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Agenda Item # 15

BOARD MEMORANDUM

For Discussion Only

BACKGROUND:

In February 2005, the VTA Board of Directors adopted the Valley Transportation Plan 2030 (VTP 2030).   As VTA’s long-range transportation plan for Santa Clara County, the VTP 2030 identifies $188 million in 2000 Measure A funds for the development of new rail transit corridors, and correspondingly, includes a study to evaluate up to seven potential new rail transit corridors. 

DISCUSSION:

Given VTA’s current fiscal reality, VTP 2030 includes a recommendation to develop a Transit Capital Expansion Policy (TEP) to establish   guidelines for capital expansion and broaden the range of modes and technologies that may be considered for high-capacity transit corridor expansion, including Enhanced Bus and Bus Rapid Transit services. 

VTA will conduct the work in two phases: (1) development of transit capital expansion policy; (2) conduct new corridors study.

During Phase I, VTA will develop the TEP.   The TEP will establish a policy framework that links decision-making regarding bus and rail transit capital expansion with supporting land-use policies and other commitments from Member Agencies, construction and operational feasibility, overall operational efficiency, and ridership potential.  Phase I is scheduled for completion within 12 months following VTA Board approval. 

In Phase II, VTA will complete a New Corridors Study to define and evaluate up to seven potential new corridors and establish corridor priorities using the criteria for capital expansion developed as part of the TEP.  Phase II is scheduled for completion within 24 months of the completion of Phase I. A scope of work for Phases I and II is provided in Attachment A.

VTA has conducted a process in selecting a consultant for assistance in this effort.  VTA will be bringing the consultant selection to the VTA Board of Directors for approval at its meeting on September 1, 2005.

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