TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Planning and Community Development |
Carol Helland |
425-556-2107 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Planning and Community Development |
Don Cairns, PE |
Transportation Planning and Engineering Manager |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Tam Kutzmark |
Senior Planner |
TITLE:
title
East Link Transit Restructure - Staff Report on Metro/Sound Transit Proposed Network
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Council will receive a Staff Report on the Metro/Sound Transit (ST) proposed reorganization of bus transit leading up to the opening of Link Light Rail in 2023. Staff will summarize feedback provided to the agencies, based on staff review of the agencies’ proposal. At this meeting, City staff will be joined by representatives from Metro/ST’s East Link Connections Team. City staff and agency representatives will provide additional details on the proposal and be available for a question-and-answer period.
The agencies’ goal for the restructure is to engage communities in decisions about service improvements and connections to light rail. The City’s goal is to align these decisions with the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) and advance Redmond 2050’s vision of supporting future growth with new transit infrastructure.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Redmond Comprehensive Plan
Transportation Master Plan (including Transit System Plan)
Community Strategic Plan
Environmental Sustainability Action Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Sound Transit 2 added regional express bus and commuter rail service including Link Light Rail service to Overlake Village and the Redmond Technology Station (scheduled to open in 2023).
Sound Transit 3 further expanded the regional public transit system including Link Light Rail service to SE Redmond/Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond (scheduled to open in 2024).
OUTCOMES:
Light rail will be the backbone of Redmond’s transit network when it opens in 2023 to Overlake and 2024 to Southeast Redmond and Downtown Redmond. It will provide a frequent and reliable mobility choice that connects Redmond to the region. The success of light rail service fundamentally depends on Metro/ST’s restructure of bus service to connect the City’s neighborhoods, employment centers, community hubs, transportation facilities, and local destinations to light rail stations.
Metro/ST released the proposed restructure network in September and invited feedback from jurisdictions, riders, and other stakeholders. The City’s feedback to the agencies is intended to provide insight on how to improve the proposed restructure and is summarized in the following statements:
1. Deploy alternative services to provide critical first/last mile, on-demand connections.
2. Boost SE Redmond/Marymoor Village service.
3. Close Overlake service gaps in anticipation of the expanded regional growth center.
4. Grow more viable transit options and connections in the Willows Corridor.
5. Enhance service to Avondale Corridor and Education Hill.
6. Clarify the implementation schedule.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
High-level milestones in Metro/ST’s co-led process include:
1. Spring 2021 - Needs assessment
2. Summer 2021 - Service concepts
3. Fall 2021 - Proposed restructure
4. October-November 2021 - Gather feedback (we are here)
5. February-March 2022 - Revised restructure
6. Spring 2022 - Gather feedback
7. July 2022 - Transmit to KC Council/ST Board
8. March 2023 - Open Link stations, implement bus service changes
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Metro/ST methods include:
• Mobility Board (riders/transit users)
• Partner Review Board (city staff, community-based organizations)
• Community surveys
• Stakeholder interviews
The City will raise community awareness of the process, promote feedback opportunities (surveys, etc.), and help to involve Redmond stakeholders.
• Feedback Summary:
Metro/ST will provide summaries of public input after each phase. The City will share this information via City communications tools.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
000343 - Mobility of People and Goods
Budget Priority:
Vibrant and Connected
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
4/13/2021 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Receive Information |
|
4/20/2021 |
Business Meeting |
Receive Information |
|
11/9/2021 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
City will coordinate with Metro/ST schedule and milestones and with the update of the TMP.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
An effective reorganization of bus transit service supports both the City’s significant investment in Link Light Rail and the City’s ability to achieve its transportation vision.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Presentation Slides
Attachment B - Metro/Sound Transit Overview of East Link Connections