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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/17/1989, 4 - UPDATE ON COUNCIL WORK PROGRAM ITEM - MONTEREY STREET SHUTTLE Illry�lyllll�lllllll�lllll y� r MEETING DATE: R III��I c, O San Luis OB'J" O Al ITEM NUMBER: COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT FROM: !)4 Nancy Knofler, Transit Manager via John Dunn, CAO SUBJECT: Update on Council Work Program Item - Monterey Street Shuttle CAO RECOMMENDATION: Discuss the content of the preliminary staff report and direct staff regarding shuttle planning, as appropriate, as a preclude to a more complete and comprehensive subsequent staff report. BACKGROUND Councilmember Pinard requested that this item be placed on the agenda. This report is intended to update Councilmembers on the status of the Monterey Street Shuttle planning effort and to provide an opportunity for Councilmember discussion and policy direction. As a part of the FY 1989-90 City Budget, the Council approved the "Council Work Program Item-Downtown Shuttle" (Exhibit A. attached) . During the budget discussion, staff indicated that they would try to locate trackless trolleys that the City could lease for the trial period. Trackless trolleys are buses that look like cable cars or electric trolleys (Exhibit B, attached) . Staff is conducting an extensive search to locate trackless trolleys including discussions with all United States manufacturers and the placement of display ads in trade literature. If these vehicles can be located and leased for the trial period, then Laidlaw Transit (the City' s current transit contractor) could provide the trial service through the current City/Laidlaw transit contract. Purchasing trackless trolleys for the trial service is not cost effective since vehicles of this type cost approximately $100, 000-175, 000 each, with price dependent upon vehicle style and quality. If trackless trolleys are not available, then the shuttle could be provided with buses painted a suitable scheme. Laidlaw could provide a full services package for the City--leased vehicles, paint job and trial period shuttle operations including vehicle maintenance, insurance, drivers, and the 541-BUSS customer service telephone line--as a part of their current City transit contract. The adopted City Council Shuttle Work Program Item was based on the assumption that trackless trolleys or standard buses would be utilized. Since the shuttle item has become public information, a businessman is proposing to provide the shuttle with two horses pulling a rubber tired trolley vehicle. Noland's Carriage has submitted their proposal (Exhibit C, attached) to the Council, Chamber of Commerce, Promotional Coordinating Committee, Monterey Street Hotel/Motel Association and others for their endorsement. City departments (Fire, Police and Public Works) have reviewed this matter and their comments are available for Council 's consideration (Exhibit D, E, F, attached) . During the meeting, Mr. Chad Noland, owner of Noland' s Carriage, will speak to the Council about his proposal. ���N��>Itt►�Illllllllp�'�u�t���pl city O� San suis OBISPO NiS COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Noland's Carriage is requesting a City subsidy to operate the horsedrawn trolley. According to the City's Purchasing Manual, a formal bid or proposal process would be required before a horsedrawn trolley service contract could be authorized by the City. These procedures were adopted by the City Council to ensure that competitive purchasing practices. Transit operations were competitively bid back in 1982, which allows the trackless trolley or bus shuttle to be operated by Laidlaw through the current contract. Staff continues to work on shuttle planning as there are many unresolved matters. A listing of some of these items follows with a brief description. They are shown in no particular order. Handicapped Accessibility, Curbside Shuttle Stops One consideration for shuttle implementation is handicapped accessibility. Provisions of both Government Code Section 4500 and Civil Code Sections 54 and 54 . 