Pulse Point: Brief, Minor Pre-Construction Activities Next Week

From Monday, June 20, 2016 through Wednesday, June 22, 2016, the Pulse Design-Build (DB) Contractors will be conducting brief pre-construction activities as part of the scope validation process.  Their work will be limited to a small, focused area of quick activity.  This brief, temporary work will involve closing one travel lane (minimum) for only a short period of time with expected minimal impacts.  Please follow travel signage and be aware of workers in the field for everyone's safety.  Access to destinations will still be open. 

Why is this brief work being done?  The DB Team needs to collect soil borings from the travel lanes and the medians where some of the stations will be.  Please note that this activity is part of the Design-Build process and pre-construction activities. Construction of the “Pulse” has not commenced.

As a reminder, this limited work will be performed along small portions of the Pulse route within City of Richmond limits, from Staples Mill in the West to Orleans Street in the East.

Pulse Point: June 9, 2016

“Pulse Point” updates will be issued increasingly once construction begins. A Pulse Point indicates activity and energy! Keep your finger on these Pulse Points, and you’ll always be in the know of what’s going on, where and why.

Where are we now? 

We have a contractor! Here’s what happened. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) completed its procurement process for a Design-Build Team in April 2016. On April 20, 2016 the Commonwealth Transportation Board ratified the decision to move forward with Lane Construction Corporation / STV Design for the Design Build contract.  VDOT approved this award to the Lane / STV Team to complete Final Design and administer construction with a bid of $47,295,500.  To view the award letter click:

http://www.virginiadot.org/business/resources/APD_Docs/Award_Letters/108069_-_Award_Letter.pdf

Finally on April 29, 2016 a Notice to Proceed was sent to the Lane / STV Team.  Since then, the Team has been working on final design and scope validation. More on that in a moment.

Just to be clear, everything publicly approved in the design is still there?

Yes! The Lane / STV Team’s plan reflects everything presented to the public in 2015 and approved unanimously by the City of Richmond’s Urban Design Committee and Planning Commission in November 2015. No design feature was sacrificed. The project will be delivered exactly as approved by the Project Partners. Huzzah!

Does the Lane / STV Team have experience with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects? 

Yep, they know what they’re doing. The Lane / STV Team share experience on BRTs, including the Alexandria Bus Rapid Transit project (also a TIGER project).  They demonstrated through their Technical Proposal a clear understanding of the scope of work including systems, utilities, stakeholder communications, and infrastructure, as well as the related risks and challenges. 

The Lane / STV Team is also known for their effective public outreach and efficient Design-Build construction process.  Lane has received two notable awards, which include:

o   Public Outreach: VDOT and Megaprojects, Commonwealth of Virginia Award of Excellence, Integrated Communications

o   Construction Management Association of America 2013 Project Achievement Award

Here are some examples of Lane / STV Team's previous (LRT or BRT) experience:

LANE and STV designed and constructed the traffic signals, pavement markings, and signage for the Alexandria BRT Project.

STV developed the technical specifications for the TSP on SANDAG/MTS buses similar to what is required for this project.

Is the Lane / STV Team familiar with the Richmond region?

Yes, this is home turf. Many of the Lane / STV Team Members live in and/or work in the Richmond region.  They understand the fabric of the region and are personally invested in the success of the project. 

Okay, so when is construction starting?

The projected start date of construction is October 2016, depending on how quickly the scope validation and final design process is completed. Scope validation is when the Team independently verifies site conditions of the corridor prior to construction. This process is expected to end June 24, 2016 with specific construction details available later this Summer. Final design is occurring now through August 2016. Final design is exactly what it sounds like – the Team is taking the design documents already vetted by the public and approved and is completing any remaining design elements. Remember, the stations, locations, vehicles and general look and feel of the Pulse is already designed.

Great, so when can I ride?

October 2017!

Quarterly Public Informational Meeting: April 26 & 27, 2016

The next quarterly GRTC Pulse (Bus Rapid Transit – BRT) Project Public Informational Meetings are scheduled. The purpose of these meetings is to provide an informal project update and a status report of the Design-Build procurement process.   Content of these meetings is identical; please plan to attend the meeting most convenient for your schedule.   Members of the media are invited to attend. The public comment period for this project closed in February 2016.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Armstrong High School

2300 Cool Lane

This location is conveniently accessible from the GRTC bus system (Route 44).  Parking is available in the school parking lot. 

Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Main Street Station

1500 E. Main Street

This location is conveniently accessible from the GRTC bus system (Routes 11, 52 & 53) and is near the Temporary Transfer Plaza.  Free parking (unmarked spaces) is permitted in the east parking lot on Main Street.  Entrance is accessible between Main Street Station and 17th Street.  Free parking is also available at the Plaza located between Main and Cary Streets directly across from Main Street Station (enter from Main or Cary). 

Meeting locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. GRTC strives to provide reasonable accommodations and services for persons who require assistance to participate. For special assistance, contact Ashley Mason at 804-474-9364 or email amason@ridegrtc.com at least 72 hours prior to the public informational meeting.  GRTC Transit System’s CARE and CARE Plus services provide curb-to-curb Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services to residents of the Richmond Region.  To schedule a reservation, you may contact us:

• Phone: (804) 782-CARE (2273). Call Center Open 7 days a week, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Voicemail:  Call (804) 782-CARE (2273) then, when prompted, press “3” to leave a voicemail. Be sure to provide the customer’s first & last name and a callback phone number along with the reservation request.  A CARE representative will call back to confirm.
• Email: grtc.cvan@mvtransit.com. A CARE representative will confirm via email once the reservation is processed.
•  Fax: (804) 474-9993. A CARE representative will confirm via return fax or phone call once the reservation is processed.

Onward! Richmond City Council Approves The Pulse Development Agreement

City Council listens to City CAO Selena Cuffee-Glenn and Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne on February 8, 2016. 

Monday, February 8, 2016 was a pivotal moment in Richmond transit history.  Richmond City Council voted to authorize the City's Chief Administrative Officer to sign the first legal agreement between the Project Partners (City of Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation and GRTC). This document allows the Project to advance to the construction phase.  You can view the City Ordinance and the Project
Development Agreement on the City’s Legistar site HERE.

The line of those speaking in favor of the Pulse during the public comment period stretched out the back of Council Chambers.

So what’s next?
The Project Partners will all sign the Development Agreement that carries the Partners through construction. Also, VDOT's procurement process for a Design-Build (DB) team is ongoing. After the Semi-Final Design Phase wrapped up in September 2015 and received unanimous final votes of approval in November 2015 from both the Urban Design Committee and the Planning Commission, VDOT was able to incorporate those approved design plans into the procurement documents.

Wait, what's this procurement process like? 
In the free marketplace, project designers and builders come together to form teams and prove to VDOT that they are qualified to make the Pulse a reality. That phase was the "Request for Qualifications," and three teams were deemed qualified to progress into the "Request for Proposals" phase, which is happening now. These teams will compete with each other until one successful proposing team is selected to take the design specifications already vetted through the public and partner review process, adhere to those, and construct the Project on time and within budget. We expect to know who the successful DB team is in March 2016. Early construction activities are anticipated to start April 2016. Typically, construction is started on the portion of the project that has been designed to 100%. Simultaneously, the DB team will complete any remaining design items according to the specs. This is where DB teams use their creativity and innovation to meet the construction timeline and budget.

How can I learn more about the Pulse and stay informed once construction begins?
Once the DB team is selected, they will be in attendance at many meetings and also proactively engage the public on the construction timeline and what to expect. The GRTC Pulse Team continues to meet with organizations, businesses, neighborhood associations and community centers in the Greater Richmond Area.  If you would like to meet with the team or invite us to your meeting, please email your request to brt@ridegrtc.com, including the requested date, time, duration, location, and any other specific request.  The team will provide informational folders, update the status of the project, answer questions and receive feedback.

Will I still be able to get to that restaurant I love Downtown?
YES! The Design-Builder will work closely with businesses to both preserve and encourage access to businesses.  This will include relevant signage guiding customers (both pedestrian and in vehicles) to businesses. We encourage you to support the businesses along the Pulse!

THANK YOU
Finally, we want to thank everyone who has participated in this Project so far. Your voices have made the Pulse better. We look forward to continued engagement. Onward, together.

Packed City Council Chambers on Monday, February 8, 2016.

