Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Approving a Cooperative Agreement Between San Leandro and AC Transit for Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of the South Alameda County Major Corridors Travel Time Improvement Project (AC Transit Line 97 TPI) in Unincorporated Alameda County, San Leandro, Hayward, and Union City
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Agreement between San Leandro and Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the South Alameda County Major Corridors Travel Time Improvement Project (AC Transit Line 97 TPI) in unincorporated Alameda County, San Leandro, Hayward, and Union City.
BACKGROUND
The South Alameda County Major Corridors Travel Time Improvement Project will enhance corridor traffic and transit operations between the Bayfair BART Station in San Leandro and the Union City BART station.
In September 2014, AC Transit received $5.0 million in grant funds through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Transit Priority Initiative (TPI) program for this project. AC Transit programmed Transit District Capital funds in the amount of $420,000 for local matching funds. MTC also assigned $500,000 in Federal Next Generation Arterial Operation Program (NGAOP) funds for preliminary systems engineering for the project. Additionally, AC Transit, Union City, and the Alameda County Public Works Agency (ACPWA) were awarded $228,000 in Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) funding through the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) to offset the local matching funds AC Transit is contributing to the project. The entire estimated project budget is $6.148 million.
AC Transit $5M CMAQ (TPI Program), $420k District Capital, $148k TFCA
Alameda County $44,000 TFCA
Union City $36,000 TFCA
Hayward $0
San Leandro $0
MTC $500,000 CMAQ (Next Gen AOP)
Grand Total $6,148,000
To be able to execute the design and construction of the project, AC Transit requires cooperative agreements with the cities of San Leandro, Hayward and Union City as well as Alameda County to identify roles and responsibilities for the project. In addition to the cooperative agreements, AC Transit needs to execute an operations agreement with the California Department of Transportation to identify roles and responsibilities for the project.
Analysis
The South Alameda County Major Corridors Travel Time Improvement Project will enhance corridor traffic and transit operations on Hesperian Boulevard, Union City Boulevard, Alvarado Boulevard, Dyer Street, Alvarado-Niles Road and Decoto Road to improve AC Transit Line 97 operations. Specific improvements include implementation of Adaptive Signal Control and Transit Signal Priority systems, which use technology to reduce wait time at traffic signals for transit vehicles by holding green lights longer or shortening red lights, as well as coordination of traffic signal timing along the corridor. Relocation of certain bus stops may also be necessary if impacts to the adjoining businesses or properties cannot be mitigated. All of these improvements will be constructed within the existing right of way.
This project will improve 61 signalized intersections, including three in San Leandro, three under Caltrans’ jurisdiction, nine in Alameda County’s unincorporated area, 19 in the City of Hayward, and 27 in Union City. The three San Leandro signals are located on Hesperian Boulevard at the Thornally Drive, Drew Street, and Springlake Drive intersections.
The project is currently under design, and construction is expected to begin and finish in 2019. Improvements at the identified intersections in Alameda County will be coordinated with completion of the County’s upcoming Hesperian Boulevard Streetscape Project.
Current Agency Policies
• Maintain and enhance San Leandro’s infrastructure
• Advance projects and programs promoting sustainable economic development, including transforming San Leandro into a center for innovation
Applicable General Plan Policies
Policy T1.9 Impacts of Transportation Facilities Work with public and private agencies to reduce the negative impacts (noise, vibrations, fumes, etc.) of major transportation facilities and transit vehicles on adjacent land use.
Policy T-2.1 Complete Streets Servicing All Users and Modes Create and maintain “complete” streets that provide safe, comfortable, and convenient travel through a comprehensive, integrated transportation network that serves all users.
Policy T-2.4 Connectivity Ensure that the design of streets and other transportation features helps to better connect the City’s circulation network and facilitate safer and more convenient travel between San Leandro and surrounding communities.
Policy T-4.1 Coordination with Service Providers Work collaboratively with AC Transit and BART to ensure that public transit service remains safe, reliable, and affordable, and to improve service frequency and coverage within San Leandro neighborhood and employment centers.
Policy T-4.5 Passenger Amenities Encourage amenities, such as shelters, lighting, and real-time information on bus arrivals and departures to increase rider safety, comfort and convenience.
Policy T-4.7 Allocation of Regional Funds Ensure that the City receives its fair share of the public funds allocated for transit services within the region.
Policy T-5.4 Traffic Flow Improvements Use a variety of technology-driven measures to improve traffic flow at congested intersections.
Policy T-5.7 Technology and Roadway Efficiency Use technology, including smart phone applications, roadway sensors, and real time data on congestion, travel time, and parking supply to create a more efficient transportation system, and to maximize the benefits of the existing road system before investing in its expansion.
Policy T-8.1 Coordination with Regional Agencies Work closely with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Alameda County Transportation Commission, AC Transit, BART, and other agencies to address regional transportation issues affecting San Leandro.
Policy T8-8 Adjacent Cities Coordinate the planning of the roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian systems with adjacent jurisdictions, particular the cities of Oakland, Alameda, and Hayward, the County of Alameda. The City should maximize regional connectivity by creating seamless connections to adjacent transportation systems that the City borders.
Environmental Review
AC Transit is the lead agency for environmental review.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
AC Transit is responsible for public outreach.
Fiscal Impacts
Costs for design and construction of the project, including warranties of three years after the construction, will be covered by awarded grant funds and managed by AC Transit. After the three-year warranty period, the City will be responsible for a cost of $4,500 per year for maintaining the equipment within San Leandro using the Public Works Department’s Traffic Signal Maintenance Funds commencing in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
Budget Authority
Traffic Signal Maintenance Funds are included in the Annual Budget that will include the yearly maintenance funds $4,500 per year of the project starting from 2021-22. No other financial obligation is required from the City for completing the construction of this project.
ATTACHMENTS
• Cooperative Agreement
• Exhibits of Cooperative Agreement
PREPARED BY: Reh-Lin N. Chen, Senior Transportation Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department