1 indicate that handicapped accessibility is required for public transportation vehicles and facilities. However, if the operation is a demonstration project and the City can show a good faith effort in trying to lease wheelchair lift equipped vehicles, then the City is at minimal risk of violating state law if the trial service is provided without wheelchair accessibility. If the service were continued on a long term basis, then City would be required to purchase lift equipped vehicles. Noland's Carriage is proposing to construct the trolley vehicle. In this case, requirements for wheelchair accessibility would probably apply to the trolley and the shuttle stops during the trial period. State law requires the CA Highway Patrol to inspect public transportation vehicles for compliance with state wheelchair accessibility engineering standards. However, the CHP's responsibility in this matter is limited to motor vehicles. If the Council wants to pursue the horsedrawn trolley, the City could require the horsedrawn trolley operator to provide independent certification that their equipment and the .shuttle stops (if a ramp rather than a wheelchair lift is used) comply with state laws. Air Ouality At the time that the Council adopted the shuttle program, air quality improvement was cited as one justification for this service. Staff has requested that the Air Pollution Quality District review the shuttle program. This work is currently underway. The trackless trolley or standard bus shuttle would follow the same pattern as SLO Transit service for air quality improvements. Council was recently provided an APCD letter which stated that given current SLO Transit vehicle types and given current ridership levels, SLO Transit has a positive air quality impact. APCD staff has expressed some initial concern regarding a horsedrawn trolley. The horsedrawn trolley travels 3-4 miles per hour. To some extent, auto and truck drivers would probably use Mill and Higuera Streets to avoid traveling 3-4 miles per hour but some traffic will remain slowed on Monterey Street. Autos and trucks traveling at 3-4 miles per hour emit two to three times more vehicle emissions than vehicles traveling at 20 miles per hour. APCD questions whether horsedrawn trolley ridership would be great enough to offset these increased vehicle emissions. w2 �����► ��IIIIIIIIIP ���llll city of san tuts oBispo COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Route Selection and Shuttle Stops A shuttle route has not been selected. The Noland's Carriage proposal contains three route suggestions. The staff recommendation is only preliminary at this time, but it is different than the horsedrawn trolley route suggestions and was reviewed only for motor vehicle application (Exhibit G, attached) . A staff recommended horsedrawn trolley route would require additional review. In any event, the roundtrip route length would be two to three miles. According to the Noland's Carriage proposal, the horsedrawn trolley could provide 40-45 minute roundtrip service. A motor vehicle could provide approximately 20 minute roundtrip service. The motor vehicle shuttle could provide many stops which would provide enhanced customer convenience. Noland's Carriage proposal identifies two stops in each of the three suggested routes (Discovery Inn and Chorro @ Monterey) . Stops are an integral part of public transport and necessary to board and deboard passengers. Stops need careful evaluation to order to provide traffic safety yet high visibility to encourage ridership. Parking removal will probably be necessary along the selected route and staff will want to provide detailed information at a later date. Marketing Staff intends to use a professional marketing firm to provide shuttle schedules, vehicle paint scheme and a multi-media campaign. Competitive purchasing procedures will be utilized. ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS A full shuttle implementation plan is not available at this time. After reviewing this preliminary information, Council may want to provide staff with direction regarding this planning effort. Options for Council direction include requesting more analysis regarding a bus- horse comparison or eliminating either the motor vehicle or horse operation and ask staff to concentrate on a particular modal operation. FISCAL IMPACT The Council approved budget for a motor vehicle shuttle is $90, 000. Staff has not priced a horsedrawn trolley, and Noland's Carriages has mentioned a wide variety of subsidies and service hours during presentations to community groups. More analysis would be necessary for an accurate bus and horse cost comparison. Insurance for a Laidlaw provided shuttle operation is already included in the City/Laidlaw transit contract. Noland's Carriage horsedrawn proposal states that "the City will cover this operation under their liability insurance policy. " Regardless of vehicle type and operator, staff would strongly recommend that the private contractor carry the necessary insurance. This requirement would best protect the City and ensure that the