HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 02/19/2019 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 022, 2019, APPROPRIAgenda Item 8
Item # 8 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY February 19, 2019
City Council
STAFF
Kaley Zeisel, Transfort Capital Planning/Grant Compliance Mgr
Drew Brooks, Director of Transit
Chris Van Hall, Legal
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 022, 2019, Appropriating Unanticipated Grant Revenue from the Federal
Transit Administration (FTA) in the Transit Services Fund and Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the Transit
Services Fund and Authorizing the Transfer of Appropriations from the Transit Services Fund to the Capital
Project Fund for the Accessible Infrastructure Enhancement Project and Transferring Appropriations from the
Capital Project Fund to the Cultural Services and Facilities Fund for the Art in Public Places Program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to appropriate unanticipated grant revenue awarded by the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) to upgrade bus stops throughout the Transfort service area. This infrastructure
enhancement project will use FTA grant funds in the amount of $1,520,344 with a local match of $380,086
derived from Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP) funds. This project will repair or replace
concrete pads at bus stops and purchase amenities, such as shelters, over the next two to three years.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The objective of this infrastructure improvement project is to upgrade a significant portion of existing bus stops
consistent with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), in an effort to maintain local transit
opportunities that are accessible for people of all abilities and ages, and to provide accessible bus shelters.
Transfort will utilize CCIP local funds over the next several years to match the federal award to increase the
funding of the Bus Stop Improvement Project to $1.9 million. The prioritized list of bus stops planned to be
upgraded is based on use and proximity to public services. Bus stops are a critical part of the transit system as
they serve as the first point of contact between the customer and the transit service; and stops are a factored
in a rider’s satisfaction level with overall transportation service.
Previous related Council Actions:
• Ordinance No. 077, 2015: Adopted new Bus Stop Design Standards and Guidelines;
• Ordinance No. 013, 2015: Extended the 0.25% “Building on Basics” capital projects sales and use tax,
funding $1,000,000 over ten (10) years for Bus Stop Improvements. Resolution 2015-012 brought this
ordinance to the voters in the regular City election;
• Resolution 2011-111: Authorized the City Manager or his/her designee to execute and file applications on
behalf of the City with the FTA; and
• Mayor Troxell submitted a letter in support of Transfort’s application for federal funding of this project.
This project supports several key local and regional plans, including:
Agenda Item 8
Item # 8 Page 2
• City of Fort Collins 2018 Strategic Plan includes objectives to “improve accessibility to community and City
programs” and to “improve aging and/or missing transportation infrastructure.”
• North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) 2040 Regional Transportation Plan
prioritizes providing a multi-modal system that improves accessibility and system continuity.
• Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) 2040 Statewide Transit Plan includes a goal to provide
convenient transit opportunities for all populations.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Transfort will leverage CCIP funding earmarked for fiscal years 2018-2021 to provide the local match for
unanticipated revenue in the amount of $1,520,344, which was awarded by the FTA as 5339(b) funds.
Year CCIP Funds Federal Funding
Previously appropriated in
the Capital Projects Fund
224,500
FY2018 1,520,344
FY2020 100,000
FY2021 55,586
Total Funding 380,086 1,520,344
Percent of Total Project 20% 80%
Due to the fact that CCIP for FY2020 and FY2021 is not yet appropriated or approved, Transfort requests the
use of Transit reserves to initially provide the local match amount with the FY2020 and FY2021 appropriations
being used to backfill transit.
This project meets requirements for Art in Public Places (APP) - 1% of the total project costs is $19,004.
However, under the previous congressional authorization bill, MAP-21, federal transit funds are no longer
available to support public art in transit facilities. Therefore, 5339 funds cannot be used to meet the APP
requirement. For this reason, staff is requesting an additional $19,004 be appropriated to be used toward Art in
Public Places. If approved, the funding for APP will be drawn from Transfort’s Transit Reserve Funds.
