Urban Transportation Commission Special Called Meeting October 5th, 2021 at 5pm AUSTIN CITY HALL – BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live AUSTIN, TEXAS CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Mario Champion, Chair Susan Somers, Vice Chair Ruven Brooks Nathan Ryan Samuel Franco Athena Leyton Allison Runas Cynthia Weatherby Diana Wheeler James Driscoll CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF September 7th, 2021 MINUTES REVISED AGENDA 2. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS A. Project Connect Red Line Design Update Presenters: Jackie Nirenburg, King Kaul and Sharmila Mukherjee Sponsors: Commissioners Brooks and Leyton B. Selection of Representative for the Downtown Austin Plan Working Group 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS A. Downtown Commission: Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby B. Joint Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Diana Wheeler C. Bicycle Advisory Council: Commissioner Athena Leyton D. Pedestrian Advisory Council: Commissioner Allie Runas E. City Council Mobility Committee: Commissioner Mario Champion F. Community Advisory Committee for Austin Transit Partnership Board: Susan Sommers 4. Future Agenda Items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christopher Parks, at (512)-978-1568, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Urban Transportation Department, please contact Christopher Parks at christopher.parks@austintexas.gov.
Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Meeting Minutes Special Meeting October 5th, 2021 The Urban Transportation Commission convened a meeting on October 5th, 2021 via hybrid format. Commission Members in Attendance Mario Champion Susan Somers Cynthia Weatherby Diana Wheeler Athena Leyton Ruven Brooks Commission Members Absent: Samuel Franco Samuel Franco Allison Runas Nathan Ryan James Driscoll CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Champion called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 7th, 2021 MEETING The September 7th, 2021 minutes were approved on a 11-0 vote with Commissioner Franco Absent 2. NEW BUSINESS A. Project Connect Red Line Design Update Presenters: Kenneth Cartwright and Sharmila Mukherjee, Capital Metro B. Selection of Representative for the Downtown Austin Plan Working Group - Cynthia Weatherby volunteered to remain as the UTC representative 3. Staff and Committee Reports A. Downtown Commission: Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby- brief updates on Downtown Commission and the potential deconstruction of the convention center. B. Joint Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Diana Wheeler- No updates given C. Bicycle Advisory Council: Commissioner Athena Leyton- No updates given D. Pedestrian Advisory Council: Commissioner Allie Runas-No updates given E. City Council Mobility Committee: Commissioner Mario Champion-brief update on Mobility Committee 4. Future Agenda Items • Project Connect Racial Equity Anti-Displacement Tool • Red River Extension • Quiet Zones • Planning and Highway Funding Projects • Boards and Commissions Refresher • TDM Update • ASMP Update • 2022 Meeting Schedules ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Champion adjourned the meeting at 5:55pm without objection.
Urban Transportation Commission Special Called Meeting September 7th, 2021 at 5pm AUSTIN CITY HALL – BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live AUSTIN, TEXAS CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Mario Champion, Chair Susan Somers, Vice Chair Ruven Brooks Nathan Ryan Daniel Alvarado Samuel Franco Athena Leyton Allison Runas Cynthia Weatherby Diana Wheeler James Driscoll AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF August 18th, 2021 MINUTES 2. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS A. Taxicab Franchise Transfer Presenters: Jacob Culberson B. Cypress & Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy Presentation Presenters: Nina Rinaldi 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS A. Downtown Commission: Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby C. Joint Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Diana Wheeler D. Bicycle Advisory Council: Commissioner Athena Leyton E. Pedestrian Advisory Council: Commissioner Allie Runas F. City Council Mobility Committee: Commissioner Mario Champion 4. Future Agenda Items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christopher Parks, at (512)-978-1568, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Urban Transportation Department, please contact Christopher Parks at christopher.parks@austintexas.gov.