private contractor would have ownership in sound Nmaintenance practices and driver training. ����►�H��IllfllllU1° ��hl City Of San LUIS OBispO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT PUBLIC INPUT Staff has received some comment regarding the Monterey Street Shuttle. Council should anticipate some public input during the meeting. Here are some of the comments staff has received from the BIA, Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee and the Monterey Hotel/Motel Association. All groups indicated that they are not interested in providing any amount of financial support for this service, even if ridership is good during the trial period. These groups stated that they have higher funding priorities for their limited resources. Some Monterey Street businesspeople have expressed a concern about losing restaurant business to the downtown. They are also concerned that, if a horsedrawn trolley were selected to provide the shuttle service, significant traffic congestion could occur and that a parking problem could develop at the Discovery Inn where Noland's Carriage proposes to start their service. Mr. Jesse Norris, Sands Motel, wrote a letter to the City Council in support of a "trolley" service. The downtown merchants seem a bit more optimistic about some type of shuttle service, but again, aren't interested in becoming a financial partner. One merchant questioned the necessity of the service after the Marsh Street parking structure is completed. The BIA President wrote a letter to the City Council stating that the BIA would support "any program that alleviates vehicular traffic and does not require removal of parking in the downtown. " Businesspeople from other parts of town have expressed a "why them and not us" concern about specialized transit service operating to upper Monterey only. One manager of a major hotel questioned whether a horsedrawn trolley was the right image for the City to project. The Mass Transportation Committee has not formally reviewed the horsedrawn trolley proposal and would normally do so. CAO RECOMMENDATION Discuss the content of the preliminary staff report and direct staff regarding shuttle planning, as appropriate, as a preclude to a more complete and comprehensive subsequent staff report. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit "A" - Policies & Objectives Exhibit "8" - Photographs of trackless trolleys Exhibit "C" - Proposal for Horsedrawn Trolley Exhibit "D" - Memo from Erwi'n Wi'lli's (10/03/89) Exhibit "E" - Memo from Cliff Chelquist (8/31/89) Exhibit "F" - Memo from Dave Romero (9/29/89) Exhibit "C" - Map of preliminary shuttle route 414 EXHIBIT "A - POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES COUNCIL WORK PROGRAM - DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE (A-6) OBJECTIVE Provide trial shuttle service that would link the Monterey Street hotel/motel area with the downtown. PROGRAM SUMMARY One leased trackless trolley bus would operate on a trial basis during the peak tourist season. Service is proposed to operate June through August 1990. Budgeted figures shown assume daily service, one vehicle, no fare, twenty minute headways, and twelve hours of operation per day on a three mile loop between the downtown and upper Monterey Street. Bus stops would be installed along the route with trolley bus signage that would advertise the service. Parking removal may be necessary for bus stop installation, and wheelchair accessibility (on the vehicles and at bus stops) is required for this program. AA * ii City/BIA/Monterey S>r�s„���e .,.�r�Prins program would be designed and imoiP�od. KEY MILESTONES TIME REQUIREMENTS BUDGET 1. Working with interested parties, prepare 3 months a Downtown Shuttle Implementation Plan 2. City Council review and approval of the 1 months downtown shuttle implementation plan 3. Shuttle administration, vehicle lease 3 months execution, bus stop installment, and marketing. 4. Provide trial service. 3 months $ 90.000 10 months $ 90,000 (1) STAFF WORK HOURS: 400 hours a NOTES 1. This proposal is dependent upon the City leasing two trackless trolley vehicles for a three month period. Should a lease arrangement become unattainable, the City would need to consider vehicle purchase. OTHER FINANCIAL PLAN REFERENCES Operating Programs - Transportation (page D-47) B-22 ��� r .a' 4• r ..�� : r- _,y it � '!. � /,'=•.'STD ; [ c. , �,- 04 �,I" 6 _ ' 'f \ 1C .< � 'Fry • - �_. �_� � .4 ' � • A ,,'�P If l 1 R= LLia g ; a N`s: •_� FI .> '} '��➢ick, - t°77 r. f 77 EXHIBIT "C" HORSEDRAWN TROLLEY PROPOSAL FOR CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Submitted by NOLANDS CARRIAGES AUGUST 1989 � September 13. 