(Blue Diamond Road) Corridor Study - Regional Transportation ...

4. Evaluation Methodology RTC SR-160 Corridor Study
4.0 EVALUATION METHODOLOGY
When assessing the applicability of potential transit investments to specific corridor
segments and developing route structure alternatives, it is important to consider both
potential transit demand and the physical characteristics of the corridor. In developing new
transit services, the basic route network structure is typically influenced by the spatial
distribution of trip generators and attractors and the movement of these trips throughout
the transportation network.
To the extent possible, the route structure should maximize service to identifiable and
predictable commuter and non-work-related trip sheds. Service levels – defined by peak
and non-peak frequencies, span of service, and total vehicle service hours – for these new
routes should correspond with observable transit demand. In the following section, several
key planning variables that help determine the suitability of new transit service to
expanding areas of a regional transportation system are presented.
4.1 FACTORS GUIDING TRANSIT EXPANSION
Planning for transit improvements along the Blue Diamond corridor merits unique
consideration because the intense pace of new residential development in the Enterprise
area is unprecedented even for the Las Vegas Valley. With so much Major Project
subdivision development currently underway and subsequent phases planned for future
years, the character of the Enterprise community is being transformed from a quiet rural
district to a sprawling suburban area vulnerable to a widening infrastructure gap.
With respect to transportation infrastructure, a multimodal plan for SR-160 and connecting
major arterials that includes a mass transit element must be developed before the window
of opportunity closes – even though there is no transit service there today. The potential to
attract transit ridership is a function of several variables.
The type and intensity of existing transit service – The type of transit service
already operating in a corridor gives an indication of the relative level of transit
service that a corridor can support. The Blue Diamond study area does not currently
benefit from any transit service. Given the breakneck pace of subdivision expansion
south of SR-160 and between SR-160 and CC-215, mass transit improvements are
needed, based on future population and development growth estimates and the
changing nature of the community from rural to growing suburban.
Traffic Volumes and Level of Congestion – High traffic volumes indicate high
demand for travel in specific sections of the transportation network. As Enterprise’s
only east-west connector to I-15, SR-160 is among the region’s most heavily
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