Vision and Principles Study will establish a vision for a future network as well as metrics

and evaluate potential BRT corridors which will eventually become the foundation for a

Countywide BRT network. As such, it shall be necessary for the Contractor to receive feedback

and input from other Metro departments and parallel planning efforts as well as external agencies

including municipal operators for the duration of the study. The Contractor shall work closely with

Metro’s PM to help facilitate up to fifteen (15) key stakeholder technical/coordination meetings.

Many of these 15 meetings will involve a technical working group, but targeted meetings with key

stakeholders may also be arranged.

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The Contractor shall work closely with Metro’s PM to ensure careful coordination with relevant

concurrent studies and planning efforts including, but not limited to Metro’s NextGen Bus Study

Long Range Transportation Plan update, development of Metro’s Strategic Plan and appropriate

committees. Additionally, the Contractor shall coordinate with relevant Metro departments

including, but not limited to, Planning and Engineering on design criteria/guidelines for

station/platforms, running ways and other BRT elements.

The Contractor will also be required to participate and facilitate strategic outreach meetings,

including project briefings/updates, with major key stakeholders, including other major transit

providers in Los Angeles County. It is anticipated that during the course of the study, meetings

shall be necessary with local jurisdictions and municipal transit agencies.

For each meeting, the Contractor shall prepare an agenda, meeting minutes and distribute all

meeting materials electronically to Metro’s PM for approval five (5) days before the scheduled

meeting. All meeting materials shall be approved by Metro’s PM prior to distribution to Metro’s

Project team and/or posting to the computerized project folder.

DELIVERABLES:

Supporting meeting materials

Draft and final meeting agendas

Draft and final meeting minutes

Attendance at up to fifteen (15) key stakeholder technical/coordination meetings

TASK 1.4: PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH SUPPORT

Public and stakeholder outreach will be led by Metro, supported by a separate contract. Outreach

may be conducted in conjunction with parallel planning efforts, including, but not limited to the

LRTP, NextGen Bus Study and Metro Strategic Plan. The Contractor shall provide technical

support at public outreach meetings as well as coordinate with Metro and the outreach contractor.

The Contractor shall also develop an outreach plan and materials to both inform the public and

stakeholders and to solicit input. Public and/or stakeholder input may be solicited and used to

develop the following tasks (not exhaustive):

Task 3 Vision, Goals and Objectives for BRT

Task 4 Define Bus Rapid Transit Standards

Task 5 Performance Criteria and Key Performance Indicators

Task 8 Identify Systemwide Needs and Opportunities

Task 9 Identify Initial Corridors

Task 10 Refine List of Candidate Corridors

Presentation materials shall include but not be limited to Microsoft PowerPoint presentations,

other appropriate visuals (e.g., project boards, maps graphics, collateral materials, etc.)

questionnaires and/or other assessment techniques. Metro shall have final approval over content

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of presentations, questionnaires, visual materials and any other content prepared for public

outreach.

DELIVERABLES:

Supporting public outreach materials

Draft and final summary of public feedback for each task and how the feedback informed the

development of each task

Attendance and technical support at up to 20 public outreach meetings

TASK 1.5: MANAGEMENT OF DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall deliver to Metro one (1) camera-ready copy in electronic format of every

identified deliverable for this Contract. The Contractor shall post all deliverables to the DCL. The

Contractor shall be responsible for the QA/QC of these milestone documents, in terms of print

quality and quantity. For milestone documents involving color reproduction, all print quality must

adhere to specifications and print quality assurance requirements provided by Metro, including the

appropriate Metro format.

The Contractor shall deliver printed milestone documents to the Metro for distribution. The

Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating with the Metro Project Manager to ensure all such

deliverables are posted to the Computerized Project Folder.

DELIVERABLE:

Camera-ready electronic copy of each deliverable/milestone document

TASK 2: LITERATURE AND BEST PRACTICES REVIEW

The Contractor shall review global BRT related literature, including but not limited to, reports from

the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), American Public Transportation Association (APTA),

Transportation Research Board, Institute of Transportation Engineers, other major transit

agencies and the National Bus Rapid Transit Institute to identify what other transportation

agencies around the world are doing in regards to implementing effective BRT with dedicated bus

lanes and/or other capital and operating improvements. This literature review will help identify

BRT best practices and the criteria used by other cities and/or transportation agencies when

considering or implementing BRT.

