Title
Staff Report for a Presentation by AC Transit on the San Leandro Transit Center
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff has invited AC Transit’s Director of Capital Projects, Joe Callaway, to present the latest conceptual plan for the San Leandro Transit Center. The existing Transit Center at the San Leandro BART station requires modification to accommodate AC Transit’s East Bay Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, which is expected to begin operation in late 2019. The latest conceptual plan differs from a plan previously presented to the Committee on July 7, 2015 and changes will be reviewed at the committee meeting.
BACKGROUND
AC Transit's innovative BRT Project has been under construction in San Leandro since January 2017. BRT is a bus service that mirrors the frequency, reliability and safety of light-rail train service without the high cost. BRT will operate along a 9.5 mile corridor from downtown Oakland to the San Leandro BART Station, primarily along International Boulevard and East 14th Street.
Unlike conventional buses, BRT buses are elevated in relationship to the curb. Rather than kneeling at each stop, BRT buses remain elevated and allow passenger boarding only at elevated platforms. At present, the bus terminal at San Leandro BART accommodates only conventional buses with standard curbs aligned in a saw-tooth docking configuration. The current configuration can dock up to eleven conventional buses as well as provide stops for the Flex FLEX paratransit, LinksLINKS, and Kaiser Permanente shuttle services; however, the configuration cannot accommodate BRT buses.
Analysis
Funding constraints have prompted AC Transit to value-engineer the Transit Center conceptual plan. Instead of extending north into the BART parking field as was shown in earlier versions, the proposed improvements remain generally within the confines of the existing transit operations footprint. A reduced footprint has eliminated the need for extensive changes to San Leandro Boulevard, including a desirable but expensive signalized mid-block crosswalk shown on the 2015 plan. The saw-tooth docking configuration has been replaced with straight curbs to allow flexibility in bus docking. Conversion of the central island to an elevated BRT platform remains a necessary project component, as well as a layover lounge for bus operators that includes permanent restrooms to replace the two exterior porta-potties.
The new conceptual plan presented AC Transit with several challenges. Since BRT buses and conventional buses cannot share stop locations because of differing docking heights, the ample layover parking space currently enjoyed by bus operators will be significantly reduced. To account for this loss, AC Transit is considering additional stop locations on San Leandro Boulevard, acknowledging that curb-side public parking would be supplanted. Similarly, AC Transit is evaluating options for shuttle stops that would not compete with conventional buses for passenger boarding. Finally, existing bicycle lockers may conflict with narrowed sidewalks, thus requiring relocation.
Recommendation
Although BART retains authority and control over changes at the San Leandro Transit Center, the City nonetheless remains an important stakeholder. AC Transit also acknowledges the City’s crucial role as stakeholder and invites input on their operations within San Leandro. As such, the Committee is asked to receive the information presented by AC Transit, listen to input offered by those in attendance including BART staff, shuttle operators, and/or the public, ask any questions, then provide direction to City and AC Transit staff. City staff will then work with AC Transit and BART to assure the City’s interests are accommodated in the new conceptual design.
Attachment(s) to Staff Report
• 2015 Conceptual Plan (to be replaced)
• 2018 Conceptual Plan (to be discussed)
• Existing Conditions Aerial Photograph (for reference)
PREPARED BY: Michael Stella, P.E., Principal Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department