Taxicab Industry Update – September 7, 2021 City of Austin Transportation Department Taxicab Franchise Operators Current Franchise Operators Franchise Closures During Pandemic ATX Co-Op Taxi Lone Star Cab (May 2020) Central City Taxi Longhorn Taxicab Co. (Dec. 2020) Yellow Cab Number of Taxicabs in Service 2019-2021 Three Year Comparison 1,016 245 220 FY 2018-2019 FY 2019-2020 FY 2020-2021 Current Taxicab Franchise Fleet Numbers ATX Co-Op Taxi 100 Taxicabs / 93 Standard + 7 WCL Central City Taxi 25 Taxicabs / 21 Standard + 4 WCL Yellow Cab 95 Taxicabs / 87 Standard + 8 WCL 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 500,000 0 Taxicab Number of Trips Five-Year Comparison: 2016 - 2021 3,078,481 1,814,306 1,000,207 FY 2016-17 FY 2017-18 FY 2018-19 FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21* *As of 7/31/2021 466,841 197,012 Franchise Model Operating Authority Model Application takes more than 30 days to complete Application can be completed in one business day Requires Council action for approval, renewal, or transfer Three-readings franchise approval processes may take 3 to 6 months Approval, renewal, or transfer based on established prerequisite criteria Approval granted within 2 business days upon the fulfillment of established prerequisite criteria Rigid application timeframes and deadlines Flexible application timeframes and deadlines Difficult to scale vehicle fleets to demand due to Easy to scale vehicle fleets to demand Inability to cease and resume operations when necessary Ability to cease and resume operations at will Limited driver autonomy and choice Greater driver autonomy and choice Unique vehicle-for-hire Category, unlike any others permitted in Austin Does not align with taxicab permitting programs in other Texas cities Aligns with all other vehicle-for-hire permitted services in Austin Aligns with taxicab permitting programs in other Texas cities Taxicab Industry Update – September 7, 2021 City of Austin Transportation Department
Community Concepts Study Results Community Concepts Feasibility Study ASSESS EVALUATE CONSIDER METHODS Independent 3rd Party Assessment of Feasibility of Community Concepts Feasibility of community concepts as standalone alternatives Anticipated growth in population and traffic volume Literature and media reviews Elements of the community concepts that are currently incorporated or could be reasonably incorporated into the proposed TxDOT build alternatives Elements of the community concepts that require further study and analysis Design and constructability of community concepts and TxDOT build alternatives Impacts of community concepts on city streets and highways in the area Alignment with TxDOT’s Purpose and Need for the project Stakeholder interviews Comparative analysis Development parcel analysis Travel demand modeling Key Elements of Community Concepts Depress mainlanes of I-35 Redesignate SH 130 to I-35 Create a continuous cap from Holly Street to MLK, Jr. Blvd. Create 6-lane boulevard on cap Narrow current footprint by removing frontage roads and allow development on reclaimed land in ROW Restore east-west connectivity Convert I-35 to urban boulevard Provide dedicated bus lanes and future rail in center of boulevard Through traffic uses other highways around central Austin Restore east-west connectivity Depress or lower mainlanes of I-35 Cap over some areas but not continuous East-west connectivity with stitches Decrease downtown entrances and exits Cantilevere frontage roads Allow development on reclaimed land in ROW Increase in multimodal travel Restore east-west connectivity Increase in multimodal travel Increase in multimodal travel Use reclaimed ROW for specific city purposes FINDINGS Related to June 2021 TxDOT Alternatives Incorporated / Possible Status Element or Issue Notes/Continued Analysis Freeway mainlanes below ground between Holly St and Airport Blvd. Alternatives have lowered general purpose lanes removing high-speed roads from the surface and improved street network connectivity (east-west and north-south). Add street network connections (east-west and north- south). 5th Street connection being added on TxDOT alternatives Enhance multimodal mobility on the east-west connections. TxDOT plans for east-west connectivity improvement, additional bike and pedestrian crossings, and transit provision on managed lanes and cross streets. Already incorporated into one or more TxDOT alternatives Reduce vehicular-related deaths and maximize safety TxDOT’s Road to Zero Initiative Mitigate traffic spillover into neighboring streets and communities. Community concepts reduce capacity on I-35 and increases traffic in neighborhoods. Match City of Austin guidelines for Vision Zero. TxDOT’s Road to Zero Initiative supports City of Austin’s Vision Zero Initiative Engineering Actions. Boulevard can facilitate positive climate change impacts. Facilities that support bus …