The Contractor shall also review existing relevant Metro and City of Los Angeles studies,

including but not limited to:

Metro’s BRT Design Criteria (Rev. 5/15/2009);

Countywide Bus Rapid Transit and Street Design Improvement Study (December 2013);

Transit Service Policies & Standards (October 2015);

First/Last Mile Strategic Plan (2014);

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Subregional Mobility Matrices (April 2015);

Metro Systemwide Station Design – Architectural Standard and Directive Drawings;

Metro Systemwide Station Design standards Policy;

Metro Rail Design Criteria, particularly Section 6;

Metro Bike/Bus Interface Study (February 2018);

Metro Bike/Bus Interaction On Our Streets: A Working Planning and Design Guidebook for

Municipal Transportation Professionals (anticipated early 2018);

Metro Transfers Design Guide (anticipated April 2018);

City of Los Angeles’ Mobility Plan 2035 (amended September 2016); and,

Metro Draft Transit Oriented Community (TOC) policy and TOC toolkit

Additionally, the Contractor shall coordinate with Metro’s staff on the development of the LRTP

NextGen Bus Study and Metro Strategic Plan.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the literature search and industry best

practices for BRT implementation

TASK 3: VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR BRT

The objective of this task is to establish a foundation to guide the development of a Countywide

BRT network. In close coordination with the development of BRT standards in Task 4, the

Contractor shall work with Metro to establish a high-level overall vision, goals and objectives. The

vision, goals and objectives will inform the development of BRT design criteria/guidelines and

performance criteria and indicators and the identification, analysis and prioritization of candidate

corridors in later tasks. The Contractor shall clearly demonstrate the relationship between the

vision, goals and objectives.

The vision should reflect core Metro and community values, address emerging trends and issues,

imagine a preferred bus rapid transit network, describe future opportunities and explore how BRT

should look and function. Visioning efforts will involve comprehensive and thoughtful

consideration of BRT’s role and functionality within the larger transportation/transit system as well

as discussion of how to promote resiliency, innovation, sustainability, and adaptability through

strategic investments in BRT. The Contractor shall consider the future BRT network in the

context of cross-cutting planning principles including equity and access to opportunities. The

Contractor shall consider BRT’s role as an investment in communities beyond its mobility benefits.

It is anticipated that this will lead to the development of goals and objectives that consider holistic

planning efforts that consider land use, station integration with the community, urban design and

other TOC elements.

The Contractor shall collaborate with the appropriate stakeholders and Metro departments to build

consensus around the vision, goals and objectives for the BRT network. This effort will be

undertaken in concert with parallel visioning and planning efforts. At a minimum, it is anticipated

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that the Contractor shall work closely with the NextGen Bus Study, LRTP and Metro’s Strategic

Plan on this visioning exercise.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final memorandum summarizing the vision, goals and objectives for the BRT

design criteria and future BRT network and the possible secondary, complementary

community building and equity investment features

TASK 4: DEFINE BUS RAPID TRANSIT STANDARDS

BRT projects can include a number of elements related to infrastructure, operating characteristics,

technology, streetscape improvements and branding. However, BRT projects can vary greatly in

terms of their performance and attributes. Building on the vision, goals and objectives developed

in Task 3, the Contractor will work with Metro to establish a common definition of BRT for Los

Angeles County in order to ensure that projects significantly enhance the passenger experience,

incorporate urban design principles and promote operational efficiency. This work could include

developing a potential BRT tiered system based upon the types and number of BRT elements that

can feasibly be applied.

At a minimum, these standards shall be used to distinguish full BRT service from local, express,

rapid and limited stop transit services. The standards shall maintain the integrity of BRT as a

high-quality, premium transit service while providing the flexibility to adapt to unique contexts

throughout Los Angeles County. The Contractor will identify the minimum level of

enhancements/BRT attributes necessary for a service to be categorized, branded and/or funded

as a BRT project. The potential enhancements/BRT attributes to be considered include, but are

not limited to, dedicated bus lanes, transit signal priority, off-board fare collection and/or all-door

boarding, operating characteristics, enhanced stations, streetscape improvements and vehicle

and station branding.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the recommended BRT standards for

Metro including a potential tiered system

TASK 5: PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Contractor shall develop performance-based criteria that can be used to identify, select and

prioritize potential BRT corridors, based on the vision, goals and standards developed in Tasks 2-

4. The Contractor shall consider the role and functionality of the BRT network within the context

of competing priorities and develop criterion that addresses how the BRT network should perform

within the system network.

Performance criteria for the identification, selection and prioritization of potential corridors may

include, but are not limited to:

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Ridership

System integration and regional connectivity

Projected benefits including travel time savings, enhancing the environment and improving

public health

Cost benefit analysis

Transit supportive land uses and plans

Economic development potential

Equity/historically underserved communities

Regional benefits

First/Last Mile infrastructure along corridors

Existing roadway conditions including available right-of-way and congestion

Service efficiency

Improved public transportation access

General public, community and political support

Safety improvements

Place-making/place-keeping opportunities

Integration with corridor-length active transportation investments (existing, planned or

proposed as part of this study)

The Contractor shall also develop closely related key performance indicators to evaluate the

performance of BRT service once implemented to inform future project modifications and

investments. These key performance indicators shall be used to determine whether the goals and

objectives of the program have been met, evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the service

and identify opportunities for improvement (including guidance on corrective actions for improving

performance, should deficiencies or shortcomings be identified). The key performance indicators

shall operate to ensure project delivery that is consistent with the goals, objectives, standards,

and priorities established through this study process.

At a minimum, some of the key performance indicators should include, but not be limited to, pre

and post ridership (daily ridership and passengers per service hour/service mile), travel times,

ease and timeliness of transfers to other services and service reliability (on time performance and

headway maintenance/bus bunching). Other measures may include customer satisfaction, safety,

and costs (cost per revenue mile), as well as realizing the secondary, complementary benefits of

BRT like TOC, or other benefits related to the performance criteria previously listed in this task.