The total reserves request from the Transit Services Fund is $174,590 with the intention to backfill $155,586
from CCIP as additional appropriations are granted through the budget process. The overall appropriation
request is $1,694,934.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Bus Stop Design Standards (PDF)
2. Community Capital Improvement Program Ordinance (CCIP) (PDF)
3. Mayor Troxell Letter of Support for Grant Application (PDF)
BUS STOP DESIGN
STANDARDS &
GUIDELINES
July 21, 2015
ATTACHMENT 1
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Technical Advisory Committee
Noah Al Hadidi, CSU Student
Sarah Allmon, Barrier Busters Public Transportation Advisory Group (PTAG)
Vivian Armendariz, Citizen
Michael Devereaux, PTAG, Commission on Disability
Kathryn Grimes, Bike Advisory Commission
Jamie Rideoutt, Lamar Advertising Company
Ed Roberts, Transportation Board (past member)
Carol Thomas, Transfort Safety, Security and Training Manager
Project Management Team
Emma Belmont, Transfort — Transit Planner
Steve Gilchrist, Traffic — Traffic Engineer
Aaron Iverson, FC Moves — Senior Transportation Planner
Tim Kemp, Engineering — Civil Engineer III
Tom Knostman, Streets — Pavement Engineer
Kathleen Walker, Transfort — Operations Manager
Graphics and Formatting
Slate Communications
BHA Design Incorporated
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW
1.1 PURPOSE
1.2 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE
STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE
1.3 INTEGRATION WITH OTHER
STANDARDS GUIDANCE
2. THE BIG PICTURE
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 TRANSIT SYSTEM OVERVIEW
2.3 BUS STOP INSTALLATION AND
UPGRADE — HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?
2.4 OBSTACLES TO IMPROVING
TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE
2.5 BUS STOP MAINTENANCE
AND ADVERTISING
3. STREET-SIDE
CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 STOP SPACING
3.3 STOP LOCATING
3.4 IN-STREET DESIGN
3.5 TECHNICAL DETAILS
4. CURB-SIDE
CHARACTERISTICS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND
ADA ACCESSIBILITY
4.3 BUS STOP TYPES
4.4 AMENITIES
4.5 BUS STOP TYPE DETERMINATION
5. NEXT STEPS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 TRANSFORT BUS STOP
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
5.3 RECOMMENDED FUTURE ACTIONS
6. APPENDIX
6.1 BUS STOP DEVELOPMENT FORM
6.2 LAND USE CODE SECTION 3.6.5
6.3 TECHNICAL DESIGNS (As Incorporated into
Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards)
6.4 CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
LETTER OF SUPPORT
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 1
1. OVERVIEW
1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of the Bus Stop Design Standards and Guidelines document is to assist City staff,
developers, local partners and private property owners in locating and designing bus stops and
their associated passenger amenities within the City of Fort Collins as well as the greater Transfort
service area. The document consists of five chapters:
• Overview — discusses how to use the standards and guidance
• The Big Picture — discusses the transit network as it currently exists and the envisioned
future of transit service in Fort Collins
• Street-side Characteristics — discusses the factors associated with the roadway that
influence bus operations
• Curb-side Characteristics — discusses the factors associated with the comfort, safety and
convenience of patrons at bus stops
• Next Steps — discusses Transfort’s approach to pursue capital improvements and outlines
related action items related to bus stop accessibility
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 2
1.2 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE
STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE
This guidance document was created with the assistance of a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC),
created by Transfort, comprised of local transit riders, cycling advocates, safety specialists, urban
designers, students, media professionals, Transfort staff and other interested parties. The CAC
members included individuals with a wide range of abilities and experiences with the transit network.
A project management team (PMT) of City staff also assisted in the development of this document.
This group focused on the technical components and safety considerations as they relate to bus
stops. The following City departments were represented in the PMT: Engineering, FC Moves,
Planning, Streets, Traffic, and Transfort.
In addition, Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 19 – Guidelines for the Location
and Design of Bus Stops, as well as various other transit agency bus stop design documents,
provided best practices and general guidance in the development of the standards and guidance
outlined in this document.
1.3 INTEGRATION WITH OTHER
STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE
There are various tools that work in tandem with this standards and guidance document. Within the
Transfort department, other important guidance tools that may provide guidance on facilities and
services include: Transfort Strategic Operating Plan (TSOP), Transfort Operating Manual (TOM),
and Transfort Service Standards. Additional documents that govern site development include:
Fort Collins Land Use Code (LUC) and Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS). If
conflicts arise between these documents, the more specific and/or stringent standard will apply.
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 3
2. THE BIG PICTURE
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Bus stops are a critical part of the transit system as they serve as the first point of contact between
the customer and the service. In addition, bus stop placement throughout the community acts
to promote alternative modes of transportation to the traveling public. The spacing, location and
design all affect the operation of the transit system and, in turn, the transit patron’s satisfaction.
The standards and guidance in this document are intended to guide the design of transit stops that
complement their immediate surroundings, meet the transit patron’s comfort and safety needs,
and support an efficient transit network.
The placement of transit stops is guided by safety considerations, community context, patron’s
origins and destinations, opportunity, and Transfort’s strategic planning efforts. The TSOP is
Transfort’s long range planning tool; however, it is possible that community growth and change will
occur in ways not anticipated by the TSOP, and therefore routes and bus stops may be different from
those envisioned in the TSOP. The TSOP proposed long range routes are depicted in Figure 2 below.
2.2 TRANSIT SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The City of Fort Collins operates its own transit system, which is branded as Transfort. Transfort
operates fixed route transportation within the City of Fort Collins and in parts of unincorporated
Larimer County. Complementary paratransit service is contracted to and operated by Veolia
Transportation. A regional express route, known as FLEX, is provided through a partnership
between Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Longmont and Boulder County. Transfort bus stops
are located within Fort Collins city limits as well as in unincorporated Larimer County, the City of
Loveland, the Town of Berthoud, Boulder County and the City of Longmont.
Transfort’s route map (August 2015) is provided below in Figure 1. Following Figure 1 is a map
of the long range vision for transit service in and surrounding Fort Collins, Figure 2. This map
illustrates the TSOP vision for a full transition into a productivity-based grid system. It incorporates
the Phase 3 planned routes, along with additional recommendations from other adopted plans
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 4
and new routes that have been added since the TSOP’s adoption. The purpose of this map is to
indicate where new bus stops will be located as development occurs throughout the city.
VINE DR.
MULBERRY ST.
PROSPECT RD.
DRAKE RD.
HORSETOOTH RD.
HARMONY RD.
OVERLAND TRAIL
TAFT HILL RD.
LEMAY AVE.
TIMBERLINE RD.
I-25
SHIELDS ST.
COLLEGE AVE.
LAPORTE AVE.
ELIZABETH ST.
6 19
91
33
18
16
14
12
10
9
92
81
7
5
32
31
DTC
CTC
STC
8
2
Figure 1 — Transfort All Routes Map (Effective August 2015)
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 5
Figure 2 — Transfort Strategic Operating Plan Phase 3 Routes and Proposed Changes
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 6
2.3 BUS STOP INSTALLATION AND
UPGRADE — HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?
There are just over 500 existing bus stops in the Transfort system; of these, some meet the
standards outlined in this document and some do not. In addition to existing bus stops that
Transfort currently serves, the TSOP sets forth a plan for expanded service which will require new
transit facilities throughout Transfort’s service area.
There are a variety of ways transit facilities are installed and upgraded throughout the Transfort
system, and they are described below:
• Transfort’s Capital Improvement Plan — The Improvement Plan, which is based on
location specific criteria, identified in the Bus Stop Development Form (Appendix 1) and
Section 4.5, prioritizes bus stop improvements in the Transfort Service Area. Transfort
anticipates an annual budget of $100,000, based on dedicated tax revenue (Building on
Basics), for bus stop improvements. It is estimated that this amount will fund approximately
7–10 bus stops annually. Transfort also pursues grants to fund additional improvements.
Improvements are generally implemented according to the Improvement Plan, but obstacles
do arise as described in Section 2.4.
• Transfort’s Service Agreement for Bus Stops — Transfort contracts with an advertising
company for the installation, provision of passenger amenities and maintenance of Transfort’s
bus stops. This agreement permits Transfort to request solid surface upgrades to bus stops
that are located within public right-of-way (ROW) and installation of passenger amenities
at bus stops in Transfort’s service area. In a typical year, this agreement provides for the
upgrade of approximately 10 bus stops.
