Brooklyn Bridge Park Transportation Study, 3/2008

SAm SChwARTz PLLC hDR-DANIEL FRANkFURT
Figure V-1 New York University Shuttle
Figure V-2 Lower Manhattan Shuttle
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESS STUDY
Routing
The shortest, fastest route is the most attractive option to Park-goers and the most
economical to operate. This type of route was also favored at the community charrette.
These routes need to avoid as many turns, traffic signals, and congestion points as
possible. Routes should also connect to locations with the greatest concentration of
subway and bus lines. To ensure fast service, no intermediate stops are recommended.
Loops should not be operated unless they save time compared to linear routes. Finally,
the shuttle should not circulate within the Park, but should provide access to a central
location in the Park.
Frequency and Cost
Although frequent service is more convenient and attracts a greater number of riders,
it would be more expensive. On the other hand, headways exceeding 15 minutes
would only carry infirmed passengers and those who coincidentally pass by the shuttle
stop at departure time. Thus, long headways would not generate enough ridership to
justify the shuttle costs.
It is reasonable to assume that shuttle service would be provided on weekends to
serve recreational visitors to the Park. In addition, it is expected that the shuttle would
operate seasonally, perhaps only during the late spring, summer, and early fall. Limited
weekday service could be provided to employees and students based in MetroTech.
It is recommended that the shuttle service be contracted out as a turnkey operation.
A private operator would provide service, as NYCT will not operate such a service.
Depending on the bus size and type, costs may range from $80 to $200 per bus hour.
Using the following scheduling assumptions as an illustrative example, annual shuttle
operating costs would range from approximately $880,000 (at $100 per shuttle hour)
to approximately $1,320,000 (at $150 per shuttle hour):
Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends
•
•
•
8 AM to 8 PM: 7.5 minute headways
8 PM to midnight: 12 minute headways
2,030 total shuttle hours
June 21 to September 10, weekdays
•
•
•
10 AM to 8 PM: 10 minute headways
8 AM to 10 AM, 8 PM to midnight: 15 minute headways
2,436 total shuttle hours
Remainder of year
•
•
10 AM to 6 PM: 15 minute headways
4,352 total shuttle hours