DRAFT

Fixed-Guideway Transit (Rail)As indicated, fixed-guideway transit improvements are assumed to be light rail; however, mode choicewould be determined through the AA process. A double-track rail line of approximately 26 miles isassumed to connect St. Petersburg and Clearwater and would accommodate future connectivity across theHoward Frankland Bridge to connect to the light rail system proposed for Hillsborough County and the newHSR service connecting Tampa to Orlando. However, operating costs for rail service to HillsboroughCounty are not included in this plan.It is assumed that the 26 miles of track would be built in two phases and that it will take at least three and ahalf years to complete the AA, initiate and complete project design, and receive approval for funding fromFTA for each of the two phases. This would allow construction of the first phase to begin in FY 2015/16. Itis assumed that construction of the first phase will take approximately four years. The first 13-mile segmentwould be in operation in FY 2019/20 and the total corridor would be in operation by FY 2023/24.The light rail service would operate 18 hours per day, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, with a service frequencyof 15 minutes during the week, on Saturdays, and on Sundays. Based on research of other light railsystems, operating costs per revenue hour are assumed to be $310 in 2010 dollars. A total of 3,700annual deadhead hours have been estimated for inclusion in the operating cost assumptions.Light rail capital cost assumptions include the following. Based on research of other light rail systems, capital costs for the light rail line are assumed to be $71million per mile for double tracks in 2010 dollars, including start-up costs. The capital inflation factor for rail is 2.5 percent. Light rail vehicle costs are $4,250,000 each. Each train is assumed to operate with two train cars. Fourteen trains, consisting of two train cars each, would operate during peak service periods. The spare ratio for light rail vehicles is 20 percent.Station costs are $1,000,000 and consist of a basic set of passenger amenities, i.e., benches, shelters,lighting, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, windscreen, ticket vending machines, and signage.A command center, maintenance yard facility, and yard are programmed at an estimated total cost of$21 million. A light maintenance yard is programmed to be located near the end of the rail line tosupport the second phase of rail service development.Addition of $77.5 million in transfer facility improvements between FY 2013/14 and FY 2022/23. Thattotal includes development of 10 major transfer facilities and 4 intermodal facilities. Intermodal facilitylocations include Downtown Clearwater, Downtown St. Petersburg, Oldsmar, and Gateway and willinclude park-and-ride facilities of at least 250 parking spaces each.Five satellite park-and-ride facilities are programmed at a cost of $525,000 each. Satellite park-andridefacilities consist of an average of 60 parking spaces each.Tindale-Oliver & Associates, Inc.Pinellas Suncoast Transit AuthoritySeptember 2010 7-16 Transit Development Plan