Urban Transportation Commission Susan Fraser, P.E., CFM – Mobility35 Program Manager Mobility Committee Presentation Sept. 9, 2021 Sept. 9, 2021 Table of contents 1 2 3 4 5 5 Mobility35 Program Overview I-35 Capital Express Program Overview I-35 Capital Express Central Project I-35 Capital Express North Project I-35 Capital Express Central Project I-35 Capital Express Central Project 3-5 6-7 8-34 35-38 16-42 16-42 Mobility Committee Presentation Sept. 9, 2021 2 OVERVIEW Mobility Committee Presentation Sept. 9, 2021 3 About the Mobility35 Program Focus on Improvements to 79 miles of I-35 through Williamson, Travis and Hays counties. 100 Most Congested Roadways in Texas: – #1 – I-35 from US 290 to SH 71. – #12 – I-35 from SH 71 to Slaughter Lane. – #34 – I-35 from RM 1431 to SH 45N/Louis Henna Boulevard. – #45 – I-35 from Slaughter Lane to SH 45SE. – #70 – I-35 from Parmer Lane to US 290E. 30+ projects in Mobility35 Program. – $8 billion in construction costs for active or future projects. – 20+ contracts totaling ~$90 million in environmental and design. Mobility Committee Presentation Sept. 9, 2021 4 Mobility35 Goals and Objectives Enhance safety. Optimize the roadway footprint. Increase capacity. Minimize additional right of way. Manage traffic better. Improve east/west connectivity. Improve compatibility with neighborhoods. Enhance bicycle, pedestrian and transit options. Northbound I-35 braided ramps completed at US 79 Mobility Committee Presentation Sept. 9, 2021 5 I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS OVERVIEW Mobility Committee Presentation Sept. 9, 2021 6 I-35 Capital Express Program Three stand-alone projects: – North - SH 45 North to US 290 East. – Central - US 290 East to SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. – South - SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast. Proposes to add non-tolled, high- occupancy vehicle (HOV) managed lanes. https://my35capex.com/ Mobility Committee Presentation Sept. 9, 2021 7 I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS CENTRAL PROJECT Mobility Committee Presentation Sept. 9, 2021 8 I-35 Capital Express Central Overview Video Link: For All Of Us Mobility Committee Presentation Sept. 9, 2021 9 I-35 Capital Express Central Project Scope Limits: US 290 East to SH 71/Ben White Boulevard, with additional flyovers at I-35 and US 290 East. Length: 8 miles. Project details: direction. – Construct two non-tolled managed lanes in each – Managed lanes, such as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, are a set of …
Urban Transportation Commission Special Called Meeting September 7th, 2021 at 5pm AUSTIN CITY HALL – BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live AUSTIN, TEXAS CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Mario Champion, Chair Susan Somers, Vice Chair Ruven Brooks Nathan Ryan Daniel Alvarado Samuel Franco Athena Leyton Allison Runas Cynthia Weatherby Diana Wheeler James Driscoll CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF August 18th, 2021 MINUTES REVISED AGENDA 2. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS A. TxDOT I-35 Presentation Presenters: Susan Fraser B. Taxicab Franchise Transfer Presenters: Jacob Culberson C. Cypress & Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy Presentation Presenters: Nina Rinaldi 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS A. Downtown Commission: Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby D. Joint Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Diana Wheeler E. Bicycle Advisory Council: Commissioner Athena Leyton F. Pedestrian Advisory Council: Commissioner Allie Runas G. City Council Mobility Committee: Commissioner Mario Champion 4. Future Agenda Items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christopher Parks, at (512)-978-1568, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Urban Transportation Department, please contact Christopher Parks at christopher.parks@austintexas.gov.
