Regional Roads Committee Carolyn Flowers CEO Charlotte Area Transit System August 27, 2010

Infrastructure investment is necessary for both ROADS AND TRANSIT Infrastructure investment is necessary for both - Funding is needed to build and sustain both highway network and public transportation systems Surface transportation is needed to improve regional travel Good road networks are needed to connect people to places Efficient road networks provide the backbone for efficient transit systems Transit needs good roads for operations and to provide connectivity

Benefits of Roads and Transit Both are economic engines for the region Both create jobs and sustain jobs Construction and maintenance of these networks and systems create jobs in the region Both provide access in the region Provide the means to connect people to jobs, medical, education, and arts and entertainment venues

Getting People to Jobs Mecklenburg County is the major employment destination in the region. Over 150,000 people commute to work each day to Mecklenburg county. 20% of the region outside of Mecklenburg county work within Mecklenburg county. A good road network and transit provide the means for commuters to get to their jobs Charlotte is a destination for work both in the center city area and other business centers like South Park, Arrowood and the University area to mention a few. This translates to that 20% of the region travel into Mecklenburg County is for work

How Roads Benefit Transit Infrastructure investments in roads provide increased mobility Surface transportation amenities can improve the transit Dedicated bus lanes can increase transit speed Cut outs on highways and transit stations on or adjacent to highways can provide more access, convenience and safety for transit users Access to park and ride lots from road networks can provide convenience to transit users

Benefits of Public Transportation Improves mobility - Provides transportation for non-drivers - Provides options for drivers - Provides access to jobs, schools, medical and entertainment venues Reduces congestion on roads by providing options for solo drivers - Reduces carbon emissions - Reduces fuel consumption through carpooling and use of public transit - Reduces idling, road usage and fuel consumed searching for parking - Reduces the infrastructure needs for parking

Benefits from Transit Oriented Development Development along LYNX Blue Line through 2013 is estimated to generate $16 million annually in property tax up from $6 million in 2003. Acres Rezoned for TOD Housing Units Affordable Housing Commercial Investment 265 7,581 180 627,712 SF $1.46B

Adopted 2030 Plan (Current Status) LYNX Blue Line (LRT) FTA considers very successful Needs capacity for 3-car trains Blue Line Extension (LRT) Strong New Starts project Funding schedule is now 2019 Red Line (Commuter Rail) Tracks & Crossings @ 90% design No clear funding plan Streetcar Line (Modern) City of Charlotte funding PE Silver Line (LRT or BRT) Transit Technology Decision in 2011 Corridor Land Use and Road solution West Corridor Enhanced Bus Service 2009 Convert to Streetcar 2030 Transit Plan: Offers mobility choices Supports mixture of land uses Enhances quality of life Supports sustainable growth Enhances pedestrian safety Reduces road dependence Contributes to attainment of air quality standards This slide shows our existing Corridor System plan adopted in 2006. The anticipated overall cost (capital plus operating) of this Plan is almost $9 billion dollars split about evenly between capital implementation costs and operating costs. The Plan includes the LYNX Blue line which opened in November 2007. We are currently in preliminary engineering on both an extension of the LYNX Blue Line up to UNCC and the Red Line Commuter Rail project up to the northern towns in Mecklenburg County. The Silver Line (Independence Corridor) is Bus Rapid Transit but the Metropolitan Transit Commission has requested a re-evaluation of the technology decision in that corridor. Streetcar is proposed for the Central Avenue and Beatties Ford Road corridors with an eventual extension out Wilkinson Boulevard to the Airport. Approved by MTC November 2006

Funding Shortfalls 2006 Financial plan based on historic trends and consultation with financial experts Revenues Projected FY09 $74 million Actual FY09 $61.7million Projected FY10 $57 million Reduced Revenues create funding shortfall 2030 System Plan schedule no longer feasible I want to mention the sales tax revenue picture. Due to the economic situation, sales tax revenues are down. This is happening to transit agencies across the country. We are now projecting as much as a $349 million gap in local funding over the next 10 years. This impacts our ability to move corridor projects simultaneously as we anticipated in 2006.