Note: Babel Fish is a
third-party resource and a computer translation of the original webpage. It
is provided for general information only and should not be regarded as complete
or accurate.
Transportation: Public Transportation
The 2035 Plan emphasizes the importance of a transit system that connects people and resources and puts a high priority on the development and maintenance of a safe and secure multimodal network. In 2009, SPC advanced its commitment to improving regional public transportation options and facilitating regional transit coordination through the following activities:
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). SPC staff provided technical assistance to the region's transit project sponsors, federal and state planning partners to facilitate the planning and programming of over $78 million in economic stimulus projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania. These projects included:
Over $6 million for the upgrade of the region's bus fleets.
Over $8 million for enhanced and new transit facilities.
Over $62 million for the North Shore Connector.
Regional Automated Fare Collection (Smart Card) System. SPC staff coordinated efforts of the ten sponsors of fixed-route transit services in the region to implement an integrated regional fare collection system based on a single regional Smart Card for fare payment. Project advances in 2009 included:
$44 million contract agreement with project contractor Scheidt & Bachmann.
Final beta-testing acceptance of regional fare collection equipment.
Initiation of $2 million branding/marketing contract for the region's Smart Card.
Multi-Jurisdictional Transit Oriented Development Project Planning. SPC staff provided technical assistance for the advancement of transit oriented development (TOD) and Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) formation throughout the region. Projects included:
Region-Specific Success Factors for the Implementation of Transit Oriented Development and Transit Revitalization Investment Districts. Completed in 2009, this SPC-sponsored study determined the most likely factors for successful transit oriented development in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Results of this study are being used by transit project sponsors, municipalities and developers to help implement projects across the region.
The West Busway Transit Oriented Development Assessment and Plan. Begun in early 2009 in conjunction with the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development this study will facilitate the creation of a vision plan and implementation strategies for transit oriented development for stations along the Port Authority of Allegheny County's West Busway.
SMART Corridor TRID Study -Sponsored by the City of Pittsburgh Department of Planning, this group of studies will create implementation strategies for the creation of a TRID in the South Metro Area of Pittsburgh.
East Side TRID Study- Sponsored jointly by City of Pittsburgh Department of Planning, the Urban Redevelopment Authority and East Liberty Development, Inc., this study will explore the creation of a TRID in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh.
Rochester TRID Implementation- This TRID study sponsored by the Beaver County Transit Authority advanced implementation of the successful planning and programming of several important transit projects.
Joint Project Planning Pilot with SPC's Transportation Technical Committee.
Route 528/Evans City Park-n- Ride Facility - coordinated planning effort for a $3 million expansion of an existing park-n-ride facility that will serve as a centerpiece for expanded commuter bus service.
Rochester Roundabout - joint project development process between PennDOT District 11-0 and the Beaver County Transit Authority to create a traffic roundabout. This project is funded by a $1.8 million Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI) smart transportation grant.
PennDOT District 12-0 Park-n- Ride Facilities Assessment - a cooperative effort between PennDOT District 12-0, Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation, City of Washington Transit and Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority to assess existing park-n-ride facilities throughout District 12-0 and identify potential improvements and expansions.
2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Plan Update - technical assistance provided to transit project sponsors for the update of the region's 2011- 2014 Transit TIP. Draft program amounts propose a $1.7 billion 4-year transit program.
Connect '09 Transit Development Plan - coordinated planning efforts between the region's sponsors of commuter bus service and the Port Authority of Allegheny County for the Transit Development Plan. Implementation of service changes is scheduled to begin in spring 2010.
Regional Transit Report Card - Annual Update - coordinated data gathering and publication of the third annual update of the region's Transit Report Card.
Regional Traveler Information Needs Analysis - Transit agency participation in an effort to advance the regional traveler information business plan.
Regional Commuter Rail Studies. SPC provided technical assistance to several regional commuter rail initiatives in 2009:
Allegheny Valley Railroad and Norfolk Southern Commuter Rail Interim Study. This study is aimed at developing alternatives and strategies for commuter rail service from Westmoreland County to Pittsburgh.
Commuter Rail System Connecting Lawrenceville, Oakland and Hazelwood - City of Pittsburgh Study. This study is designed to explore preliminary feasibility for a commuter rail connection within the City of Pittsburgh.
Accessible Transportation and Workforce Interagency Cooperative (ATWIC). In 2009 SPC staff provided technical assistance to ATWIC to help facilitate regional efforts to meet identified gaps in transportation services for individuals with mobility limitations, older adults and persons with limited incomes. Projects included:
Implementation of the ATWIC Communications Plan, which is designed to increase the growing consortium of public agencies and private companies, is dedicated to a focused, integrated and coordinated approach to transportation strategies that address mobility challenges and produce successful and sustainable results.
Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC)/New Freedoms Initiatives (NFI) Grantee Status - In 2009, SPC became the Governor's designated recipient for the region's annual urban formula allocation of funding for the Federal Transit Administration's JARC and NFI programs. These programs - valued at nearly $7 million annually - help to fund 20 different projects across the region that assist the delivery of transportation services by providing access to employment, healthcare and other life-sustaining services.
The 
of transit oriented development (TOD) and Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) formation throughout the region. Projects included:
update of the region's 2011- 2014 Transit TIP. Draft program amounts propose a $1.7 billion 4-year transit program. 