Taxicab Industry Update – September 7, 2021 City of Austin Transportation Department Taxicab Franchise Operators Current Franchise Operators Franchise Closures During Pandemic ATX Co-Op Taxi Lone Star Cab (May 2020) Central City Taxi Longhorn Taxicab Co. (Dec. 2020) Yellow Cab Number of Taxicabs in Service 2019-2021 Three Year Comparison 1,016 245 220 FY 2018-2019 FY 2019-2020 FY 2020-2021 Current Taxicab Franchise Fleet Numbers ATX Co-Op Taxi 100 Taxicabs (93 Standard + 7 WCL) Central City Taxi 25 Taxicabs (21 Standard + 4 WCL) Yellow Cab 95 Taxicabs (87 Standard + 8 WCL) 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 500,000 0 Taxicab Number of Trips Five-Year Comparison: 2016 - 2021 3,078,481 1,814,306 1,000,207 FY 2016-17 FY 2017-18 FY 2018-19 FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21* *As of 7/31/2021 466,841 197,012 • • • • • • Taxicab companies were first licensed in the City of Austin under an operating authority model on March 8th, 1932. On June 8th, 1950, taxicab companies were declared public utilities by City Council and formed into taxicab franchises by subsequent ordinance. Taxicab Companies reached their peak service in 2016-2017 with over 3 million trips and more than 1500 taxicabs deployed within the City. In 2017, Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft began operating in Austin under state regulatory authority and taxicab franchises experienced an eventual seventy-five percent decline in their number of trips the following year. Council In 2018, reform recommendations, intended to address this decline, lighten franchise restrictions, and level the playing field between taxicabs and other transportation options. taxicab franchise approved ATD’s regulatory In 2020-2021, due to the global pandemic, taxicab franchises have now experienced the lowest trip numbers on record. ATD recommends that taxicab companies no longer be regarded as public utilities, but rather as a valuable part of a diverse and ever-evolving network of competitive mobility options and that Council transition taxicabs from a franchise licensing model to an operating authority licensing model. The benefits of licensing taxicab companies under an operating authority model versus a franchise model are demonstrated in the figure below: Franchise Model Operating Authority Model Application takes more than 30 days to complete Application can be completed in one business day Requires Council action for approval, renewal, or transfer Approval, renewal, or transfer based on established prerequisite criteria Three-readings franchise approval processes may take 3 to 6 months Approval granted within 2 business days upon the fulfillment …
SHOAL CREEK TRAIL PLAN Trail Network >> Seamless, connected network of hike-and-bike trails along the 11-mile Shoal Creek corridor, and connection to other urban trails city-wide City Adoption >> In 2018, the City of Austin Public Works Department accepted the Trail Plan. Top Priority Project >> The improvements along the Cypress & Shoal project area is one of the top five stakeholder-identified priority improvements. The Big Loop >> The City of Austin’s Urban Trail Plan and Bicycle Plan position the Shoal Creek Trail to become a major segment in a 30-mile ‘Big Loop’ of bikeways traversing the city. Shoal Creek Trail is also poised to be the western link in the Downtown Urban Greenbelt, a 6.5 mile loop formed by the Shoal Creek Trail, the Capitol Mall, Waterloo Greenway, and the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. PROPOSED PROJECT AREA >> GABLES WEST AVENUE TRADER JOE’S THE INDEPENDENT 360 CONDOS SEAHOLM RESIDENCES AUSTIN ENERGY SUBSTATION THIRD + SHOAL 3RD STREETNUECES STREETWEST AVENUE SEAHOLM DRIVE THE INDEPENDENT GABLES WEST AVENUE TRADER JOE’S 360 CONDOS THIRD + SHOAL SEAHOLM RESIDENCES AUSTIN ENERGY SUBSTATION LANCE ARMSTRONG BIKEWAY L I A R T K E E R L C A O H S LANCE ARMSTRONG BIKEWAY A N N & ROY B U T L E R H I K E - A N D - I K E T RAIL B NEW CROSSTOWN PATHWAYS PROJECT AREA EXISTING BIKE & TRAIL ROUTES PROPOSED BIKE & TRAIL ROUTES Located on the cusp of Shoal Creek’s confluence with the Colorado River, the Cypress & Shoal Creek area is home to two major crosstown pathways: Shoal Creek Trail which runs north- south, and the Lance Armstrong Bikeway which runs west-east. W 3RD STREETW 4TH STREETW 2ND STREETW CESAR CHAVEZ STREETNUECES STREETWEST AVENUE SEAHOLM DRIVE PROJECT PROCESS On-the ground site inventory and analysis >> Community and stakeholder input >> Two stages of widely promoted online feedback to first gather information about existing conditions and then collect feedback on the draft Public Space Strategy. Technical Advisory Group >> Comprised of representatives from key City of Austin departments. Presented the project and its desired outcomes to gauge feasibility and to collect embedded knowledge of the history of this area. Review with area property owners >> Insight about current day-to-day usage and potential challenges with the proposed concept. 