4.3. SR 07-19-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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identified under the commuter rail scenario, and the actual number of vehicles necessary to . provide express service would then be based on new anticipated demand. The TSM Alternative also provides a potential long-term strategy under which bus service would gradually be replaced with commuter rail service. Bus operations strategies are described in greater detail in the following sections. Service Enhancements Express Bus Service Express bus service is designed to serve the entire corridor between Rice and the Twin Cities. Express buses would stop at park-and-ride facilities located along the corridor picking up and/or dropping off passengers until reaching the Foley Park-and-Ride in Coon Rapids. Once in the Twin Cities area, passengers would have the option to transfer to a local route or continue non- stop to downtown Minneapolis. Service would operate similar to the previously identified proposed commuter rail schedule with buses departing from Rice/St. Cloud, Elk River and Anoka/Ramsey. Figure 1 on the following page illustrates a sample schedule and includes reverse commute service. As an example, express routes would depart from Rice/St. Cloud three times each weekday morning between approximately 5:40 AM - 6:30 AM. Additional southbound service from this area would include a late morning trip around 11:15 AM, and two late afternoon trips between 3:40 PM and . 5:00 PM. Vehicles would also depart from Elk River and Anoka/Ramsey traveling southbound as depicted in Figure 1. Express bus service would not follow the TH 10/47 corridor south of the Foley Park-and-Ride facility. Instead, buses would utilize bus shoulder lanes along TH 610/252 connecting with 1-94 to downtown Minneapolis allowing for faster travel time. A park-and-ride would still be needed at the location of Starlite and 61 sl Avenue in Fridley, but is included as a separate express service to downtown. New Routes Feeder service consIstmg of local fixed routes, dial-a-ride and shuttles would transport passengers to/from park-and-ride facilities to meet the commuter express bus routes. The St. Cloud Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) would provide service in the St. Cloud metropolitan area utilizing full-size buses. The park-and-ride facility in St. Cloud would be located outside the existing fixed route network, therefore new routes would be added to provide feeder service to the new facility. . 2 June 24, 1999 Phase II Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study Draft - TSM Alternative