NCTCOG: Mobility 2035 Plan

[dfwcre8tive]

NCTCOG is in the process of developing their 2035 long-range transportation plan.

Their website (http://www.nctcog.org/trans/mtp/2035/index.asp) has information and places to add comments.

[Rodger Jones]

Wanted to spread the word on the DMN Point Summer Book Club discussion beginning Aug. 2 and the event on Aug. 7. Features Joel Kotkin and a discussion about the future of communities. All invited, but register. Smart people need apply:

http://bookclubblog.dallasnews.com/

(I figure this was a transportation issue.)

[electricron]

NCTCOG's first few DRAFT pdfs....

Mobility 2035
http://www.nctcog.org/trans/outreach/meetings/Mobility2035_000.pdf
Much has changed since the 2030 Transportation plan, including dropping most of the "Outer Loop". Their wish list of transportation projects dropped from $170+ Billion down to $101 Billion, and that's including $26 Billion funded with raising taxes. If gas taxes and registration fees are not raised, the north Texas area only has $75 Billion to spend on transportation by 2035.

Here's the breakdown on spending the transportation funds:
$27.3 Billion on Maintenance of existing facilities and bridge replacements.
$4.8 Billion on Management and Operations (ITS,TSM, TDM, Bicycling and Pedestrian).
$3.9 Billion for Growth, Development, and Land Use strategies.
$18.9 Billion for new Rail and Bus projects.
$46.2 Billion for new HOV/Managed lanes; and Freeway/Tollway/Arterials.

Remember there's $26 Billion of that $101 Billion that remains unfunded. That's more than half of what's planned for new Highways, or more than all proposed for Rail

Rail - Expediting 4 rail corridors
http://www.nctcog.org/trans/outreach/meetings/iFi_0111.pdf
When looking at these statistics, an important one to look at is the Annualized Cost per Rider stat; in the low Twenties or less means receiving Federal funding is possible under FTA/FRA "New Starts" funding formulas. Higher than the low Twenties means its unlikely to get Federal funds.
(1) Cotton Belt (DART) at a projected cost from $905 Million to $1,315 Million. Looks promising for Federal funds, two of the eight alternates have acceptable Alternate Cost per Rider, specifically choices #3 and #8, which extend LRNT (DMUs) to McKinney. The best Alternate Cost per Rider stat for LRNT (DMUs) terminating at Bush Turnpike is alternate #7 at $33.22, without skipping any train station locations between DFWIA and Bush Turnpike.
(2) Frisco (BNSF) at a projected cost from $279 Million to $474 Million. Looks very promising for Federal funds, the only alternate with high Annualized Cost per Ride out of six possibilities is #2 (just Irving to Carrollton)
(3) McKinney (DART) at a projected cost from $400 Million to $1,250 Million. Looks promising for Federal funds, two of the six alternates have acceptable Annualized Cost per Ride, specifically the LRNT (DMUs) choices #3 and #4. All the light rail alternates Alternate Cost per Rider stats are too high.
(4) Waxahachie (BNSF) at a projected cost from $299 Million to $701 Million. Looks promising for Federal funds, one of the five Alternates, specifically #5, has an acceptable Annualized Cost per Ride.

Additionally: Extending the Cotton Belt to McKinney, while adding at least $400 Million to the cost of the Cotton Belt solves the Cotton Belt Annualized Cost per Ride stat, also answers the question of what to build to McKinney, and makes Rail Project (3) redundant....
I still think there isn't enough room in the Red Line corridor through Plano for laying regional rail tracks next to the light rail tracks. It may be a good thing that they're not planning to use Federal funds on the DART half of the Cotton Belt corridor. Because the most expensive solution by far is required to be eligible for Federal "New Starts" funds.