• Development and/or Redevelopment — As properties develop and redevelop within city
limits the City’s Land Use Code (LUC) requires that the development accommodate both
the existing and planned transit network (LUC Section 3.6.5 text included in Appendix 2).
This requires developers to provide the necessary transit infrastructure and passenger
amenities, if applicable, on or adjacent to their property. Developer responsibilities may
include: dedicating additional public ROW; dedicating a Transit Easement; installation of a
bus stop solid surface; installation of a bus pullout; and installation of or payment in lieu for
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 7
the applicable bus stop passenger amenities, all in accordance with the standards set forth
in this document.
Transfort does not have control over which stops are improved via this method. Bus stop
improvements may not be in accordance with the Improvement Plan Priorities set forth
in this document.
• City Capital Improvement and Street Maintenance Projects — Every year the
City’s Engineering and Streets Departments implement capital improvements and street
maintenance. These departments manage infrastructure improvements and work with
Transfort to help upgrade bus stops, as needed in the area of the project’s impact. Since
stops improved through this method are opportunistic, improvements may not reflect the
same priorities as listed in the Improvement Plan.
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 8
2.4 OBSTACLES TO IMPROVING
TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE
Many obstacles exist outside of Transfort’s control, which makes providing quality transit facilities
challenging at times. Obstacles to improving bus stops include: available space (including public
ROW) for stop infrastructure (solid surface and passenger amenities); accessible neighborhood
sidewalks connecting to stops; accessible street crossings; and temporary obstacles such as those
due to weather events like snow, rain or hail. Transfort actively works with other City departments
to make improvements to the sidewalk network and to add accessible bus stops in conjunction
with City construction activities. However, it will take many years for all stops to be improved
because infrastructure deficiencies are widespread. Images 1, 2 and 3 below demonstrate some
of the obstacles that limit transit facility improvements.
Image 1 Image 2
Laporte and Overland Eastbound (EB)
Obstacles: • Limited public ROW
• No sidewalks
Shields and Swallow Northbound (NB)
Obstacles: • Limited public ROW
Image 3
Harmony and Corbett (EB)
Obstacles: • Covered section of ditch runs between sidewalk and edge of street
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 9
2.5 BUS STOP MAINTENANCE
AND ADVERTISING
Transfort, like many transit agencies across the nation, utilizes advertising revenue to provide
both maintenance of and passenger amenities at bus stops. Transfort contracts this service with
an advertising contractor, allowing them to advertise at Transfort bus stops. In return, Transfort
benefits from a portion of the advertising revenue, as well as the contractor’s maintenance of bus
stops (including snow removal) and the contractor’s provision of passenger amenities and solid
surface installation at locations within public ROW. However, advertising is not permitted at all
bus stops within Transfort’s network. In single family residential areas, for example, advertising
is limited to side-yards. In addition, certain areas may not be appropriate for advertising, such as
historically significant sites. In such cases, Transfort has a limited number of non-advertising bus
stop benches and shelters that can be used if advertising is deemed to be incompatible with the
character of the area.
Images 4–7 below are examples of advertising at Transfort bus stops.
Image 4
Harmony and Timberline (EB)
Image 5
Image 6 Image 7
Harmony and Larkbunting (WB)
Rock Creek at Fossil Ridge High School (EB) Taft Hill and Drake (NB)
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 10
3. STREET-SIDE CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
This section discusses preferred and alternative street-side or in-street stop designs. Street-side
characteristics refer to features associated with the roadway that influence transit operations.
These features include elements such as: traffic speeds, street design, intersection design and
the location of acceleration/deceleration lanes. Street-side features influence the location of and
in-street design of bus stops. It is important to note that since stop designs were developed
based on standard roadway characteristics, the on-site context may call for locations or designs
that are tailored to that context. Ultimately, Transfort staff, with the input from the City’s Traffic,
Engineering and FC Moves Departments, will make the final decision on the location and design
that is appropriate for a given situation.
Image 8
Street-side
Characteristics
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 11
3.2 STOP SPACING
Stop spacing refers to the distance between stops along a bus route. Stop spacing takes into
consideration the trade-offs between vehicle travel times and walking distances to bus stops.
While more frequently placed bus stops reduce walking distances, it also slows down bus service.