1 BOWIE STREET UNDERPASS GABLES WEST AVENUE TRADER JOE’S 1 THE INDEPENDENT 360 CONDOS SEAHOLM RESIDENCES …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20210907-02B part 2: [Taxicab Franchise from Yellow Cab to zTrip] WHEREAS, The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other 11 transportation-related departments concerning transportation-related matters including: transportation energy conservation matters grant applications; streets and highways; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation; WHEREAS, The City of Austin Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) is allowed to review and make recommendations to the city council on all request for taxicab permits, including annual permits and franchise permits per Urban Transportation Commission Bylaws WHEREAS On August 5, 2021 WHC ATX LLC zTrip purchased the Greater Austin Transportation Company ( d b a Yellow Cab), including all its assets. WHEREAS, zTrip has applied for a transfer of the taxicab franchise license from Yellow Cab to zTrip in accordance with § 13 2 403 of City Code and Yellow Cab has provided a notarized letter of intent to transfer the franchise license to zTrip. WHEREAS, The Mobility Services Division of the Austin Transportation Department has reviewed the application and letter of intent to transfer and has found its contents compliant with the applicable sections of Chapter 13 2 of City Code. WHEREAS, Austin Transportation Department recommends the transfer of the Yellow Cab taxicab franchise license to zTrip. WHERAS Austin Transportation Department respectfully requests that the Urban Transportation Commission provide their recommendation to City Council on this transfer. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the UTC supports Austin Transportation Department's recommendation to transfer the Yellow Cab taxicab franchise license to zTrip. Date of Approval: 9/7/21 Record of the vote: 11-0 unanimous vote. No abstentions Attest: Christopher Parks Christopher Parks, Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20210907-02B part 1: [Taxicab Franchise Transition to Operating Authority] WHEREAS, The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory body to the City Council, the City Manager, and all other 11 transportation-related departments concerning transportation- related matters including: transportation energy conservation matters grant applications; streets and highways; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation; WHEREAS, The City of Austin Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) is allowed to review and make recommendations to the City Council on all requests for taxicab permits, including annual permits and franchise permits per Urban Transportation Commission Bylaws ; WHEREAS Taxicab companies were first licensed in the City of Austin under an operating authority model on March 8th,1932; WHEREAS, On June 8th, 1950 taxicab companies were declared public utilities by City Council and formed into taxicab franchises by subsequent ordinance; WHEREAS, Taxicab Companies reached their peak service in 2016/2017 with over 3 million trips and more than 1500 taxicabs deployed within the City WHEREAS, In 2017 Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft began operating in Austin under state regulatory authority and taxicab franchises experienced an eventual seventy five percent decline in their number of trips the following year WHEREAS, In 2018 Council approved ATD’s taxicab franchise regulatory reform recommendations, intended to address this decline, lighten franchise restrictions, and level the playing field between taxicabs and other transportation options WHEREAS, In 2020/2021 due to the global pandemic, taxicab franchises have now experienced the lowest trip numbers on record THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the UTC supports Austin Transportation Department's recommendation that taxicab companies no longer be regarded as public utilities, but rather as a valuable part of a diverse and ever evolving network of competitive mobility options and that Council transition taxicabs from a franchise licensing model to an operating authority licensing model. Date of Approval: 9/7/21 Record of the vote: 11-0 unanimous vote. No abstentions Attest: Christopher Parks Christopher Parks, Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20210907-02A: [TXDOT I-35 Capital Express ] WHEREAS, The City of Austin Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) has made previous recommendations opposing the core purpose and response of TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express project, WHEREAS, the UTC opposes the TxDOT plan’s outcomes, specifically, ● To demolish small businesses and homes, despite the current economic and housing crisis ● To widen I-35 to as many as 20 lanes, exacerbating racial and economic divides while reducing safety for pedestrians, bikers, wheelchair users and others not in cars ● To add multiple square miles of concrete through the center of Austin, despite the current climate catastrophe in which we are already engaged and which we all must play a part in addressing ● To spend billions of taxpayer dollars, despite lacking assurance of a positive outcome ● To impose the negative outcomes of major highway construction through the heart of the 11th largest city in America, despite objection from local elected officials and informed citizen groups WHEREAS, All these disruptive and negative outcomes are without believable data or key stakeholder belief they will meaningfully reduce congestion or increase mobility, especially when accounting for the years of construction disruption, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the UTC urges the City Manager, Mobility Committee, and Council Members to pursue all legal methods to require TxDOT to defer any I-35 Capital Express project construction until the I-45 widening project in Houston and Harris County is resolved and can be used for clues to prevent widening I-35 in Austin, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Urban Transportation Commission urges TxDOT in the strongest possible way to abandon the I-35 Capital Express project. Record of the vote: 8-3 vote with Commissioners Brooks, Driscoll and Weatherby voting nay. No abstentions. Date of Approval: 9/7/21 Attest: Christopher Parks Christopher Parks, Staff Liaison
Versión en español a continuación. Urban Transportation Commission Special Called Meeting August 18th, 2021 Urban Transportation Commission to be held August 18th, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (August 17th by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 18th, 2021 Urban Transportation Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-947-8796 or Christopher.Parks@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Christopher.Parks@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Llamado especial Urban Transportation Commission u la otra folletos FECHA de la reunion (August 18th, 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (August 17th, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de junta en 512-974-8796 o Christopher.Parks@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). • …
Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Meeting Minutes Special Meeting August 18th 2021 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a meeting on August 18th, 2021 via videoconference. Commission Members in Attendance Susan Somers Cynthia Weatherby Diana Wheeler Athena Leyton Ruven Brooks Commission Members Absent: Mario Champion- Chair Samuel Franco Allison Runas Daniel Alvarado Nathan Ryan James Driscoll CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Somers called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 21st, 2021 MEETING The July 21st, 2021 minutes were approved on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Champion and Franco absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS A. FY 2022 Proposed Transportation Budget (ATD) Presentation Presenters: Rob Spillar P.E., Director, Austin Transportation Department B. FY 2022 Proposed Transportation Budget ( PWD) Presentation Presenters: Richard Mendoza, James Snow and Kristi Fenton 3. Staff and Committee Reports No updates given 4. Future Agenda Items • TxDOT I-35 Presentations ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Somers adjourned the meeting at 2:21pm without objection.
Versión en español a continuación. Urban Transportation Commission Special Called Meeting July 21st, 2021 Urban Transportation Commission to be held July 21st, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (July 20th by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the July 21st, 2021 Urban Transportation Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-978-1568 or Christopher.Parks@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Christopher.Parks@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Llamado especial Urban Transportation Commission la FECHA de la reunion (July 21st, 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (July 20th, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de junta en 512-978-1568 o Christopher.Parks@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). • Una vez que …
Proposed Austin Living Streets program Neighbor-Led Traffic Calming and Placemaking: Healthy Streets Permit for Residents: Play Streets: Thank you! www.AustinLivingStreets.com
