I-66 Multimodal Study Final Report - Virginia Department of ...

Multimodal PackagesTransit (Bus and Rail)Transit Level of Service is calculated based on a number of different, related factors. This studyfocused on two specific transit LOS factors to illustrate the availability and efficiency of transitservice (bus and rail) in each of the packages. The LOS factor values are shown in the mapsand tables below and should be compared to the values in the CLRP+ Baseline scenario.Frequency – Availability of transit service was calculated based on frequency of service forinbound transit (bus and rail) during the morning peak period in the study area. These servicefrequencies are used as an input to the travel demand forecasting process. Bus frequencieswere calculated for all types of bus service (e.g., local, express) and shown on maps for each ofthe packages. Metrorail frequency, as measured by the number of Metrorail trains per peakhour, also is shown in Figure 3.4. It should be noted that since none of the multimodalpackages make any changes to the Metrorail service, this LOS factor remains constant across allof the options.Load Factor – Load factors are an output of the travel demand forecasting model and arecalculated by dividing the total number of transit passengers by the available transit capacity.This measures the quality of transit service by capturing changes in convenience and comfortfor transit riders. Transit load factors were calculated for the CLRP+ Baseline and for eachpackage for inbound transit (bus and rail) during the morning peak period in the study area.Metrorail and bus load factors were generated at four cutlines along the corridor, (shown inSection 2.0, Figure 2.2). For Metrorail, this measure is calculated as the number of passengersper car crossing a cutline by rail in the peak direction. Railcars are assumed to have a maximumcapacity of 120 passengers. For bus, this measure is calculated as the number of passengersper bus crossing a cutline by bus in the peak direction. A standard 40-foot bus is assumedto have 40 seats. Metrorail and bus load factors are shown for each package and in Section 3.4,Table 3.23 and Table 3.24.Bicycle and PedestrianBicycle and pedestrian projects were evaluated for their potential to improve the functionalityand comfort of the study area bicycle network for nonmotorized travelers. Because differentmodels are used to evaluate on-road and off-road bicycle facilities, the LOS techniques appliedare described separately. LOS was generated for linear improvements (on-road bicycle routesand off-road trails and shared use paths) only, as projects are intended to focus on access totransit and east/west linear movement in the study area.Bicycle LOSBicycle Level of Service (BLOS) is used for on-road (e.g., bicycle lanes, wide shoulders) level ofservice analysis. The resulting score reflects a typical bicyclist’s level of comfort with the ridingconditions. Essentially, BLOS identifies the quality of service for bicyclists that exists within theroadway environment – currently, or based on future improvements being incorporated intothe model.The BLOS Model Version 2.0 (BLOS Model) was used for the evaluation of bicycling conditionsin shared roadway environments. The BLOS Model is based on research documented inI-66 Multimodal Study 3-9