Contractor may consider innovative and non-traditional approaches to BRT performance.

This task shall consider existing Metro policies, industry best practices and practical constraints.

The performance criteria and key performance indicators shall be compatible with existing and

readily available Metro data sources. The Contractor shall consider Metro’s existing service

performance measures and available resources for the assessment of transit performance data.

The Contractor shall coordinate with efforts on the NextGen Bus Study as data from that study

may be valuable in developing the performance criteria and indicators.

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DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the performance criteria and key

performance indicators including their relationship to the role and functionality of the BRT

network within the context of the overall vision, goals and standards

TASK 6: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR BRT DESIGN AND

IMPLEMENTATION

Planning for a future BRT network poses many opportunities and challenges, including those that

are familiar, such as community concerns, as well as future ones that are not yet known, such as

those related to autonomous vehicles. Transit and the larger realm of transportation are

experiencing significant changes in mobility trends including, but not limited to, the rise in

Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and new initiatives utilizing MicroTransit. Additionally,

technological advances in the field such as the use of electric vehicles and semi-autonomous

features may have significant impacts on the design requirements, viability and effectiveness of

the BRT design guidelines as well as that of any proposed BRT network.

The Contractor shall identify existing and anticipated opportunities and challenges that will guide

work in subsequent tasks in order to develop dynamic design criteria and identify BRT corridors

that promote innovative solutions, resiliency, adaptability and sustainability in response to the

changing landscaping. These factors shall include, but not be limited to technological advances,

new mobility trends, the urban heat island effect on our patrons and facilities, the potential for

future conversion of BRTs to rail and the desire to create a shared common vision and a

continuum of community and stakeholder engagement. Further, local conditions, public and

political support and operating constraints provide unique challenges for every potential BRT

project. Temporary installations and innovative approaches to BRT may offer the flexibility to test

new concepts and offer a broader range of options to meet local needs.

The Contractor shall consider the challenges/solutions to deploying BRT in existing, developed

and congested corridors and shall identify beneficial trade-offs for accepting BRT at the expense

of single occupancy vehicles and parking facilities. The Contractor shall consider and integrate

the opportunities, challenges and data identified through other parallel efforts such as the

NextGen Bus Study, LRTP and Metro’s Strategic Plan.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the known and anticipated opportunities

and challenges for the design and implementation of BRT in Los Angeles County including

recommended ways to address them.

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TASK 7: DESIGN CRITERIA

The objective of this task is to develop a comprehensive set of design criteria to optimize BRT

performance, use innovative ITS architecture to enhance the customer experience, improve

access to BRT stations and create a BRT brand.

TASK 7.1: OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS CRITERIA

The service and operating plan for BRT affects how a passenger perceives the service. A BRT

service needs to be accessible, fast, frequent, reliable, comfortable, safe, secure, easy to

understand and operationally efficient. As a part of this task, the Contractor shall develop

recommendations for BRT operating characteristics including optimal headways/frequencies,

route structure and length, bus speeds, fare collection techniques, station spacing, span of

service and procedures for passenger boarding and alighting (including all door boarding). These

recommendations shall include both optimal and minimal operating characteristics for BRT

service.

The Contractor shall articulate a strong understanding of the various benefits and drawbacks of

each operating characteristic and make recommendations for its application under a number of

situations and/or contexts, including type of corridor, geographic jurisdiction, available capital and

operating budget, customer demand, available right-of-way, potential route configuration, political

climate and adopted local complete streets and other transit supportive plans.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the minimum and desired BRT operating

characteristics as described above

TASK 7.2: BRT STATION/PLATFORM DESIGN CRITERIA

BRT stations are a critical link between the service, its passengers and other regional transit

services. These stations, which are much more than just a simple pole and sign, help brand and

distinguish the BRT service from other transit services. BRT stations convey a more premium

service, while integrating with and enhancing the local street environment.

Under this task, the Contractor shall develop design objectives, considerations and conceptual

designs for future BRT stations and/or platform area types, based on varying right-of-way (ROW)

space constraints and conditions that are consistent with and supportive of the vision for the

future BRT network, performance criteria and overall system functionality.

The Contractor shall develop both optimal and minimal design concepts, specifications and

amenity components for BRT stations. In keeping with the Metro Systemwide Station Design

Standards (or “kit-of-parts”), the BRT stations shall be modular and flexible enough to adapt to a

variety of roadways/guideways and ROW constraints. The Contractor shall consider

stations/platforms for BRT projects encompassing a number of different running way

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configurations such as center-running, median-running, side-running, curbside and mixed flow

BRT operations. The Contractor shall consider opportunities to develop the BRT station/platform

design criteria to facilitate (or at least not preclude) a potential future conversion to rail should it be

later warranted, in corridors that have the potential to convert to rail. The Contractor shall also

develop design criteria for phased deployment of a BRT service.