1989 Council Member Peg Pinard 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo. CA 93401 Honorable City Council Member: I'd like to thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to read and familiarize yourself with this Horsedrawn Trolley Proposal. I am excited about the possibility of working with .the city on such a pleasant project. I have tried to include all pertinent information necessary to help you make a decision. If you have any questions or ideas. please feel free to call me at home (544-2042). Sincerel Chad Noland. owner NOLANDS CARRIAGE HORSEDRAWN TROLLEY PROPOSAL TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE SUBJECT 1 CURRENT SITUATION OBJECTIVES 1 DISCUSSION OPERATION 2 ROUTE MAPS 3, 4, 5 SPECIFICATIONS 6 SKETCH 7 QUALIFICATION 8 PHILOSOPHIES 8 LONG TERM CAPABILITIES 8 PHOTO 9 ASSUMPTIONS 10 COST 11 �-9 a, HORSEDRAWN TROLLEY PROPOSAL SUBJECT In response to city council work program item A-6, project title Downtown Shuttlethis proposal is being submitted for the city of SAN LUIS OBISPO to contract with NOLANDS HORSEDRAWN CARRIAGE to provide a horsedrawn trolley, to shuttle guests from upper Monterey Street to the downtown, Mission area. CURRENT SITUATION Downtown SAN LUIS OBISPO is congested with traffic, there is a lack of parking, and air pollution is becoming more and more of a problem. OBJECTIVES 1 . REDUCE TRAFFIC- A horsedrawn trolley could transport approximately twenty eight adults, thereby eliminating approximately fourteen additional cars downtown every thirty minutes. That could add up to more than 100,000 less car trips downtown per year. 2. REDUCE PARKING- There could be a reduction in demand for approximately fourteen parking spaces every thirty minutes or 100,000+ per year. 3. REDUCE POLLUTION- This is an ever increasing problem to every. city. The horsedrawn trolley produces no air pollution, any waste that is produced by the horses is completely organic and is collected via a diaper behind the horse. 4. ENCOURAGE TOURISM- There is little doubt that a horsedrawn trolley would be an exciting tourist attraction, bringing outside money to our city. 2 HORSEDRAWN TROLLEY PROPOSAL DISCUSSION The council has already determined there is a need to shuttle guests from upper Monterey St. to downtown. A horsedrawn trolley would satisfy this need as well as add a wonderful SLO pace to SLO TOWN. From the Apple Farm, NOLANDS HORSEDRAWN CARRIAGE currently operates a six passenger formal carriage on Monterey St. four evenings per week. The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Our experience is that motorist and pedestrians alike enjoy seeing the horse and carriage on the street and love to ride. Traffic problems have been dealt with and cars are not having a problem going around the carriage. The carriage is highly visible and cars have been passing on the left. There have not been any complaints from the police department to this date. Many guests, that would go other places to spend their tourist dollars, will be drawn downtown just for the novelty of riding in a horsedrawn trolley. Guests will be much more apt to utilize a horsedrawn trolley versus a motorized one, wouldn't you? OPERATION We could operate the Trolley whenever the city directed, but we would suggest operation from ten o'clock A.M. to ten o'clock P.M., Monday through Saturday. The route may also be determined by the city, but we would suggest route option #1 which would move south on Higuera and return north on Marsh, both streets having multiple lanes of one way traffic, thereby allowing easy passing.(see route map option #1). Round trip time forty minutes. A second route option would be south on Monterey St. then north on Marsh St. (see route map option #2). Round trip time forty minutes. A third route option would be south on Higuera and north on Mill (see route map option #3). Round trip time forty-five minutes. We would suggest that stops be located in front of Sebastians Restaurant (The Mission) and at the north side of the Grand Ave. and Monterey St. intersection. The trolley would not be operated in the rain. j cc orrI -� I l L11U1,11; co m a1 _ i o 3 T v, CL , IAF f UiiU \ _ w Ln MUHNAy ST l IISSION Lr i' � VENA©lE �,�, soo MONS {� s o z C' ` v4 alp P C O�\� fb PHILLIPS o — s�!rp �1F\ s CEttTER r. `� 9 S Ya v PEACH Z B. (` v Q p Q, fp 9 Sia C o C 2 00 0 CP Qq ?' OG ' rt 0P C? tion 2 y/p F 9 C c9�A o A 9 9 PQ,S ``ti p9 s 9 l +\ SPG\F\�' fP �X�0 y Z. f COQ• d� 9., (Recommended) Rt. option #1 - Southwest on Monterey to Pepper, southeast to