Quarterly Public Informational Meeting: January 19, 20 & 23, 2016

The next quarterly Public Informational Meeting for the GRTC Pulse project will be held at the invitation of The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District. Both meetings are identical in content. An update on the status of the project will be given, including information about the related GRTC Bus Rapid Transit Route Modifications and East End Connections study.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016
6:30 PM - 8 PM
NRC - Neighborhood Resource Center/Fulton
1519 Williamsburg Road, Richmond, VA

Wednesday, January 20, 2016
6 PM - 7:30 PM
FRC - Family Resource Center
2405 Jefferson Avenue, Richmond, VA

A third, identical meeting is a joint meeting at the invitation of The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District and of The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District.
Saturday, January 23, 2016
10:30 AM – 12 PM
Martin Luther King Jr Middle School
1000 Mosby St, Richmond, VA

Public comments may be submitted within five days of the meeting via email to brt@ridegrtc.com or delivered to GRTC Transit System, C/O Ashley Mason, 301 East Belt Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23224.

Meeting locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. GRTC strives to provide reasonable accommodations and services for persons who require assistance to participate. For special assistance, call Ashley Mason at 804-474-9364 or email amason@ridegrtc.com at least 72 hours prior to the public informational meeting.

GRTC Transit System’s CARE and CARE Plus services provide curb-to-curb Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services to citizens of the Richmond Region. CARE and CARE Plus provide public transportation access to individuals with disabilities who may not be reasonably able to use GRTC fixed route bus service. To schedule a reservation, you may contact us by phone, voicemail, email, or fax:
• Phone: (804) 782-CARE (2273). Call Center Open 7 days a week, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Voicemail:  Call (804) 782-CARE (2273) then, when prompted, press “3” to leave a voicemail. Be sure to provide the customer’s first & last name and a callback phone number along with the reservation request.  A CARE representative will call back to confirm.
• Email: grtc.cvan@mvtransit.com. A CARE representative will confirm via email once the reservation is processed.
• Fax: (804) 474-9993. A CARE representative will confirm via return fax or phone call once the reservation is processed.

Transit Means Business Forum: Video Recap

Being globally competitive requires a high quality, high capacity, world-class transportation system.

In order to thrive, businesses need access to the employees, customers, investors, young talent and amenities that accompany excellent transit. The Transit Means Business Forum on 12/1/15 was a chance for the business community to network and hear informative presentations from business leaders and goverment officials, sharing what transit and access mean for businesses and the region’s economic development.

The program included:

Aubrey Layne, Secretary of Transportation, Commonwealth of Virginia, "Transit Fuels the Economic Engines"
John Martin, Southeastern Institute of Research, "Transit Gets Them Here -- Demographic Shifts Pointing to Multimodal Choices"
Lorna Parkins, Michael Baker International, "Regional Transit Vision Plan Overview"

A panel of speakers on why transit matters to economic and business growth in the Richmond region, including:
Pat Tiernan, Chief Operating Officer, Stone Brewing Co.
Ted Ukrop, Developer, Quirk Hotel
Greg Talley, Director of Human Resources, Kings Dominion

Guest Blog by RVA Rapid Transit - "Casting the Regional Vision: Why BRT Now?"

RVA Rapid Transit, "a group of citizens dedicated to a unified vision of transit in Metro Richmond," offered this Guest Blog post.

Of late some in our city have been voicing concern about plans for the GRTC Pulse. They have been doing so out of extremely good intentions, and we applaud their passion for effective transit. Nevertheless, in responding to the concerns we've heard - listed below - we lay out why now is the time to press forward with a project that has been years in the making. [for more details on the short answers below, see www.rvarapidtransit.org "news" tab]

1) It's just an expensive ($54 million to build) bus line aimed at "choice riders" that repeats the #6 bus.

The short answer: The GRTC Pulse is neither a regular bus line, nor the same as the #6. It extends farther than the #6 and functions like a light rail line, stopping at less frequently than a bus route but still connecting many major areas along its route, including downtown and VCU. This route was chosen after much study because of its current density, further potential for growth, and capacity to connect everyone more fully to the commerce, employment, health care, higher education, government services, and recreation that lies along the corridor, and beyond via swifter transfers. Currently 33,000 people and 77,000 jobs lie within a half-mile of planned BRT stations, with more of each projected in the decades ahead. Clearly other activity centers and neighborhoods lie beyond this corridor, but this project is a starting point and catalyst for regional improvements and extensions toward metro-wide transit.