These design specifications will comply with all regulatory standards, including ADA and the

California Building Standards Code. In compliance with the Metro Board-adopted Systemwide

Station Design Standards Policy, this task shall be based on the rail station “kit-of-parts” and be

tailored for future BRT stations, including the flexibility to adjust particular aspects of the elements

of the “kit-of-parts” for location-specific applications including, but not limited to constrained

spaces. Through incorporating this “kit-of-parts”, the Contractor shall consider cost,

maintainability, functionality, ease and speed of boarding/alighting and public perception. At a

minimum, this task will consider:

Tailoring Metro’s rail station kit-of-parts for BRT stations

Location of stations, including considerations for near side versus far side stations and

connections to other transportation services

Platform configurations, including but not limited to, station footprint, pedestrian access

to/from platform and passenger circulation including provisions for safety and accessibility

needs

Interface with adjacent transit services (bus/rail) and provisions for transfers, consistent with

Metro’s Transfers Design Guide

Architectural character of BRT stations, consistent with the Systemwide Station Design

Standards

Roadway design at BRT stations including the use of bulb outs at BRT stations, bus turnouts,

and bus pads

Signage including transit signage and wayfinding and other accessible information sources

(e.g. audio, tactile, etc.)

Local bus interface

Physical security

Transit and passenger amenities including, but not limited to, shelters, benches, trash

receptacles, lighting, bicycle parking, landscaping, off-board fare collection, and fare

equipment

Improvements to pedestrian, bicyclist and park-n-ride access to BRT stations

DELIVERABLES:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing BRT station design criteria including:

o Optimal and minimal design characteristics/specifications

o Specifications/requirements for tailoring Metro’s rail station kit-of-parts for BRT stations

Draft and final preliminary concept plans, elevations, sections and renderings (minimum of 2

renderings per station/platform type) for up to 8 station/platform types, including median-

running, center-running, side-running and curbside BRT systems, as well as constrained

spaces using the tailored “kit-of-parts”

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TASK 7.3: BRT RUNNING WAY DESIGN CRITERIA

Running ways are the most critical element in determining the speed and reliability of BRT

services. Since they are the element most visible to the largest number of potential and existing

passengers, running ways can have a significant impact on the image and identify of the system.

Under Task 7.3, the Contractor shall develop design objectives, criteria/guidelines and

considerations for different types of BRT running ways and how and when they might be applied

under varying conditions to be responsive to local conditions and needs. At a minimum, in

planning for running ways, the Contractor shall consider the availability of right-of-way (ROW)

including lane widths, striping, signage, curbs, gutters, relation to existing medians, intersection

geometry, driveway access, the reallocation of ROW space for transit, existing and proposed

bicycle and pedestrian facilities, degree of segregation, physical configuration of the running way

and materials used. The Contractor shall consider opportunities to develop the BRT running way

design criteria so as not to preclude a potential future conversion to rail, in corridors that have the

potential to convert to rail.

The Contractor shall consider dedicated BRT lanes for potential center-running, median-running,

side-running, curbside running, as well as mixed flow and couplet operations with possible queue

jumps and/or other associated guideway elements. The Contractor shall develop both optimal

and minimal design specifications. These design specifications will comply with all regulatory and

engineering standards. The Contractor shall develop a set of renderings and cross sections

illustrating how the various types of running ways would and/or could be applied.

The Contractor shall identify and evaluate innovative and non-traditional approaches to BRT

running ways. These approaches may include shared managed arterial bus lanes (building on

the concepts of Express, HOV and toll lanes), exclusive bus only corridors that exclude mixed

flow-traffic, bike/bus lanes and BRT investments in corridors (particularly those that serve as trunk

alignments for multiple routes) and mobility corridors involving multiple, parallel streets.

Additionally, the Contractor shall develop BRT pilot project approaches as a possible mobility

initiative. The Contractor shall identify opportunities to provide lower-cost BRT pilot projects,

including short term demonstration projects with rapid deployment within the context of the BRT

standards, goals and performance criteria. All deliverables in Task 7.3 will verify consistency with

the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and California Vehicle Code (CVC) or

identify regulatory changes necessary to implement.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing BRT running way design criteria

including:

o Up to 8 renderings of running ways including cross-sections for median-running, center-

running, side-running and curbside BRT (for both all day and peak hour running ways)

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o Up to 2 renderings of running way elements in primarily mixed flow operations (showing

queue jumps and other guideway elements)

o Menu of options including, but not limited to recommended optimal design

specifications, minimum design criteria, innovative and non-traditional approaches to

BRT running ways and potential approaches to pilot BRT projects

TASK 7.4: DESIGN CRITERIA FOR BRT ITS SYSTEMS

ITS technologies are typically incorporated into any BRT system and can provide many

performance enhancements and benefits. Their use helps transit agencies increase safety and

improve operational efficiency, reliability, quality of service, passenger convenience, and access

to real time transit information. Some examples of ITS technologies include transit signal priority,

next bus displays/information, fare collection, security systems and improved operations

management. ITS technology also has the potential to support innovative approaches to

implementing BRT such as shared managed arterial bus lanes (building on the concepts of

Express, HOV and toll lanes), especially with the introduction of autonomous vehicles.