Higuera, Southwest to Morro, northwest to Monterey, southwest to Chorro, Stop #2, southeast to Marsh, northeast to California, northwest to Higuera, northeast to Grove, northwest to Monterey, northeast to Discovery Inn, Stop #1. Round trip time forty minutes including loading. Advantages Disadvantaaes 1. Travel mainly on one way streets 1.' Not as visible to tourists 2. Better access to Stop #2 2. Faster moving traffic 3. Show off beautiful old homes LUULIISCr m J ~ a m IAf Ful 4 i. ,� MUHHAV N } O\� I . ,� Ar tOP 4 s S J'/ W E� Op' � i •. t 1, ,r,\\-\" p• 9 Uri 'J 5�y�, 9 WSSIOt1 Si. �' rs'r 0 VENABIE O pya MOt+gyp\ ? y oT- i �,�� C9U� 9l�� S rys CEwUk o o MJF PHILLIPS --� 09� \ 4b EACH '�P\� J F•o / LU a o2� QU, �Cy�J 9p rb N P o �\ Mi3i � Gtr rp Q � . stQP 2 m� py0 �P�y \a Ojp J9 Fy�� LiF 'T6 �L\F CO 4PG\F\o OO � P Rt. option #2 - Southwest on Monterey to Chorro, left turn then Stop #2, continue southeast on Chorro to Marsh, northeast to California, northwest to Higuera, northeast to Grove, northwest to Monterey, northeast to start. Round trip time forty minutes including loading. Advantaaes Disadvantages 1. Shorter route 1. Monterey St. would be more 2. More desirable Stop #2 congested 3. Marsh has 3 one way lanes for easy passing y-�3 t -- 'r, I — �uul.us o — I CO W o V7 iAiiU14U -- 5 - al U V N Q C") r DH, d MU1114AY -� I ` �- ' A G ! T l W E t OPt a NABIE �? �0cr a o Q�\� C9 S' �� vE MON {� z Ln ayo9F� oP Sys oyo CES+rEa z .�`c PHILLIPS _ p S o 'EACHtj 9 z� `tlgC�,19C � �.��G o� tf' .y ✓O o o r0,o to J, 0 S J,O� J.. P �p�SPP v c �Q X09 'k 61 •�' •fb90 pa o'" '2 u7 �Cy/moo C� Rt. option #3 - Southwest on Monterey to Pepper, southeast to Higuera, Southwest to Chorro, northwest to Stop #2, continue to Mill, northeast to Grand, southeast to Monterey. Round trip time forty-five minutes including luading. Advantages Disadvantages 1 . Higuera has 3 one way lanes 1. Slightly longer route (5 min. round trip) allowing easy passing 2. Stopping at Stop #2 is not as 2. Mill St. is very beautiful convenient and has less traffic 6 HORSEDRAWN TROLLEY PROPOSAL SKETCH The following sketch is an artist's conception of what the new San Luis trolley will look like. San Luis Obispo had three horse drawn trolleys in the 1890's. To honor our history we would like to recreate the style of the original trolleys when we build the new "SAN LUIS RAILW'Y NUMBER FOUR." Practicality is the idea behind the open design with the top styled after the originals. TROLLEY SPECIFICATIONS Capacity 28 Adults Length (with horses) 30' Unloading Requirements 40' Red curb Width 7' Speed 3-4 MPH Height 9' Floor Height 2' Weight approximately 6,000 empty 10,000 full Head lights, tail lights, and turn signals Yes Wheelchair accessibility Yes Hydraulic Brakes Yes Pneumatic tires (hi%,.:-Jen) Yes i - I q III�IIiI�IiN'I'i I ; �r -, � ' IIODII���lf I • � I t o=- 8 HORSEDRAWN TROLLEY PROPOSAL QUALIFICATIONS Chad and Jaymie Noland, the owners of NOLANDS HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE, have operated the carriage business Thursday through Sunday evenings in downtown San Luis Obispo for one year without any accidents. Prior to that time the Nolands had a similar business in Fort Collins, Colorado, again without any accidents. In Colorado, the Nolands owned a cattle business where they managed a two thousand head cattle feedlot with an annual budget of 500,000.00 dollars. Chad has owned and driven horsedrawn vehicles for twenty five years. Jaymie is a California licensed Veterinarian. PHILOSOPHY OF NOLANDS CARRIAGE A. To operate horsedrawn vehicles that the town can be proud of. B. To provide safe and fun rides in a first class vehicle. C. To utilize the finest horses available and provide the finest care possible for them. LONG TERM CAPABILITIES Chad and Jaymie Noland own a home in the Edna Valley area where their three children attend public school. They have long term goals in the San Luis Area. The business would be interested in trolley service expansion in the future. 10 HORSEDRAWN TROLLEY PROPOSAL Cost Assum t eons 1 . NOLANDS CARRIAGE will purchase the trolley. 2. The city will provide all loading and unloading facilities as needed (ie curb, sign, bench?). 3. NOLANDS CARRIAGE will be given at least ninety (90) days to start operation after contract is signed by both parties. 4. The city of SAN LUIS OBISPO will cover this operation under their liability insurance policy. 