PUBLIC MEETINGS Winter 2014 TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation
BACKGROUND TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 2
Why study rail between Oklahoma and South Texas? IH-35 is congested and will continue to get more congested as Texas’ population and economy grow. Passenger rail service could fit the needs of many travelers and reduce demand on the state’s roadways. Study will provide a blueprint for feasible rail improvements. TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 3
A big question about our process Thes ese q e ques uestions will be be ans nswer ered ed Thes ese q e ques uestions will ll not be be through t the s e stud udy: ans nswer ered ed t through t the e stud udy: Is improved passenger rail a Where would new rail be good idea? constructed? What kind of passenger rail What would the impacts be service is feasible? to specific properties? What are the costs, impacts, When would new service be and benefits of passenger available? rail service? Exactly where would stations What cities would be served be located? by passenger rail? TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation
Different kinds of service Speed (miles Stops/ frequency per hour) Maximum: Stops 15 to 60 miles apart Conventional rail 70-90 mph (mostly uses existing tracks) Average: 3-6 trains/day each 45-60 mph direction (no more than 12) Maximum: Stops 30 to 90 miles apart Higher speed rail 110-125 mph (some dedicated tracks) Average: 4-8 trains/day each 70-85 mph direction (as many as 12) High speed rail Maximum: Stops 50 to 100+ miles 165-220 mph apart (fully dedicated tracks) Average: 12-24 trains/day each 100-140 mph direction Common Attributes: Single or double deck trains, stations with parking, operation on existing or dedicated tracks TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 5
Schedule We are here Winter Spring Summer Fall Winter Spring Summer Fall 2013 2013 2013 2013 2014 2014 2014 2014 Set goals, gather Select and Refine analysis and Alternatives data, develop and analyze secure agency analysis screen alternatives alternatives approvals TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 6
How we got here Step 1: screening Feasibility Wide screen: range of physical ideas constraints Step 2: alternatives analysis Range of alternatives to Range of Step #2: study in EIS feasible evaluation ideas criteria TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 7
How we compared alternatives Gre reen: Strength or benefit Yell llow: Some benefit Re Red: Weakness or drawback TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 8
Screening criteria: operations Revenue/operating cost ratio – Tells us if a route would require a subsidy to operate – Minimum thresholds must be met for alternatives to move forward Travel times – Comparison of rail travel time to auto travel time between cities Mode share on rail – % of people who would choose rail as opposed to other modes for their trip TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 9
Screening criteria: infrastructure Capital cost – Per passenger mile Right-of-way/real estate impacts – A representation of possible impacts to private property based on whether or not a route uses existing transportation rights-of-way TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 10
Screening criteria: environment Natural resources – Wetlands – Critical habitat Cultural/recreational resources – National and state historic places – Potential archeological sites – Parks and open space Social resources – Prime farmland – Sensitive receptors (homes, schools, hospitals) potentially affected by noise or vibration – Environmental Justice populations TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 11
ALTERNATIVES Northern Section TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 12
Northern Section TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 13
Northern Section TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 14
Northern Section TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 15
What could Metroplex train service look like? TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 16
ALTERNATIVES Central Section TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 17
Central Section TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 18
Central Section TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 19
Central Section TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 20
ALTERNATIVES Southern Section TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 21
Southern Section George West TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 22
Southern Section George West TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 23
Southern Section George West TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 24
Southern Section George West TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 25
Next steps and your input What we need to hear from you: – Are these the right alternatives? – Do you have concerns about the alternatives that we're recommending to carry forward? – Is there other information that you need? Fill out a comment form and leave it with us tonight Share this information with your friends and neighbors – Comment form and maps are on our website: www.TXOKrail.org TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 26
Questions? Questions? www.TXOKrail.org TOPRS Winter 2014 Public Meeting Presentation 27
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