2) The BRT will operate at a deficit that seems likely to cost the city millions every year.

The short answer: Nearly all transportation services (roads, buses, etc.) tend to operate at a deficit. They generally are a public service. That said, investment into the infrastructure and operation of the faster more reliable transit provided by BRT has also been shown in cities around the globe to be a spur to economic growth, ultimately offsetting any higher costs in GRTC budget.

3) The Richmond BRT is the only such bus route in the country that does not include parking (park and ride) for the suburban and "choice" riders it proposed to attract.

The short answer: Conversations continue to be underway with regards to park-and-ride lots, but it’s key to note the goal is a comprehensive system where park-and-rides along this current stretch are generally not a key to success – park-and-ride need is enormously reduced if the line runs out to Short Pump and also connects with corridors down routes 360, 1, and 60.

4) The plan will reduce Broad Street from 3 lanes to 2 in each direction.

The short answer: According to recent traffic studies, at present two travel lanes in each direction on Broad Street provide more capacity than current traffic at any point along the route. BRT plans also include adding left-hand turn lanes at certain intersections, thereby helping ease the flow of traffic. Ultimately, with the BRT in conjunction with a growing population, Broad Street will probably feel neither no more nor no less trafficked, but absent this reliable, efficient transit alternative that can compete with car use, Broad Street will undoubtedly be far more congested in the decades ahead.

5) The plan will eliminate many left turns on Broad Street, will eliminate about half the parking spaces, and most of the loading zones.

The short answer: Many left-turns are already restricted along the corridor today, yet even after any and all changes with the BRT, left-turns will still be available about every three blocks. Ultimately, while roughly 300 on-street parking spots on Broad will be restricted along the corridor, there will only be an overall 4% reduction in parking spots (public and private, on-street and off-street) within one block of the corridor from N Thompson St (just east of 195) to 14th St (see link to details below). This reduction in parking comes in exchange for far more free flowing access for employees and customers via transit. The City’s Department of Planning & Development Review is currently in consultation with business owners about how best to reconfigure loading zones.

6) The construction will take about a year and a half. It seems likely that many of the businesses that have generated the renaissance on Broad over past eight years or so will not survive the construction nor the long-term consequences of the project.

The short answer: Construction (at station sites and where the BRT will be median running, from Thompson Street to Foushee Street) will be done in phases guided by VDOT, which has an excellent record managing projects while minimizing the effect on local residents and businesses. The City is also currently undertaking not only a study on ways to mitigate effects on businesses during nearby construction, but also a study on how to best encourage future growth along the corridor.

It is critical not to let the long term of decades/the coming century of quality development-spurring transit be crowded out by concern for three to four months of carefully planned construction at a given section along the route. As soon as reliable efficient transit is up and running, it will enormously ease the flow of customers and employees to businesses along the corridor.

7) The plan does nothing for those who really need better transit service: the regular bus riders who sorely need better service. The GRTC's own $1.2 million study states that 47% of Richmonders have no bus service where they live, and the proposed bus route does nothing to alter that disturbing fact.

The short answer: Addressing the needs of those who are dependent upon transit to navigate the metro area is critically important to this service and its extension into the counties. The BRT will provide reliable, efficient service, and GRTC bus lines will be reconfigured to maximize connectivity with the BRT (the contract for this study, which will entail lots of neighborhood and public input, is imminent and will be completed before the phased construction ends). The Richmond Regional Transit Vision Plan, which the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is currently undertaking, will engage how best to expand to a full metro-wide system, with this 7.6-mile stretch serving as the crucial first step.

The metro-wide system and the ways in which it would enhance equality of access, quality of life, environmental care, and economic development is precisely the effort that RVA Rapid Transit, The Partnership for Smarter Growth, and The Clergy Committee for Rapid Transit are diligently working. We are doing so in consultation and collaboration with planners, public servants, non-profits, institutions, businesses, and citizens across the metropolitan area, and we can absolutely use and need your support!

Civic Statement of Support for Rapid Transit across Metropolitan Richmond