5. NOLANDS CARRIAGE will be paid as follows; 50% at signing of contract, balance to be paid in equal payments at the beginning of each month for the duration of the contract. > I HORSEDRAWN TROLLEY PROPOSAL ESTIMATED COST TO OPERATE (based on assumptions and info. to date) OPTION #1 Operating nine (9) hours per day, five (5) days per week, fifty-two (52) weeks per year,except Christmas, New Years, and Thanksgiving days. One Year Contract (NOLANDS CARRIAGE retains $1 .00 fare) $110,000.00 One Year Contract (City retains fare) $150,000.00 (110,000) (150,000) daya weeks hC;i LltLU riders. $cost $cost ridershi week x year - holiday x day x hr. year rider rider 30% 5 52 3 9 16.8 38858 2.83 3.86 50% 5 52 3 9 28 64764 1 .70 2.32 70% 5 52 3 9 39.2 90664 1 .21 1 .65 OPTION #2 Operating twelve (12) hours per day, six (6) days per week, fifty-two (52) weeks per year, except, Christmas Eve day, Christmas day, New Years Day, Easter, and Thanksgiving day. One Year Contract (NOLANDS CARRIAGE retains $1.00 fare) $145,000.00 One Year Contract (City retains fare) $190,000.00 (145,000) (190,000) LL-Ma weeks hM LIQ riders $cost $cost ridershi week x year - holiday x dav x hr. vear rider rider 30% 6 52 4 12 16.8 62093 2.33 3.06 50% 6 52 4 12 28 103488 1.40 1 .83 70% 6 52 4 12 39.2 144883 1.00 1 .31 OPTION #3 Operating twelve (12) hours per day, six (6) days per week, twelve (12) weeks per year (June, July, and August) One Year Contract (NOLANDS CARRIAGE retains $1.00 fare)$90,000. One Year Contract (City retains fare) $110,000. !;I= weeks bm rides dders (90,000)Sc (1$co,000) ridershi week x year - holiday x day x hr. vear rider rider 30% 6 12 0 12 16.8 14515 6.20 7.58 50% 6 12 0 12 28 24192 3.72 4.54 70% 6 12 0 12 39.2 33869 2.66 3.25 EXi IBIT "D" MEMORANDUM To: Nancy Knofler, Transit Manager From: Erwin L. Willis, Fire Marshal Via: Michael Dolder. Fire Chief Subject: Horsedrawn Trolley Proposal Date: October 3. 1989 The Fire Department appreciates the concept of the trolley from the Monterey Street motel area to the downtown core. In reviewing the proposal we have only one concern, that of traffic congestion and its effect on fire response to upper Monterey Street. The trolley will travel at 3 to 4 miles per hour. It is wider than a large car or the current horsedrawn carriage, making it very difficult and unsafe for vehicles to pass. This will be especially true on Monterey Street with its high traffic load and only one lane in each direction. This slow speed will back-up traffic and make a fire response on Monterey extremely difficult. A speedy fire response is especially important since this area already has one of the longest fire response times from existing fire stations. We believe this problem can be mitigated in one of the following ways: 1. Use the route #3 option which will limit the trolley's travel on Monterey Street. 2. Remove parking on one side of Monterey Street to provide one additional lane for the trolley. 3. Limit the trolley's hours to keep it off Monterey Street during peak traffic hours, such as; noon to 130 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. No doubt there are no doubt other ways to mitigate the traffic problem on Monterey Street created by the trolley. The best option should be identified and implemented before the trolley starts service. If we can be of any other assistance please contact me. EXHIBIT "E" ���I�II 1111111 I I I �� '�� �����I I ► � city or san tins oBIspo . POLICE DEPARTMENT Y4C_•9^Itl::.i: I!:••!I•n l,iluw a"::::.:`:iii x %at Office Box 1328 — San Luis Obispo, CA 93406.1328 — 8051549.7310 TO: Chief James Gardiner FROM: Captain Cliff Chelquist gq-e--/ DATE: August 31, 1989 SUBJECT: Monterey Street Shuttle I have some concerns with the use of a horse drawn carriage for the proposed Monterey Street shuttle. The horse carriage has not caused any problem during its use on Thursday nights downtown but that is a small area of little or no conflict with motor vehicles. If the horse drawn carriage were to use all of Monterey Street, from Motel Row to downtown, I believe we could have some serious traffic safety problems. 1. The horse drawn vehicle does not have the ability to start or stop as quickly as a motor vehicle. This will lead to congestion at intersections, particularly major intersections such as Monterey and Santa Rosa. 2 . The horse drawn carriage can not maintain the speed of motor vehicles, hence traffic will back up behind it. Since it is wide enough that it can not be passed within a traffic lane, I fear that impatient drivers will try to pass by entering the oncoming lane of traffic . 3. Since the horse carriage can not start or stop as quickly as a motor vehicle, it will cause delays during turning movements and when pulling into or away from the curb. 4. The lights on the carriage are insufficient for fast moving vehicles to see at night. They will ,be even more difficult to see during inclement weather. 