The Contractor shall develop design criteria for the utilization of ITS technologies to further

enhance the performance of the BRT system. These design criteria shall conform to existing

Metro ITS architecture standards and integrate with other existing Metro systems. As part of this

task, the Contractor shall also identify design goals/objectives, recommend implementation

policies including when and how each should and/or could be applied and identify any equipment

needs and/or requirements. The Contractor may consider technology innovation and related

impacts. It is anticipated that this task will result in a menu of options with optimal and minimum

standards that can be tailored to the conditions and geographic location of each BRT line.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the recommended design criteria for

BRT ITS technology, including:

o Conformance with existing ITS architecture standards

o Integration with existing systems

o Design goals/objectives

o Recommended policies, considerations impacting implementation and limitations

o Recommended optimal and minimum standards

TASK 7.5: BRT BRANDING DESIGN ELEMENTS

One of the objectives of BRT is to create an image and identity that distinguishes it from typical

local bus service and its associated delays, slow bus speeds, frequent stops, and late arrivals.

Integrated branding of BRT helps maximize the potential for attracting new discretionary riders.

The three most visible BRT elements are the vehicles, stations and running ways. The Contractor

shall develop recommendations on how to incorporate branding into these three key BRT

elements. Considerations include, but are not limited to, vehicle color scheme and/or logos, type

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of vehicles used and unique stations designs that combine architecture and design for high

visibility and advertising of the system.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing minimum BRT branding elements and

recommended methods of incorporating branding into various BRT components such as

vehicles, stations and signage

TASK 7.6: INTEGRATION OF TRANSIT ORIENTED COMMUNITIES INTO BRT PLANNING

AND DESIGN

High quality urban spaces are vital to increasing transit use and improving access to transit

corridors. Planning efforts for the Countywide BRT system must consider other supportive

planning efforts and mobility initiatives, opportunities and constraints in the county. Other mobility

initiatives include, but are not limited to, the development of mobility hubs, Vision Zero, great

streets, complete streets, green streets and TOCs.

TOCs include a holistic land use pattern that maximizes access to transportation. The Contractor

shall also consider a development and connectivity framework to ensure integration between the

project and community. TOCs promote equity and sustainable living by offering a mix of uses

(e.g. housing, jobs, shopping, services) close to transit to support households at all income levels,

as well as building densities, parking policies, urban design elements and first/last mile facilities

that support ridership and reduce auto dependency.

The Contractor shall develop a vision, based on Metro’s existing TOC framework, to include

holistic TOC planning in the identification of and development of the Countywide BRT network.

The Contractor shall rely heavily on, rather than recreate, the work done in Metro’s TOC draft

policy, TOC toolkit and First/Last Mile Strategic Plan among other resources.

This vision for integrating BRT and TOC planning shall be developed so as to maximize access to

the transit project and connectivity between transit lines, seamlessly integrate the BRT project and

the community, and promote equity and sustainable living. The vision shall also consider existing

land uses and development patterns along with the present community character. The Contractor

shall consider and develop guidance for integrating BRT with planning for TOCs and other

mobility initiatives to improve mobility, safety, walkability, bikeability and sustainability and develop

inviting public spaces. Many of these mobility initiatives are complementary to BRT and are able

to provide increased benefits with pro-active integration. However, careful planning and the

development of partnerships are needed to ensure that BRT and other mobility projects are

coordinated to best realize the full potential of limited ROW.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing opportunities, challenges, best practices

and guidance for integrating BRT with TOC planning, including other mobility initiatives and

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urban design principles including, but not limited to, mobility hubs, Vision Zero, great streets,

complete streets and green streets

TASK 8: IDENTIFY SYSTEMWIDE NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Contractor shall consider and identify needs and gaps in the existing network as well as

regionally significant destinations, travel patterns and infrastructure. The Contractor shall collect

and analyze the most recent available data on regionally significant major nodes and activity

centers including existing and planned transportation infrastructure, such as rail and BRT in order

to identify opportunities to promote connectivity through investment in BRT. This effort shall be

informed by an understanding of the role and function of the Countywide BRT system in the

context of the larger transportation network. The Contractor shall also consider connections to

existing and planned mobility hubs. As a part of this effort, the Contractor shall also identify

opportunities to strengthen the Countywide BRT network through investment in new mobility

hubs.

DELIVERABLES:

Draft and final GIS map illustrating systemwide needs of a future potential BRT network

including regional travel patterns, activity centers, mobility hubs and existing and planned

major transportation infrastructure (rail, BRT)

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the systemwide needs, gaps and

opportunities as they pertain to a future Countywide BRT network

TASK 9: IDENTIFY INITIAL CORRIDORS

The Contractor will identify initial potential corridors for a future Countywide BRT network that

fulfill the needs and opportunities identified in Task 8 and reinforce the vision, goals and

performance criteria for the BRT network. These potential corridors shall integrate with the larger

transportation network in order to connect major nodes and activity centers. Close coordination

with the NextGen Bus Study is anticipated for this effort. The identification of potential corridors

may be augmented by previously studied/suggested potential BRT projects found in Attachment

B. These corridors shall be qualitatively evaluated for congruence with the BRT vision, goals,

objectives, performance criteria and design criteria/guidelines as well as their ability to meet the

previously identified needs/gaps.

