managing travel for planned special events - FHWA Operations ...

event. Because of these deviations, station-to-stationtravel times may change.• Implementation of an express service toestablish a special purpose route to andfrom the event. This service, includingbus and commuter rail, usually requiresriders to pay a fare, although event sponsorsmay reimburse the service cost orinclude the cost in the ticket price. Theexpress service will involve an entirelynew route and new schedule of servicethat accommodates the operational characteristicsof the event served. Expressbus routes may originate, for example,from regional park and ride lots or regionalcommercial centers with availableparking. Express bus operations are discussedin more depth in the “ExpressBus Service” section.The Portland, Oregon area has a special Tri-Met SETS (Special Events Transit Service)Program that handles all requests for modificationsto existing transit service due to aplanned special event. (3) Requests for allspecial services are evaluated based on thefollowing criteria as outlined in Tri-Met’sService Standards:• Serving the Public Interest - Certaincommunity events require the movementof large groups of people during certainhours of the day. These are events thatwould otherwise seriously restrict trafficmovements unless public transit took anexpanded role. Historically, these eventsare annual events, although some onetimeevents may also be considered. Thedecision to provide the service is basedon an evaluation of available resourcesand the need for the service.• Cost Effectiveness - The special servicerequested must be evaluated based onboth operations and system cost and onthe availability of operators and equipment.STRATEGYPublictransitserviceexpansionExpress busserviceCharterserviceTransitServicemarketingTable 7-3Transit Service StrategiesTECHNIQUES• Maximize use of public transit.o Existing service with additional vehicle hourso Modifying existing service by creating a route deviation with a stop near the eventvenueo Implementation of an express service to establish a special purpose route to and fromthe event site• Discourage event patrons from driving their vehicles to the event site due to expected siteparking deficiencies and anticipated roadway congestion.o Using express bus service between a park and ride facility or remote parking lot andevent venueo Using park and ride lots that best intercept spectator traffic as it approaches the eventsite.• Use a contract service to provide transportation directly to the event site from outlying areas(e.g., other neighborhoods and cities).• Consider both charter bus operations as well as charter rail service.• Establish a comprehensive transit marketing program.o Informing the public of the availability of public transit service to/from the eventvenueo Convincing the public to use the service7-10