Last-mile strategies for Metrolink in Southern California: Minding the Gap

Andrew Reker Masters of Urban and Regional Planning Candidate for Graduation June 2013, University of California, Irvine Andrew.Reker@gmail.com

Client Henning Eichler Manager, Research + Planning Metrolink /SCRRA eichlerh@scrra.net Faculty Advisor Sarah Catz sarahcatz@gmail.com

Date Tuesday 21 May 2013

Outline
Objectives & Problem Results Recommendations

Purpose: Examine the role of the last-mile problem for Metrolink

Examine the state of current last-mile connectivity Explore the factors which support the current lastmile connections Explore strategies over the last-mile gap from other regions Make suggestions for Metrolink strategies for lastmile connectivity

Some important factors to consider

In Southern California:
Less than 55% of jobs are located within 5miles of Metrolink Stations
Jobs Spatial Distribution
0 - 0.25 miles 1.01 - 3.00 miles 0.26 - 1.00 miles 3.01 - 5.00 miles

1% 17%

31%

51%

Who are Metrolink Riders & How do they connect?

Metrolink riders tend to be:
Weekday commuters Regular schedules (9to-5, 4/40, 9/80) Long distance trips Middle to higherincome households Public Sector & Professional Services Sectors Drive to their home station (83%)
Current Rider Last-mile Connection
21% 22% 8% 42%

Connecting Transit Private Shuttle Walk/Bike Auto/Carpool

Researched Strategies
Taxi Programs Bicycles on Transit Bicycling Infrastructure First & Last Mile Shuttles Regional Coordination Way Finding Service Planning & Coordination Car Sharing Vanpooling Casual Carpooling Additional Infrastructure Land-use Policy Logistics & Data Network Perspectives Station Access Studies Short-term Car Rentals

Criteria to Advance
Currently in use? Part of Metrolinks role already? Metrolink can advocate this strategy? Could Metrolink become a coordinator of this strategy? Or could Metrolink possibly become a supporter of this strategy otherwise?

Selected Strategies
Coordinated Transit, Private Shuttles, Bicycles on Transit & Infrastructure, Bicycle/Car Sharing, Taxi programs, Regional Coordination, and Way Finding

Strategies requiring coordination with external groups/agencies

Timed Transit & Regional Coordination

Scheduled Shuttles or Services timed to connect with Metrolink Benefit is for both the local operator and Metrolink as riders see a reliable connection to their final destination. Fit & Potential:
Already frequent services in certain stations OCTA StationLink Program Can be extended to other areas that have higher ridership potential

Taxi Programs
Taxis at stations & associated taxi programs in cities Positive aspects
Increased mobility for all Likely good for occasional riders, emergency trips

Bicycle Infrastructure
Bicycles on transit & infrastructure improvements Benefits:
Hits the 1 to 3 mile mark for connections No extra effort needed to make it happen: its already happening! But, requires some advocacy or coordination.

Tasks:
Metrolink can advocate for stations to be included in local bicycle infrastructure plans

Strategies requiring no additional external coordination

Bicycle Sharing
Similar to Car Sharing Benefits:
Increased mobility for users of bike share Likely good for occasional riders to destination-heavy locations Occasional or emergency trips to station Examine process of integration at Anaheim & Los AngelesUnion Stations

Tasks

Car Sharing
Cars shared between members of a car share club Benefits:
Increases mobility for users of car-share Likely for good for occasional riders Or occasional or emergency trips home

Tasks:
Investigate integration in to Metrolink materials

Way Finding
Signage and information provided at stations to make connections or find destinations in area Positives
Under Metrolinks ability to install Benefits current, potential, and occasional riders

Tasks
Develop unified way finding scheme Especially identifying connection options & local destinations

Employer or Organizational Shuttles

Private Employer or Organization sponsors a shuttle to connect with Metrolink Stations Benefit to both the private employer as an employee benefit & possible productivity enhancer. Already exists at many stations, but...
Metrolink could take on a coordinator role understand who connects and what are the issues they face. Possibility to be a Public-Private Partnership

Station Specific Analysis

Irvine Metrolink Station as Example

Station Specific Analysis (Irvine)

Station Specific Analysis (Irvine)

Strategy Taxis Coordinated Transit Private Shuttles Station Analysis Existing services & Stand for taxis to catch fares Yes. Frequent AM & PM Peak Maybe. Regular Drop-off area.

Bicycles on Transit & Infrastructure

Bicycle/Car Sharing Way Finding

Secured Bike Parking & Lanes

Car Sharing via Irvine City Good.

Recommendations
General Recommendation
Points

Public Transit Connectivity

Coordinate with connecting transit to provide minimal wait times

Way Finding
Create signage for and install throughout the system for directions to: Connecting Transit * Taxi Stands * Station Building Also, develop and install directional signage for: * Out to Street Exit * No Exit Develop signage and information guidelines together with other stakeholders in the region a unified signage and information scheme related to stations in Metrolinks service area

InterGovernmental
Engage local planners to ensure enhanced pedestrian and bicyclist access to Metrolink stations. Engage local planners and government to ensure that Metrolink is known and clearly understood throughout the region.

Develop last-mile shuttles with local agencies and organizations

Investigate Fullerton and Industry stations for further analysis. Develop a working group of shuttle operators & providers with the intent of understanding what works and does not.

Thank you!

Additional Slides

Methodology
Research All Applicable Strategies
Selected Strategies Recommendations

Southern Californians can use Metrolink more intensively

14.8 Million Trips: At national median 12.6 Million levels (0.9 Trips: in per capita 2008 (0.7 per trips) capita trips)

16-20 Million Trips?: with even higher intensity of use

Problem: What are the road blocks?

Regional Coordination Service Hours & Miles Connectivity Economic Development

Marketing & Awareness

Employment

Fares & Ticketing

Higher Use of Metrolink

Land-use Decisions

Problem: What are the road blocks?

Regional Coordination Service Hours & Miles Connectivity Economic Development

Marketing & Awareness

Employment

Fares & Ticketing

Higher Use of Metrolink

Land-use Decisions

Spatial Employment Statistics for Metrolink in Southern California

Distance from Metrolink Stations 0.00 0.25 0.26 1.00 1.01 3.00 3.01 5.00 Current Employment 59,280 691,726 2,048,784 1,244,817 Relative Percentage 1.5% 17.1% 50.7% 30.8% Cumulative Count 59,280 751,006 2,799,790 4,044,607 Cumulative Percentage 1.5% 18.6% 69.2% 100.00

Problem: How do I get to where I want to go using Metrolink?

Origin

Boarding

Alighting

Destination

Home / Work

Station

Station

School / Work Home / Friends