To support this task, Metro’s existing transit data may be obtained from Metro’s Service

Performance and Analysis Department using Automatic Passenger Count (APC) or HASTUS

data. Data from cities and other transit operators may be obtained from each affected agency in

coordination with Metro.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the identification and initial review of

potential BRT corridors including GIS maps

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TASK 10: REFINE LIST OF CANDIDATE CORRIDORS

The objective of this task is to refine the list of initial potential BRT corridors to a list of highest

performing, potential corridors that could be considered as future Measure M BRT projects.

Based on the priorities established in Tasks 2-5, the Contractor shall develop a detailed

methodology that utilizes preceding performance criteria and design criteria/guidelines, as well as

their ability to meet the previously identified needs/gaps. The methodology shall address needs

analysis based on system usage, including any existing transit data. The methodology can

indicate additional data needs or considerations that would be helpful, but are not required.

The methodology should address how to balance the system needs/gaps in coordination with the

design criteria framework and performance objectives. The review of the system need within the

framework of priorities established through performance criteria and design standards should filter

the initial potential BRT candidates from Task 9 to list of up to fifteen (15) potential candidate

corridors (“List A”). The methodology should further indicate how the list of potential candidates

(List A) can further be reduced to a list of three to five (3-5) potential candidates (“List B”),

depending on any natural delineations within the methodology. The Contractor shall apply the

methodology to analyze scenario outcomes in identifying these lists of potential corridors. The

methodology and resulting list (List B) should indicate potential corridor scenario outcomes best

suited to augment the current and planned system at the time of the study, including any

additional likely indicators for successful project development.

DELIVERABLES:

Draft and final technical memorandum detailing the refining methodology and the results of

the screening analysis, including:

o Summary of the methodology considerations, findings and application;

o List of up to fifteen (15) potential BRT corridors that had the most optimal

outcomes based on methodology (List A); and

o List of three to five (3-5) potential corridor candidates based on methodology and

scenario outcomes (List B).

OPTIONAL TASK 11: ANALYSIS OF CANDIDATE CORRIDORS

The objective of this optional task is to further analyze the approximately three to five (3-5) BRT

corridors identified in Task 10 in order to develop recommendations to prioritize their

implementation, subject to funding availability.

Metro reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to authorize the optional task with the

Contractor. When authorized in writing, the Contractor shall be responsible for all applicable

provisions from the contract, including but not limited to the Administration and General Project

Management requirements for the work covered under any authorized optional task. If authorized

in writing, this task is anticipated to be completed within twelve (12) months.

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TASK 11.1: LAND USE

The Contractor shall evaluate individual potential BRT corridors identified in Task 10 and identify

the type and intensity of existing and planned land uses for each. The Contractor shall also

propose a potential land use vision suggested by Metro, in collaboration with its partner local

agencies. The Contractor shall develop base maps of each of the corridors and evaluate the

potential land use impacts and determine the extent to which implementation of BRT in each of

the corridors would improve transit access and connections to and from neighborhoods, along

with promoting equity and minimizing the risk of gentrification and displacement.

DELIVERABLES:

Draft and final land use maps for each of the BRT corridors

TASK 11.2: CONDUCT FIELD REVIEWS OF CORRIDORS

The objective of this task is to validate physical corridor characteristics and observe operational

performance of existing bus service, particularly at locations identified by Metro and other

cities/transit operators as recurring bottleneck locations during peak periods. The Contractor shall

conduct a detailed field review along the prioritized BRT corridors.

The field reviews shall consist of a high-level survey of each corridor. This survey will help

document existing conditions (traffic, parking, peak-hour restrictions, physical

attributes/constraints of the street, delays at signals, and number of existing traffic/parking lanes,

including left-turn lanes) and confirm how and what type of dedicated bus lane treatments can be

designed within the existing arterial cross-sections. The Contractor shall organize a team

consisting of Metro staff and representatives, such as traffic planners and/or engineers, from the

various affected agencies and/or jurisdictions to conduct this field review. The Contractor will

submit a list of field participants to Metro for review and approval.

DELIVERABLES:

Draft and final technical memorandum detailing all of the key findings from the field reviews

for each of the BRT corridors

Draft and final list of field review participants

TASK 11.3: CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

The objective of this task is to prepare high level conceptual designs that consider and, to the

extent possible, address the potential impacts and/or challenges associated with BRT

implementation on each of the proposed BRT corridors. Utilizing the standards/criteria developed

in earlier tasks, the Contractor shall develop recommendations for each of the corridors regarding

the implementation of bus lanes (including considerations for curbside, side-running and center-

running lanes) and other BRT elements including, but not limited to transit signal priority. The

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Contractor shall develop a minimum of two (2) typical cross-section renderings/visualizations for

each of the BRT corridors and provide GIS maps for each of the corridors showing significant land

uses and the proposed station locations. The renderings/visualizations shall be suitable for public

and stakeholder presentation.

