Frequently Asked Questions about Nova 2010
Frequently Asked Questions about Nova 2010
Why the change?
According to an on-board survey from Spring 2009, nearly 100% of Tallahassee transit customers must travel downtown to make connections, even though only 6.8% of those customers actually travel to a destination downtown. This finding shows that many customers are making out-of-direction travel - traveling downtown first to meet connecting routes before heading back out to the periphery to one's final destination. By switching from a one, downtown-transfer system to a scattered, multi-transfer system, customers will have the flexibility to make faster and more direct trips.
Why change now?
This pursuit of a decentralized transit system would have been sensible ten or even twenty years ago as urban development and related travel patterns have been moving away from downtown for decades: the Tallahassee Mall was built in 1971, the Koger Center in 1972, the Publix Shopping Center by the flyover in 1979, and the DEP office building in the Commonwealth Industrial Park in 1975. If the existence of so much development on the periphery (i.e. jobs) is not reason enough to change our system, there is also a new emphasis on multimodal transportation systems in Tallahassee and across the nation. In addition, Tallahassee recently established the state's largest multimodal transportation district (MMTD), a zone encompassed roughly by Orange Ave., Tharpe St., Appleyard Dr. and Blair Stone Rd. that devotes more of the fees paid by developers to bike/ped/transit needs than to auto needs (an 80/20 split). Transportation planners and engineers are looking to move more people today, rather than cars and StarMetro is responding by creating a system that will be useful to far more people, something that is long overdue. As a result, the system will be proactive in responding to the needs of new development and the citizens of Tallahassee instead of being reactive.
How much will the change cost?
Nova2010 is a cost-neutral solution, in terms of the operating budget, that can be implemented using existing resources.
Could the change be phased in?
The proposed nova2010 decentralization plan cannot be phased for two reasons: lack of resources and timed-transfers. As previously indicated, the proposed nova2010 plan is cost-neutral and should not require any additional buses. To design routes that would augment the current system with cross-town routes would require additional resources. Additionally, redesigning a system that was both downtown oriented and decentralized would lead to a system with less connectivity, major gaps in coverage, and scheduling problems. A phased in decentralized system would lead to a structure in which the cross-town routes are tied to the C.K. Steele bound routes. Since the hub-and-spoke system requires routes to be dependent on each other, all transfers would become timed transfers so passengers can make their connecting routes on time, lengthening transit travel time. The decentralized system has independent routes that intersect at possible transfer points. These routes are not tied to a set schedule. This allows for higher travel speeds, lower transit travel time and greater connectivity.
Are there any disadvantages to the Nova2010 route structure?
While the Nova2010 system will utilize a multi-transfer set-up, it will also focus on serving major roadways - meaning that a few customers may have to travel further to reach a stop. As a result, all customers will experience a significant reduction in transit travel time and an increase in frequency of overall bus service.
How much will the fare be on the new system?
The fare on the new system will be comparable to the current network. A revised, more efficient fare structure will be submitted to the city commission sometime in the future.
How will the fare be collected?
Cash will still be accepted on buses. At some point in the future customers will be able to recharge monthly passes online.
Will college students still be able to ride free?
All current agreements with Florida State University, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and Tallahassee Community College will remain in effect. Our current agreements with these schools would allow all students to ride free on the nova2010 system. We anticipate many students will find nova2010 more convenient than the current system and will use the new system heavily.
Will the hours of service be the same?
The current proposed nova2010 plan, which is being evaluated as we continue receive public input, assumes that weekday service will run from about 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., night service will run from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., Saturday service will run for eleven hours and Sunday service will run for six hours.
Will the night, Saturday and Sunday service be different than it is today?
Yes. The nova2010 night and weekend routes will reach more destinations. For instance, the nova2010 route structure will serve the West Tennessee Wal-Mart on nights and weekends.
Will the nova2010 system include service to Governor's Square Mall?
The nova2010 system will have service inside Governor's Square Mall during off-peak hours, nights and weekends. This recommendation allows for fast direct service during peak commute times and provides the direct access requested by some customers.
Will a lack of sidewalks make it difficult to navigate the nova2010 system?
To create this multi-transfer system, nova2010 will use established intersections across the city as locations in which to transfer. Thirty-nine intersections have been identified as places to transfer, under nova2010. Of the 39 intersections, most are complete with painted crosswalks, pedestrian signals and sidewalk curb cuts. StarMetro and Public Works are committed to having all three of these ADA (American's with Disabilities Act) requirements in place by the launch of nova2010. Furthermore, StarMetro and Public Works are pursuing grant funds to purchase and install up to 18 audible chirpers at the transfer intersections.
Will the nova2010 system disenfranchise the poor and elderly?
StarMetro is the mass transit provider for the entire community. The service that is provided is available to all City of Tallahassee residents and workers. Ridership numbers are reported for the entire system and do not exclude any group of riders. Using our total ridership, disabled and elderly customers comprise five percent of total ridership. StarMetro has worked closely with numerous groups who represent the elderly and disabled (Tallahassee Senior Center, Tallahassee Council for the Blind, Lighthouse for the Blind, and Ability1st) and these groups have been instrumental is a number of the route iterations as well as the intersection priority list. Additionally, StarMetro staff extensively analyzed the impacts to minority and low-income populations to make sure their level of service is not significantly impacted. Staff strongly feels the proposed nova2010 service will improve mobility for all groups of people since it provides fast, direct access to many destinations within the City of Tallahassee. As for the issue of disenfranchising elderly patrons, StarMetro compared the location of the nine subsidized senior and disabled housing facilities in the City of Tallahassee and found that all nine are less than 1/4 mile from a proposed nova2010 route. Additionally, one facility (Gibbs-Mabry Village) gets improved service under the nova2010
How and where will the bus stops be placed?
StarMetro understands the need for greater pedestrian safety and improved accessibility for those with disabilities. As previously stated, StarMetro has retained an ADA consultant who is working with staff to develop an ADA StarStop Policy. The policy will be used in determining the proper placement of StarStops and the amenties necessary to serve each stop. This will be conducted as part of the nova2010 Bus Stop Analysis, commencing in late March. Additionally, StarMetro is partnering with the Department of Public Works to ensure the safety of pedestrians at intersections where routes meet.
What will happen to C.K. Steele Plaza?
With the nova2010 plan, half the routes will still go into Steele Plaza (three routes), right in front of it on Tennessee Street (two) or within 400 feet on Monroe Street (one) meaning it will still be available for many of our customers and operators to use. While we will still be actively using Steele Plaza, we also will be able to begin the process of changing it. Initially, the Plaza could serve as a coach operator staging area and as a secondary dispatch office. The plaza is a very valuable property in the heart of downtown and is underutilized. Today transit is its sole function but we look forward to a time when Steele Plaza has a retail component at street level that complements the urban environment and provides additional amenities to our customers with office space above to generate revenue and add to the skyline of Tallahassee's growing downtown.
Will WIFI be available on all the nova2010 buses?
Currently, ten of our buses are equipped for WIFI, and these buses will continue of offer WIFI on the nova2010 system. In the future StarMetro may explore options for adding WIFI to more buses.
When will the nova2010 plan be implemented?
StarMetro plans to begin the new service in 2010/2011 pending the approval of the City Commission.