Driving Innovation Steve Pustelnyk Director of Community Relations Presentation to: Austin Urban Transportation Commission July 23, 2021 1 About the Mobility Authority • A multi-modal transportation agency authorized under 2001 state legislation • A regional agency formed in 2002 by Williamson and Travis Counties • Toll revenue primary source of funding • No taxing authority • Oversight by a seven-member board of business and community leaders • 29 employees 2 Agency Leadership Heather Gaddes Board Member Williamson County Appointee - 2021 Secretary James Bass Executive Director 3 The Mobility Authority System • 183A • 290 Toll (Manor Expressway) • 71 Toll • 45 SW Toll • MoPac Express • 183 Toll South • 183 North Express 4 Some Things To Ponder Is Disruptive Change Around the Corner? • How will the transition to Roadway Usage Charges (RUC) impact the transportation ecosystem? • How will/should climate change impact our mobility decisions? • How will the growth of Connected Autonomous Shared Electric (CASE) vehicles change the way we design, finance, construct, operate and maintain our roadways? • How might remote work, shared vehicle ownership, air taxis, delivery drones and autonomous public transit change the mobility paradigm? • What other disruptive forces might be out there (COVID)? 5 Weekly Transaction Trend (All Roads) Percent Change in Transactions Since First Week of March 2020 Other Roads 183 South Percent Change 183 Toll Phase 2 Opens Winter Storm 4,000,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 s n o i t c a s n a r T - COVID 4 6 0 , 7 4 6 , 2 500,000 -60.9% 1 / 3 k e e W 8 / 3 k e e W 5 1 / 3 k e e W 2 2 / 3 k e e W 9 2 / 3 k e e W 5 / 4 k e e W 2 1 / 4 k e e W 9 1 / 4 k e e W 6 2 / 4 k e e W 3 / 5 k e e W 0 1 / 5 k e e W 7 1 / 5 k e e W 4 2 / 5 k e e W 1 3 / 5 k e e W 7 / 6 k e e W 4 1 / 6 k e e W 1 2 / 6 k e e W 9 2 / 6 …
Proposed Austin Living Streets program Neighbor-Led Traffic Calming and Placemaking: Healthy Streets Permit for Residents: Play Streets: Thank you! www.AustinLivingStreets.com
PROJECT CONNECT: Program Updates Urban Transportation Commission July 21, 2021 1 Recent Project Connect Program Updates: • $2.88 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant for 40-foot electric buses, charging equipment, workforce training, and technical assistance. • Capital Metro and Austin F.C. approval of a funding partnership agreement for a new McKalla Station at Q2 Stadium. • Launch of Capital Metro’s 9th Pickup zone (North Dessau) in June. South Menchaca zone launches July 27, and North Oak Hill in the fall. • Completion of 15-percent design drawings for Orange and Blue Line; letters to FTA requesting entry into the New Starts capital grant program submitted. • $36 million in FTA Small Starts grant funding included in the President’s FY2022 budget for MetroRapid Pleasant Valley and Expo Lines 2 PROJECT CONNECT PROGRAM COMPONENTS: PROJECT CONNECT – PROGRAM COMPONENTS Orange Line – NLTC to Stassney Phase 1 (LRT), Enhanced MetroRapid Blue Line – Riverside Corridor (LRT) Gold Line – MetroRapid, NEPA completion for LRT Downtown Tunnel (Orange, Blue Lines) MetroRapid – Expo, Pleasant Valley, Burnet to Menchaca/Oak Hill Green Line to Colony Park – NEPA, Final Design, Construction Red Line Improvements MetroExpress, Park & Rides, Transit Centers (3 New Routes, 9 P&R, 1 TC) Neighborhood Circulators (15 New Zones / Vehicles) Maintenance Facility Improvements Customer Technology Systems Anti-Displacement Investments ($300 million) 3 PROGRAM SEQUENCE PLAN Years based on federal NEPA and funding approvals 4 Orange & Blue Line Projects – Implementation Timeline June 2020 Orange & Blue Line Locally Preferred Alternatives (LPAs) Adopted Project Connect Referendum Passed Ongoing Community Engagement and Involvement 2023 – 2029 Projected Entry Into FTA Engineering Phase Design and Contracting Procurement Awards Begin Construction and Vehicle Manufacturing Projected Full Funding Grant Agreement(s) (FFGA) Staffing, Training, Organizational Readiness Revenue Service Begins 5 Orange & Blue Line Key Milestones (2021 – 2022) April 2021 Summer 2021 Spring 2022 Spring – Summer 2022 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Notice of Intent Complete 15% Design Request to Enter FTA Project Development Initial FTA Rating Complete 30% Design and Cost Estimate Summer 2022 Winter 2022 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), Draft 30% Design and Cost Estimates 2023 - Beyond 6 End of EIS and 30% Design Comment Phase Final EIS (FEIS) Complete FTA NEPA Record of Decision (ROD) Project Connect MetroRapid Milestones – Expo & Pleasant Valley April 2021 Spring – Summer 2021 Winter 2021 – Spring 2022 Complete 30% Design and Cost Estimates …