DELIVERABLES:

Typical cross-section renderings/visualizations for each of the BRT corridors

GIS maps for each of the BRT corridors

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the recommendations for BRT

implementation and potential impacts for all BRT corridors

TASK 11.4: DEVELOP ROUGH ORDER OF MAGNITUDE CAPITAL AND OPERATING

COSTS

The objective of this task is to develop rough order of magnitude capital costs and BRT operating

plans corresponding to each of the BRT corridors. The Contractor shall develop rough order of

magnitude capital costs and determine what, if any, impacts each of the BRT projects would have

on existing street geometrics including general purpose lanes, on-street parking, bicycle

infrastructure and sidewalks. Investments to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety intersections

as well as first/last mile connections shall also be analyzed.

The Contractor shall also develop preliminary operating plans and cost estimates for each of the

BRT corridors addressing key operating parameters, including headways (peak and non-peak),

stop locations, time points, run times (congested and uncongested), vehicle/station interface, and

the number of vehicles needed. These operating plans shall be prepared with sufficient detail to

inform the preparation of initial operating cost projections and ridership forecasting.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing preliminary operating plans and rough

order of magnitude capital and operating and maintenance (O&M) costs for each BRT

corridor

TASK 11.5: IDENTIFY PRELIMINARY RIDERSHIP POTENTIAL

The objective of this task is to identify the ridership potential for each of the proposed BRT

corridors. The Contractor shall conduct high-level ridership forecasts for each of the proposed

BRT corridors using standard industry best practices as approved by Metro. If modeling is

utilized, the Contractor shall ensure that the model’s results will account for the estimated

ridership due to any shift in existing transit ridership including new riders that are projected to be

attracted to the BRT due to enhanced transit accessibility. If existing transit ridership is used as a

proxy for ridership potential, the Contractor shall work with Metro to develop a methodology to

determine future BRT ridership potential that is consistent with best practices.

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Forecasted ridership potential shall be documented in a technical memorandum that provides

tables and summarizes key performance data for each alternative.

DELIVERABLES:

Draft and final methodology for identifying ridership potential for approval

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the ridership potential/forecasts for each

of the proposed BRT corridors

TASK 11.6: HIGH LEVEL IMPACT ANALYSIS

The Contractor shall work closely with Metro, and all affected cities/transit operators to identify

high level potential impacts along each of the corridors as a result of any BRT project. These

impacts may include traffic, parking, and other types of impacts. The Contractor will rely on the

work done during the detailed field reviews as well as existing available data such as traffic counts

and parking studies. The Contractor shall identify likely potential trade-offs with investment in

BRT and mixed-flow traffic, street parking, and bicycle lanes. The Contractor shall also consider

neighborhood intrusion due to traffic diversion and potential impacts on adjacent arterials.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the potential trade-offs impacts for the

BRT corridors

TASK 11.7: IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSIT-

ORIENTED COMMUNITIES ON CORRIDORS

The Contractor shall identify high-level opportunities for economic development and TOCs along

the potential BRT corridors. The purpose of this task is to assess the relative strengths and

weaknesses of the potential BRT corridors as it pertains to economic development and TOC

opportunities and constraints. Additionally, the Contractor shall complete a high-level evaluation

of several proposed station sites along each of the potential BRT corridors to assess their

potential to support and benefit from TOCs. The Contractor shall also consider how a corridor

length TOC may be facilitated by BRT. This TOC review shall identify opportunities and

constraints for transit supportive development, land use planning, first/last mile investments and

urban design as well as considerations/ recommendations to integrate the BRT project within the

community. The Contractor will develop initial, high-level recommendations for Metro and

adjacent jurisdictions to maximize the potential benefits from BRT, grow ridership, and strengthen

TOCs. The recommendations may include the following categories:

Strategic land use/zoning updates

Parking policy updates to support transit-supportive development

Catalytic development and/or infrastructure improvements

Public realm and first/last mile enhancements

Transit connectivity improvements

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DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum identifying opportunities, constraints, considerations

and recommendations for economic development and/or TOCs along each of the BRT

corridors. The technical memorandum shall consider the relative strengths and weaknesses

of the potential BRT corridors in terms of ability to support and benefit from economic

development and TOCs.

TASK 11.8: DEVELOP COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS

The Contractor shall develop a methodology for and conduct a cost/benefit analysis on each of

the BRT corridors that considers operating costs, capital costs, potential project benefits, and

impacts. The methodology and unit cost assumptions shall be developed in close coordination

with Metro.

DELIVERABLES:

Cost/benefit analysis methodology subject to approval by Metro’s PM

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing the cost/benefit analysis for each of the

corridors

TASK 11.9: IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING STRATEGIES

The purpose of this task is to identify and analyze implementation considerations and potential

funding strategies for the BRT corridors. The Contractor shall consider both capital and operating

& maintenance (O&M) costs in developing funding strategies in order to provide

recommendations to fund, build, operate, and maintain the BRT projects in a state of good repair

including identifying the purview/responsibility of Metro and other jurisdictions. As a part of this

task, the Contractor shall consider strategies to maximize funding opportunities, including but not

limited to, the utilization of value capture to fund the BRT corridors and related TOC investments.

