1. Central Avenue Rapid Transit
April 5, 2019

2. What is Rapid Transit?
Quality of rail transit combined with the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of buses
Rapid Transit systems may include a range of features:
Semi-dedicated lanes
Upgraded/uniquely branded stations with level-boarding = easier access for wheelchairs and bicycles (increased bike capacity too)
Signal priority for schedule adherence
Off-board fare collection
More frequent service and longer operating hours

3. Why Here? Highest ridership corridor in Pinellas County
Better serve increasing transportation needs for workers, tourists, residents and businesses
Reduce current travel time (end-to-end) 30%
Provide a fast, easy & reliable car-free option to/from major destinations and residential areas
CAT is SRO during rush hours with workers

5. Project Characteristics
11-mile Rapid Transit corridor
17 stations/station pairs
Serves cities of St. Petersburg, South Pasadena and St. Pete Beach
Projected ridership of 4,500/day

6. 1st Tampa Bay Project in Fed Process
Total project cost* (YOE) - $41.36 Million
Funding Sources:
FTA
FDOT
City of St. Petersburg
PSTA
Co-locate bike lanes in certain areas where it can be accommodated during resurfacing
On 1st Aves – as we look at the BAT lanes, how can bikes continue to be accommodated in CORRIDOR
Vehicle primarily focused on hybrids – priced out how we could do it with hybrid technology but with electric bus demonstration and more money could potentially do electrics; focused on right side boarding options to keep it compatible with rest of fleet.
Working on these at the moment, probably ready to bring concept to City Council early March – good time for this group to get in on details.
*Includes costs of stations, vehicles, road & infrastructure improvements

7. Business Access and Transit (BAT) Lanes
BAT lanes are used by buses and other vehicles needing to make turns (to/from streets, homes & businesses)
Can be used by emergency vehicles and during mandatory evacuations
BAT lanes currently proposed along 1st Avenue North and South and along Pasadena Ave.

8. Left-Side Running BAT Lanes
Right side bus boarding using platforms that are fenced off from traffic and protected from oncoming traffic
Co-locate bike lanes in certain areas where it can be accommodated during resurfacing
On 1st Aves – as we look at the BAT lanes, how can bikes continue to be accommodated in CORRIDOR
Vehicle primarily focused on hybrids – priced out how we could do it with hybrid technology but with electric bus demonstration and more money could potentially do electrics; focused on right side boarding options to keep it compatible with rest of fleet.
Working on these at the moment, probably ready to bring concept to City Council early March – good time for this group to get in on details.

9. Station Platform Adjacent to BAT Lane
Right side bus boarding using platforms that are fenced off from traffic and protected from oncoming traffic

10. BRT Station – In-line Station

11. Station Design – Curb-side

12. Community Outreach
Numerous neighborhood and stakeholder meetings conducted in 2018 and 2019 including:
Palmetto Park
Grand Central District
CONA
Central Oak Park
Methodist Town
Historic Kenwood
Edge District
Pasadena Cove Condominiums
Harborside Condominiums
USF St Petersburg
Tradewinds
Don Cesar Resort
St Pete Chamber of Commerce

13. Project Status
FTA approved entry to Small Starts Project Development – May 2016
Project received “Medium-High” rating by FTA – March 2018 and again in March 2019
We are HERE
Co-locate bike lanes in certain areas where it can be accommodated during resurfacing
On 1st Aves – as we look at the BAT lanes, how can bikes continue to be accommodated in CORRIDOR
Vehicle primarily focused on hybrids – priced out how we could do it with hybrid technology but with electric bus demonstration and more money could potentially do electrics; focused on right side boarding options to keep it compatible with rest of fleet.
Working on these at the moment, probably ready to bring concept to City Council early March – good time for this group to get in on details.

14. Next Steps
Continue project design (anticipate completion by Summer/Early Fall 2019)
Coordinate with Federal Transit Administration on a Small Starts Grant Agreement (anticipate by Late Fall 2019)
Coordinate with project stakeholders including FDOT, St Petersburg and Pinellas County on project design
Initiate vehicle procurement (anticipate by Spring/Summer 2019)
Continue community outreach

16. Abhishek Dayal, AICP
Director of Project Management Office
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority