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

4. Evaluation Methodology RTC SR-160 Corridor Study
of Land Management (BLM) land in Enterprise, the window of opportunity to secure land
needed for transit is quickly closing. In the following section, current ownership of desirable
parcels is described. Methods available for acquiring federally owned right-of-way needed
to construct transit-supportive amenities like Park & Ride facilities, transfer stations and
intermediate transit stations, shelters and bus stops are also presented.
4.2 SCREENING METHODOLOGY
This subsection presents a screening methodology to the corridor alternatives based on
formal planning criteria and it establishs a framework for applying this screening
methodology to each corridor alternative and recommending an alternative or set of
alternatives that best suits the characteristics of the corridor.
By design, the methodology to assess the corridor alternatives is taken from the evaluation
criteria established for the Las Vegas Valley Long Range Transit Plan, which outlines a
strategic vision for long-term transit investments for the Las Vegas Valley. The screening
criteria include the following.
Mobility Improvements – How well do the proposed transit alternatives improve
travel times and options How does the proposed modal solution improve ridership
and operational efficiency To what extent will new transit services impact vehicular
safety on existing roads where transit routes will be introduced
Presence of Transit Supportive Land Use – Is the candidate corridor included in
existing land use policies that emphasize smart growth and transit-oriented
development
Engineering Feasibility – How difficult is the build option to implement What are
the estimated capital and operating costs What are the impacts to traffic
circulation
Supportive Demographics – Are there population and employment densities
sufficient to justify the introduction of new transit services Assuming the share of
transit-dependent population in the study area is low, how many jobs are within a
½-mile of the corridor
Environmental Constraints – How much right-of-way is available to construct
facilities required to introduce local, express and bus rapid transit (BRT) services
How much relocation of utilities and other assets will be required
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