5. This is to be a horse drawn, open top carriage. Will it be used during inclement weather? None of these problems are present if the shuttle service is provided by a motor vehicle of reasonable size capable of reasonable traffic speed. As long as the pick up locations are well established, the motor powered shuttle is nothing more than a type of bus. EXh.z3IT "F" __ v ���III ICY` Of SM WIS OBIS: 0 IN 955 Morro Street • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 September 29, 1989 MEMORANDUM TO: Nancy Knofler, Transit Manager FROM: Dave Romero, Public Works Director -z SUBJECT- Horsedrawn Trolley Pr000sal For several months, Mr. Noland has operated a horsedrawn carriage during evening hours. This is a smaller vehicle than the horsedrawn trolley and operates during light traffic hours, thus vehicles can easily pass and traffic is not unduly restricted by the slow moving vehicle. The proposal to operate a horsedrawn trolley, which will be 30 feet in length, traveling at 3-4 mph during the day is an entirely different matter. Signals on Marsh Street are set for 25 mph, on Higuera Street they are set for 17 mph, the average vehicle speed on upper Monterey Street is 29 mph, on upper Marsh Street is 30 mph, and on Mill Street is 35 mph.' A vehicle moving 3-4 mph would severely restrict and congest traffic during peak hours of the day creating safety problems as impatient motorists came upon a slow moving vehicle or tried to change lanes during heavily congested traffic, perhaps even traveling in the opposing traffic lane on Mill or Monterey Street, to pass a slow moving trolley. Despite our best efforts to provide as much safety for vehicular traffic in the downtown, complying with all State and Federal recommendations and observing carefully and correcting any unsafe condition, we experience hundreds of accidents in the downtown every year. We simply do not need to deliberately introduce an operation which is inherently unsafe and will cause accidents in the downtown area. Currently Marsh Street in downtown carries approximately 15,000 cars per day on 3 traffic lanes and provides a level of service A. Higuera Street in downtown carries approximately 10,000 cars per day and provides a level of service varying from A to C during various hours. Monterey Street near California Boulevard carries 14,400 cars per day and provides a level of service of C during the peak hour. Introduction of a very slow moving vehicle into this traffic will in all likelihood reduce the level of service by one full range. A level of service D, which would occur at Monterey and California and in downtown on Higuera, would be very uncomfortable for the community. We are making every effort to move traffic through the downtown as efficiently as possible. We simply do not need to introduce another element that will further congest the downtown. The applicant states that the objectives are to reduce traffic, reduce parking, and reduce pollution. I believe the applicant has grossly overestimated the amount of ridership and the reduction in trips which can be expected by a horsedrawn trolley. I can approximate his figures by assuming that the trolley is half full during all hours when it is in operation and has assumed one person per car in his calculations. Our longtime experience with bus operation shows that we do not average half full; perhaps a more reasonable estimate would be one quarter full. I believe that the number of tourist-oriented people would more approach two per car, rather than the one per car generally assigned to local business people and commuters. We also should subtract out the number of trips attributable to the trolley. By my very preliminary Trolley Page Two calculations, this will result in approximately a 50 car per day reduction, which is relatively insignificant in the overall traffic volume. Similarly, i believe the parking calculation of 100,000 per year is grossly overstated and that the pollution would actually be increased by the congestion caused by the slow moving trolley. The Public Works Department has long favored (for about 15 years) initiation of a motorized trolley to serve downtown and nearby outlying areas. This vehicle could travel at traffic speeds and could provide all the benefits outlined in the applicant's proposal with virtually none of the detriments. It is the Public Works Department recommendation that the $90,000 - $145,000 contract cost proposed by the applicant would be better spent on a contract to place in service a motorized trolley on a trial basis, with routes and schedules varied to meet needs as we experiment to determine what precise operation would best serve the community. The Department also recommends that the entire process be carried out by public bid on City prepared specifications. c: John Dunn Wayne Peterson trolley/dfr#18 • ,.T •r r , > a •i i INV It.