DELIVERABLE:

Draft and final technical memorandum summarizing recommendations for implementation

considerations and funding opportunities/strategies for the potential BRT corridors

TASK 11.10: PRIORITIZE CORRIDORS

The purpose of this task is to prioritize the BRT corridors for implementation in a way that would

provide the highest potential for success as an effective Countywide BRT network that improves

system performance and connectivity throughout the region. The Contractor shall work closely

with Metro on these recommendations which may include the development of recommendations

for multiple phases of investment in BRT. In completing this task, the Contractor shall rely on the

previously developed performance criteria and shall consider numerous factors such as equity,

TOC opportunities, systemwide benefits and ridership potential.

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DELIVERABLE:

Recommendations for prioritized implementation of the BRT corridors

TASK 12: BRT VISION AND PRINCIPLES DESIGN MANUAL

Based upon all of the work completed in Tasks 1 through 7, the Contractor shall develop a

comprehensive BRT Vision and Principles Design Manual that details the overall vision, goals and

objectives for the BRT network. This manual will also provide guidance for identifying, evaluating,

designing and operating potential BRT corridors. Performance measures will also be included in

the manual in order to evaluate any BRT corridor once implemented and determine whether any

corrective actions are needed to improve service performance. The Contractor shall also prepare

an Executive Summary and PowerPoint presentation summarizing the key highlights of the BRT

Criteria/Guidelines and Performance Measures Manual.

The draft Design Manual will be submitted to Metro first for review and comments. Once

approved, the draft Design Manual may be delivered to any affected jurisdictions and/or agencies

for further review and comment. The Contractor shall allow time for consultations with Metro and

other jurisdictions and/or agencies. Following these agency reviews and comments, the

Contractor will complete all necessary revisions and prepare a revised draft BRT Design Manual

for final approval by Metro. Upon final review and approval, the Contractor team will prepare a

camera-ready Design Manual including any renderings, visualizations and cross-sections. The

Contractor team shall provide an electronic file of the document formatted for printing and posting

on the Metro website.

DELIVERABLES:

Draft and final BRT Vision and Principles Design Manual

Draft and final Executive Summary

Camera-ready electronic copy and twelve (12) copies of the final Manual

Draft and final PowerPoint presentation

TASK 13: FUTURE BRT NETWORK FINAL REPORT

The work completed as part of the above tasks will culminate in the preparation of a draft Final

Report including the identification and analysis of systemwide needs, gaps and opportunities and

corresponding strong candidate BRT corridors. The draft Final Report shall also include

recommendations to prioritize the implementation of BRT corridors.

The draft Final Report will be submitted to Metro Manager first for review and comments. Once

approved, the draft Final Report may be delivered to any affected jurisdictions and/or agencies for

further review and comment. The Contractor shall allow time for consultations with Metro and

other jurisdictions and/or agencies along the identified BRT corridors. Following these agency

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reviews, comments, the Contractor will complete all necessary revisions and prepare a revised

draft Final Report for final approval by Metro.

Upon final review and approval, the Contractor will prepare a camera-ready Final Report,

including any maps, tables etc. The Final Report shall be a high-quality, graphic-rich report that

clearly and concisely presents the vision, goals and objectives of the future BRT network and

makes a compelling case for the recommended prioritization and implementation of the proposed

BRT corridors. The Contractor shall provide an electronic file of the document formatted for

printing and posting on the Metro website. The Contractor shall prepare an Executive Summary

of the full document and prepare summary information, in multiple media formats as necessary.

The Executive Summary will summarize key points of the study in a clear and concise fashion.

The Contractor shall also prepare two (2) PowerPoint presentations suitable for presentation to

project partners and Metro Board staff.

DELIVERABLES:

Draft and final Report

Draft and final Executive Summary

Camera-ready electronic copy and twelve (12) copies of the Final Report

Two (2) draft and final PowerPoint presentations

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ATTACHMENT A

Flowchart overview of the Vision & Principles Study

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ATTACHMENT B

The following corridors (identified through previous studies and planning efforts) may augment the

Contractor’s efforts to identify potential BRT corridors within the context of the vision, goals,

objectives, performance criteria, design criteria and the systemwide needs, gaps and

opportunities. The Contractor shall complete a high-level review of these corridors including the

identification of logical termini as applicable.

Santa Monica

Pico

Hawthorne

Atlantic

Valley

Wittier

Broadway

Vernon/La Cienega

Western

Lincoln

7th Street

Sunset

3rd Street

Palmdale Blvd & 10th Street

Burbank to Hollywood

North Hollywood to Bob Hope Airport

Mid-Valley: Ramona/Badillo

El Monte Station to Flair Business Park

Roscoe

Alvarado

Fairfax

Soto

Figueroa

Artesia

Garvey

Sepulveda/I-405

I-605 and parallel arterials

Washington

Venice

W. Olympic: Extension to Westwood Expo Station

Washington Blvd

Southbay to San Fernando Valley

Warner Center to Westlake Village

South Bay Green Line Connection

Bus Rapid Transit Vision and Principles Study

Documents

Transcript of Bus Rapid Transit Vision and Principles Study