Blue Springs Commuter Rail

Submitted by: City of Blue Springs

Commuter Rail stop in downtown Blue Springs to assist KCATA in providing efficient alternative method for residents to commute across the metro.

Project Description

Project cost

Project's relation to the Transportation Outlook 2040 Policy Goals

General statement: This project satisfies all 9 of the project goals as outlined by MARC.

Accessibility

Does this project improve access to/from environmental justice tracts?

No

Climate Change and Energy Use

Does this project reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of carbon-based fuels?

Yes - Alternate mode of transportation.

Economic Vitality

Does this project serve a regional activity and/or employment center?

Yes - Providing access to the metro.

Does the project have elements that improve freight movement?

Yes - Reducing the number of cars on the highway system therefore reducing congestion.

Environment

Does this project preserve or restore environmentally sensitive lands, cultural resources and/or agricultural lands?

No

Does the project include an environmental impact mitigation plan?

No

Does the project implement or connect to MetroGreen?

 No

Place Making

Regional plans that support or include the project:

Clean Air Action Plan, Creating Quality Places, Smart Moves Regional Transit Vision, Transportation Improvement Program - By providing commuter rail as an alternative mode of transportation.

Local land use plans that support or include the project:

Transit vision and the Citys capital improvement and long range plan. For Blue Springs to sustain itself into the future and long consider a bedroom community, commuter rail would provide a much needed mode of transportation for the metro.

Creating Quality Places factors supported by the project:

Homes Neighborhoods: Choice and Diversity, Linkages, Reinvestment, Identity, Pedestrian/Bike Friendly, Live/Work
Commercial Development: 
Transportation: Transit-Supportive Development
Environmental Quality: 

Public Health

Does this project have elements that will encourage non-motorized travel?

 Yes - Since the rail station would be located in downtown Blue Springs it would be applicable to bike/pedestrain access. Reduce the number of vehicles on the roadways.

Will this project use strategies to reduce ozone-forming emissions?

Yes - Overall this project by providing an alternative mode of transportation would greatly reduce the number of vehicles on the roadway especially during peak hours.

Safety and Security

Will this project improve safety at this location?

Yes - By reducing the number of vehicles on the roadway during peak hours. It will improve the safety overall.

System Performance

Categories from MARC's Congestion Management Toolbox (pdf) that will be deployed as part of this project to help reduce traffic congestion: Transit Strategies, Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategies, Land Development Strategies

Explanation:

Commuter rail project that would also help sustain land development in Blue Springs by providing this alternative mode of transportation with pedestrian and bike facilities.

Will the project reduce traffic congestion?

Yes - By reducing the number of vehicles on the roadways.

Is the project part of the current Congestion Management System network?

 No

Submitted comments

Eric Rogers said...

Please make sure the project includes accommodation for bicyclists using the facility for transportation purposes.

9/28/2009 10:20:03 AM

David Johnson said...

Excellent concept that would provide stable and timely transit options to other parts of the metro. I echo the other comment that bike lockers and pedestrian access be paramount, versus just a park-n-ride that would still require motorized vehicle use. This project would also increase the livability factor in Blue Springs by offering who chose not to drive other housing options.

9/28/2009 11:13:26 AM