• �.,; L /I 11 ^iii 1 C- �r, SAN LUIS OBISPO HO EL MOTEL ASSOCIATION MEET1116 AlGENICA -/?�D7. ITEM # To: Mayor Dunn _• h ';,t• - and Council Members Peg Pinard �'•�p�•'VA Penny Rappa OCT 1 7 •�• R . Jerry Reiss Alan Settle Re: Monterey Street Shuttle At the September 26, meeting of the San Luis Obispo Hotel /Motel Association , a presentation was made by Nancy Knofler , City Transit Manager and Chad Nold of Noland ' s Carriage, regarding the proposed Monterey Street shuttle. As an Association we are very concerned about your $90,000 appropriation for a Monterey Street shuttle. Our concerns are as follows: If the proposed shuttle is to eliminate traffic , where does this traffic originate? Would the flow of traffic be impaired by a trolly and what effect , if any , would a trolly have on air quality . Also, some concern was expressed about using government dollars for a transportation addition which would benefit only a small portion of San Luis Obispo. The consensus at the meeting was to encourage the city of San Luis Obispo to study the issue before any commitment is made regarding a shuttle and/or trolly . A discussion was held regarding possible alternate uses for a trolly which would benefit citizens and <7isitors . One idea was for a historical trolly tour through various sections of San Luis Obispo. Thank you for your time and consideration . If you have any questions or comments , please feel free to contact me at 543-2777. Sincerely , 1 Terri Reay President I cc: John Dunn /: �1 rrN tirIG � Nancy Knofler p N•��d E,e Chad Noland San Luis Chamber of Commerce MEL I ING AGENDA UASE Y TEM # o/. donne 62 CITY COUNCIL—SAN LUIS OB IZ. CAL_ I F THE MERCHANTS ANE) THE B_ I _ A WANT A SHUTTLE FOR TOUR ISTS, LET HEM PAY F'OR I T! ! ! I Ip0 NOT WANT ANY OF MY TAX MONEY TO BE `p'O_R �& � Sam� r mmm S PR I VATS ENTERPR ISE THAT SOLELY BENEF' I TS A F=EW BUS I NESSES- -� � s WHO EVER THOUGHT OF' SUCH A COCK—A—MANY IAEA SHOULp BE TOLE) AS MUCH_ NO NO NO ® ROBERT J. SALMON 2104 LOOMOMiS STREET RECEIVESAN LUIS OBISPO,CA 93401 OCT 1 2 190 CITY CLERK 17 U�Mc-�accon by Lead Person SAN LUIS OBISPO.CA i Respond by: I�ouncil �.�//CAO ��'ity Atty- j Clerk-ong. q7 -r-77. d Cic£ c�Ink �t of sAn hugs oBispo Ililf!i i � 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 i October 11, 1989 MEMORANDUM { To: Citv Co.uncilmembers From: John Dunn, CAO I T r Subject: Monterey Street Shuttle--October 17, 1989 City Council Agenda Item Many issues are discussed in a preliminary fashion in the Monterey Street Shuttle agenda report including routing, bus stops wheelchair accessibility, traffic safety and other operational issues. However, it is important that the goals of the downtown shuttle not be lost in the midst of these operational considerations. The two goals that the Council mentioned when placing this item in the Council Work Program were to improve air quality and reduce traffic levels along the upper Monterey Strcet-downtown corridor. These goals seem to favor providing the shuttle with a motor vehicle rather -than a horsedrawn trollev. Air Ouality The motor vehicle has the advantage of being able to more closely travel with the normal traffic flow which would eliminate the concern that autos traveling at 4 mph compared with autos traveling at 20 mph emit 2-3 times more pollutants. Traffic Levels The motor vehicle's travel speed is higher, therefore the roundtrip loop would be completed faster which allows the potential for two or three times more passengers to be carried. The horsedrawn trolley could be viewed as a tourist attraction which may actually add to the number of vehicle trips in SLO (people driving to and from the boarding points of the horsedrawn trolley). The faster travel speed of the motor vehicle may be more attractive to the consumer (ten minutes to travel to upper Monterey Street or the downtown compared with twenty minutes on the horsedrawn trolley). Finally, you may note that the staff recommended motor vehicle route more fully serves the downtown businesses than the routes in the horsedrawn trolley proposal (again, it is possible because of the higher travel speed). Should you have additional questions or comments, please contact Nancy (x122).