FAIRFAX COUNTY TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION (TAC)
Meeting Summary
Regular Meeting – June 18, 2013 at 7:30 PM – FCDOT, 4050 Legato Rd, Fairfax, VA 22033
TAC Members in Attendance: Chairman Jeff Parnes (Sully), Vice Chairman Jenifer Joy Madden (Hunter Mill), Ed. L. Tennyson (At-Large), Secretary Roger Hoskin (Mason), Kevin Morse (Braddock), Ann Pimley (Fairfax Area Disability Board), and Harry Zimmerman (Lee).
TAC Members Absent: Chad Quinn (Dranesville), Carrie Nixon (Providence), Eric Thiel (Springfield), and Frank Cohn (Mt. Vernon).
Others in Attendance: FCDOT Staff: Calvin Lam, Arpita Chatterjee, Tom Burke, and Noelle Dominguez; and Dan Hardy, Renaissance Planning Group, Arlington VA
Note Taker: Harry Zimmerman
Meeting was called to order by Chairman Parnes at 7:40 PM.
Main Topics Discussed
Countywide Network Transit Study – Dan Hardy, Tom Burke, Arpita Chatterjee
Dan Hardy of Renaissance Planning Group briefed the TAC about the Countywide Network Transit Study. We are at the year and half mark in developing a concept for a high quality transit network for Fairfax County and beyond. Public meeting is planned July 10th at the Government Center. Presentation to the BOS is next week. TAC feedback from this presentation was invited. Final concept is due November 2013. Mr. Hardy explained the process, the goals and objectives, and evolution of the analyses and concept development.
TAC questioned the absence of planned stations for future transit systems in the County’s Future Development Plan. The briefers explained that the ongoing study is intended to address such gaps in future planning, at least relative to transit networking. The study team, in consultation with the County and using information from other studies, has extrapolated population densities and growth for 2050/2060 timeframe as a basis for their analysis. TAC recommended that the study consider capacity limits on the inner lines and how that would affect the logic of the analysis. Part of the answer is that the future planning anticipates more origin and destinations trips along the extended routes rather than the all riders going downtown in the morning or the opposite in the evening.
Throughout the presentation, TAC members pointed out opportunities for additional considerations for connections or stations or types of transit across the proposed network based on speculations on growth or ridership and cost-effectiveness. The proposed network envisions 214 miles of new transitway and 74 new stations. Transitway numbers include 31 miles of Metrorail, 73 miles LRT/BRT, and 110 miles for express bus. Total capital cost would be about $7.5 Billion. TAC asked the presenters to provide TAC with a description of right-of-way reservations that would be needed along the main arteries of the network so TAC could consider providing an official endorsement for such reservations.
Update on HB2313 – Noelle Dominguez, FCDOT
Ms. Dominguez provided background on NVTA and NVTC as well as a detailed summary of the Transportation Bill in its current form and its effects on taxes and transportation funding for Northern Virginia going forward. She also provided status of the current project list being considered as well as the process and eligibility standards NVTA is using to reach its final decisions for use of anticipated funding. NVTA is also considering how to develop a six-year program for the future. TAC members expressed interest in some specific projects.
Acceptance of the May 21, 2013, Regular Meeting Notes was voted including one correction proposed by Commissioner Tennyson relative to the way the Express Lanes user volume is represented in the meeting notes.
Comment & Feedback on Previous Meeting’s Presentation:
- Express Lanes Operations Facility Center Tour
Planned Agenda for the July 16, 2013, meeting:
- Recommendations on Parking Requirements in Transit Oriented Development Areas – Dan Rathbone, FCDOT
Commissioner Parnes recommended an agenda item be added on the “Momentum” project.
Commissioner Pimley highlighted the results of the Mobility & Transportation Options Survey and Chairman Parnes suggested that would be a good additional topic for a future agenda item.
Topics for Future Meetings:
- August 20, 2013: Board Four-Year Transportation Plan – Karyn Moreland, FCDOT
- September 17, 2012: Route 1 Transit Center Study – Caijun Luo, FCDOT
- Columbia Pike Street Car Line Progress (and additional possible candidates)
- CTB Determination of Corridor of Statewide Importance through Loudoun/Prince William Counties
- Regional Transit System Plan
- Comprehensive Plan staff and Planning Commission discussions with TAC on what their vision is for future development and any changes in planning and zoning guidelines that may be needed to account for future work environment given the pace and impacts of technology advances (including guest speaker to explain impact of self-driving/smart cars, buses and trucks on traffic, roadways and intersections).
- The projected loading statistics for the Dulles Metrorail Silver Line. With all the redevelopment approved for the McLean station, how much capacity is left for the other three Tysons Corner stations and Wiehle Avenue?
- Momentum: The Next Generation of Metro
- Mobility & Transportation Options Survey
Announcements: Commissioners Quinn and Nixon have tendered resignations due to competing needs for their time. Replacement appointments are anticipated. The Chair and Vice-chair highlighted some difficult local matters with citizens attempting to block improvements that are needed for regional transportation efficiencies.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:16 pm.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
June 25, 2013 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Board Transportation Committee Meeting
June 27, 2013 5th Annual Keep Tysons Moving Event, Gannett 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22107
July 2, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
July 16, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
August 6, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
August 20, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
September 3, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
September 17, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)