08.i. Relocation of Bus StopMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TERESA McCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: MIKE LINN, ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM SOUTH COUNTY AREA
'TRANSIT TO RELOCATE THE ClTY COUNCIL CHAMBERS BUS
STOP
DATE: JULY 10,201 2
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council approve the relocation of the bus stop on
East Branch Street in front of the Council Chambers, pursuant to the request by
South County Area Transit (SCAT).
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The work necessary to implement the recommendation is estimated to require
about 5 man hours. Total cost for staffing and materials is estimated to be
approximately $300. No appropriation will be necessary.
BACKGROUND:
The City has received a formal request from SCAT to relocate the bus stop on
East Branch Street in front of the Council Chambers east to the nearest
driveway. At their April 18, 2012 meeting, the SCAT Board of Directors
concurred with the recommendation.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
While the existing bus stop in front of the Council Chambers meets SCAT
standards for length, their buses have difficulty pulling up parallel to the curb
because there is normally a car parked immediately adjacent to the bus stop on
both sides. This problem has become more frequent since activity and parking
demand has recently increased in the Village. 'The fact that the bus is making a
turn onto East Branch Street from Mason Street when it approaches the bus stop
adds to this challenge. As a result, the bus often loads passengers in the street
while blocking traffic. This can create traffic congestion problems given the close
Agenda Item 8.i.
Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM SOUTH COUNTY AREA 'TRANSIT
TO RELOCATE 'THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS BUS STOP
JULY 10,201 2
PAGE 2
proximity to the intersection. Additionally, accessibility issues are experienced
when it is necessary to load passengers with disabilities at this location.
As a result, SCAT originally inquired about potential extension of the bus stop
length. However, after further review, it was determined that relocation to the
east would be a preferable solution. By locating the bus stop adjacent to the
nearest driveway, the driveway space provides the bus a clear area to approach
the bus stop without the obstruction of a parked vehicle. This will provide a much
safer area for the bus driver to maneuver, while not requiring any additional
length of the restricted bus stop area. The proposal will require repainting of the
bus stop and relocation of the street furniture.
The Traffic Commission reviewed the relocation request at their July 2, 2012
meeting. Based on the information presented, public input and commissioner
discussions, the Traffic Commission advised the Council to approve relocating
the bus stop on East Branch Street in front of the Council Chambers.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for consideration:
1. Approve staffs recommendation;
2. Recommend the bus stop remain at its currently location and be
extended west by removing an additional parking space;
3. Recommend no change; or
4. Provide other direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
The recommended relocation of the bus stop will provide a much safer and
effective approach for buses serving the Village core, while no need to reduce
parking that is increasingly needed in this area. It will provide for better service
to transit users, will reduce traffic congestion, and will enable the buses to better
maintain their schedule.
DISADVANTAGES:
The proposal will eliminate parking directly in front of the office building adjacent
to the City Council Chambers. However, the spaces will be relocated in front of
the Council Chambers.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The subject considerations are categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to
Section 15301 (c).
Agenda Item 8.i.
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ClTY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM SOU'TH COUNTY AREA TRANSIT
TO RELOCATE THE ClTY COUNCIL CHAMBERS BUS STOP
JULY 10,2012
PAGE 3
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted on Thursday, July 5, 2012. The agenda and staff
reports were posted on the City's website on Friday, July 6, 2012. In addition,
staff discussed the proposal with the property owner affected, who did not object
to the change. No public comments were received as of the time of preparation
of this report.
Attachment:
1. Request from SCAT
Agenda Item 8.i.
Page 3
Attachment No. 1
179 Cross Street, Suite A
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-4472 Fax (805) 781-1291
www.slorta.org
April 27,2012
Steve Adams
City Manager
City of Arroyo Grande
300 East Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
RE: SCAT Request for Relocation of the Arroyo Grande City Hall Bus Stop
Dear Steve:
In concurrence with direction provided at the SCAT Board at its April 18* meeting, I am writing to formally request
that the SCAT bus stop located in front of Arroyo Grande City Hall be considered for relocation. Specifically, SCAT is
requesting that the two automobile parking spots east of the existing bus stop zone be eliminated so that the bus
stop can be moved toward the east. This would permit two new automobile parking spaces to be established west
of the existing bus stop, thereby resulting in a net zero impact to auto parking spaces in that area. Thls bus stop
relocation project would also require repainting portions of the adjacent curb, as well as relocation of the existing
street furniture.
I look forward to speaking with you about this further. Feel free to contact me at 781-4465 (office) or 458-8216
(mobile).
Sincerely, -
6,s,aE- Geoff Straw
Executive Director
cc: Coleen Kubel, SCAT
The Regional Transit Authority is a Joint Powers Agency serving residents and visitors of:
Arroyo Grande Atascadero Grover Beach Morro Bay Paso Robles Pismo Beach San Luis Obispo and The County of San Luis Obispo
Agenda Item 8.i.
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