title
FY 2022 All Stations Accessibility Program Grant Application
end
|
DESCRIPTION: Application for grant funding for the planning of accessible stations on eligible legacy rail corridors. |
AGENDA NO: 22-139 |
|
ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to seek federal funds not to exceed the amount of $200,000 to study, plan, and develop conceptual, standard designs of accessible stations along eligible legacy rail corridors. The total project amount is estimated at $250,000; the local match is 20% or $50,0000.
end
ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
body
RTA operates four streetcar lines. Since 1835, the St Charles streetcar is the oldest continuously operated urban railway in the United States. While there have been several improvements and changes to the line over the decades, the vehicles are generally of the original 1920’s vintage, and the stops and routes have not changed since 1973. In 2020, in accordance with a 2017 consent decree, 4 heritage-style streetcars with wheelchair-accessible lifts were repainted to match the vintage St Charles cars and 6 of the 54 total stops along the route were adapted to be compliant with the 1990 American with Disabilities Act (ADA). These 54 stops are spread out over a total route of 6.5 miles from Downtown to Uptown, with an average spacing of 645 ft per stop - or about 2 blocks.
end
DISCUSSION:
RTA is looking to develop a fully accessible system, regardless of service type and history. The staff proposes to take the first step of a planning study as part of the FTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program to develop a program of improvements to have all stops and immediately connecting infrastructure fully accessible for the thousands of residents and visitors that use this vital and scenic service. This study will include developing stop typologies that meet both accessibility needs, beyond ADA, and fit the iconic historic context. The study will also evaluate possible stop consolidation, to improve travel speed and reduce total program costs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The RTA will be responsible for the local match of $50,000.
NEXT STEPS:
With Board approval, staff will submit a grant application to the FTA. If awarded, staff will return to Board to approve the procurement of a consultant to perform the work.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
Prepared By: Dwight Norton
Title: Sr. Director of Strategic & Long-Range Planning
Reviewed By: Lona Hankins
Title: Deputy CEO, Planning & Infrastructure
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson-Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
9/13/2022
Alex Wiggins Date
Chief Executive Officer