Agmt10 San Mateo County Transportation Authority "TA"

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17. Sustainability (2 pgs) Environmental: With limited public transit in the Mid Point area of Redwood City, the Mid Point Caltrain Shuttle provides an important direct link for area employers, patients and residents with an alternative to driving. In 2009, almost 14,600 net SOV trips were eliminated from area roadways reducing potential vehicle emissions. At the same time the Mid Point shuttle utilizes late model unleaded gasoline fueled vehicles for reduced emissions and further improved air quality. TOD /Economic Development: The Mid Point Caltrain Shuttle supports jobs in the City of Redwood City as well as improves mobility in the area. With four employers financially participating in the shuttle program, these employers provide the shuttle as a free benefit to their employees who take Caltrain to /from work. This represents approximately 2,600 potential Caltrain users or 58% of the existing employees in the immediate area. Stanford University and Medical Center project 8,000 employees at their site alone over the next few years. The shuttle carried almost 18,000 boardings in 2009. These employees value the shuttle service, as indicated in the Alliance Shuttle Survey Spring 2010, where approximately 86% of respondents rated the Redwood City Mid Point shuttle overall service quality as "Very Satisfied" (5 out of 5) or "Satisfied" (4 out of 5). This project would additionally support livable and healthy workplaces and communities by reducing local traffic congestion and demand for parking. Riders that opt to access a rail station by transit or Mid Point area by shuttle will decrease demand for parking and the physical footprint required for parking at the rail station, in addition to resulting in less traffic on local streets and intersections. Less traffic congestion will enhance the pedestrian environment, while fewer parking spaces will free up land to provide higher value amenities, like open space or recreational areas, that would support healthier and more livable workplaces and communities. The city continues to examine all funding opportunities to sustain the service. The City of Redwood City has been working to encourage the use of transportation alternatives to driving alone throughout its community and this shuttle is a direct result of that initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to reduce area traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve air quality thereby improving the citizen's health and quality of life while increasing mobility. Part of the initiative includes a requirement placed on new commercial development or permitted improvements, to participate or provide a shuttle service. This service provides a built -in client base, while also enabling the employers an attractive benefit to recruit and retain employees as well as increased staff productivity. SMCTA Measure A - Local Shuttle Program Call for Projects Page 16 of 16 Application Document (March 31, 2010)