5.4 Prioritized Bus Stop Access Project Types

For both recommended programs and infrastructure projects, the decision criteria are similar. For example, Bus Stop Safety Pilot Projects were determined for the nine Census Tracts, with assistance from TAC input and data analysis. To prioritize those, one would use these criteria:

» Cost » Benefits » Benefit-Cost Ratio » Feasibility » Equity Considerations » Collision Analysis » ADA Compliance » Community Support » TAC Support » Connectivity » Accessibility » Land-use/ Design » Bus Stop Amenities

As an example, if the recommendation was to remove a travel lane and replace it with a bus-bike lane, it might rank relatively low on the feasibility scale if there was not sufficient public support and political will to implement the project. However, a bus shelter would rank higher as it likely would have more public support and would be built within the public right-of-way so additional right-of-way would not need to be acquired.

For comparing cost and benefits, it would depend on measurements. For infrastructure, cost can be estimated and then use CRF to estimate how much the benefit would be in terms of reducing collisions. Figure 5-2 lists typical costs and CRFs for infrastructure that might be used near bus stops to increase safety. As seen in the table, both the costs and the CRFs of the measures can vary significantly. Sidewalks have a relatively high CRF, at 65 percent to 89 percent, but at $200,000 per block they can be expensive, which increases their cost to benefit ratio. Alternatively, pedestrian refuge islands cost significantly less, at only around $15,000 each, and with a 56 percent CRF they still have a relatively high CRF. Pedestrian refuge islands are considered the “cadillac” of traffic calming measures because of their high effectiveness and medium cost. A measure with an even lower cost is implementing Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) which are relatively inexpensive, since only signal timing needs to be changed, and they are quite effective in improving actual safety, feelings of safety, and levels of comfort. Both LPIs and pedestrian refuge islands are highly recommended projects for Omnitrans’ BSSIP.

The most common priority recommendations for bus stop access in this Omnitrans’ Bus Stop Safety Improvement Plan are the following:

Infrastructure:

1. Sidewalks 2. High-vis/continental crosswalks 3. Mid-block crossings / pedestrian refuge islands 4. Bike lanes 5. Curb extensions 6. Curb ramps 7. Buffered bike lanes 8. Street lighting / signal timing 9. Maintenance 10. Bike Routes

Bus Stops:

1. Shelter 2. Lighting 3. Sidewalk widening / Protected Walking Lanes / providing footprint for shelter 4. Transit Ambassador Programs 5. Placemaking / space activation 6. CAHOOTS Program