In contrast, longer distances between stops increases vehicle speed but may result in customers
having to walk longer distances to get to bus stops. This is described in TCRP’s Report 19 as trade-
offs between operating efficiencies and customer accessibility, as follows:
Table 1 — Trade-offs of Stop Spacing
TCRP Report 19 also describes the industry standards for bus stop spacing typically being
subdivided by land use types/densities or locating stops near major trip generators. This suggests
using closer spaced stops in more densely populated areas, such as the central business core,
and increasing space between stops when approaching more suburban and rural areas of the
community. In addition Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) type routes generally suggest an increased
distance between stops to decrease travel times. Table 2 below describes typical ranges for the
different land use environments.
Transfort uses these ranges as references, but in general the main considerations for bus stop
locating and spacing are safety, such as reducing bus and vehicle conflicts, and major trip
generators, such as, community activity centers and concentrations of residences and businesses.
Where feasible, stops shall be located approximately ¼ mile apart. In locations where stop spacing
is more then ⅓ mile apart, a midpoint stop may be considered if adjacent land uses warrant such
additional stop placement.
Close stops
(every block or
⅛ mile – ¼ mile spacing)
Further distance between stops
(Beyond ¼ mile spacing)
•Short walking distances
•More frequent stops, creating longer travel time
•Longer walking distances
•Less frequent stops, creating shorter travel time
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 12
Table 2 — Recommended Bus Stop Spacing
3.3 STOP LOCATING
There are three location options for bus stops: near-side, far-side and mid-block, as shown in
Figure 3 below. Far-side stops are, in general, Transfort’s preferred stop location because they
are shown to be the safest for passengers exiting the bus and minimize conflicts with other
vehicles. However, a mid-block or near-side stop may be more appropriate in some situations.
Many factors influence the location of stops, such as site specific safety considerations, traffic
patterns, intersection geometry, passenger origins and destinations, pedestrian accessibility, route
design and available space. Transfort staff determine which stop location is most appropriate for
each individual situation, and Table 3 may be used to help make a decision based on the trade-
offs of each possible location.
Environment Route Type Spacing Range
Urban Area (within a City
Plan Activity Center, see
Figure 20 in Section 4.5)
Local Route ⅛ – ¼ Mile
Express or Bus Rapid Transit Route ½ – 1 Mile or As Needed
Suburban Area Local Route ¼ – ½ Mile
Express or Bus Rapid Transit Route 1 Mile or As Needed
Rural Area Local Route As Needed
Express or Bus Rapid Transit Route As Needed
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 13
Figure 3 — Near-Side, Far-Side and Mid-Block Stops Locations
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 14
STOP LOCATION ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
NEAR-SIDE STOP
Use if:
• Destinations are
focused at the
near-side corner
• Route pattern calls for
near-side location
• Available space is
limited on far-side
• Allows passengers to access buses
close to the crosswalk
• Eliminates the potential for double
stopping — passenger loading can
occur when bus is stopped at
the signal
• Increases conflict with
right-turning vehicles
• May result in stopping buses
obscuring curbside traffic control
devices and crossing pedestrians
• May block the through traffic lanes
during peak hours
• May cause sight distance
problems for pedestrians
and motorists
• May increase rear-end accidents if
drivers aren’t anticipating the bus
stopping before the intersection
• Vehicles may attempt to turn in
front of a stopped bus that is
beginning to pull away
FAR-SIDE STOP
Use if:
• Destinations are on
both sides of street
or on the far side of
the intersection
• Minimizes conflicts between right-
turning vehicles and buses
• Allows for additional right-turn
capacity (because bus is not
stopping in the right turn lane)
• Minimizes sight distance
difficulties on approach
to intersections
• Encourages pedestrians to cross
behind the bus
• Bus can merge into traffic more
easily, taking advantage of gaps
• Stopped buses may block
intersections during
congested periods
• May cause a bus to stop twice in
short order: once at a red light
and once at the bus stop
• May increase rear-end accidents if
drivers do not anticipate the bus
stopping after the intersection
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 15
3.4 IN-STREET DESIGN
The In-Street Design refers to the location that the bus stops in the street to approach the bus
stop, such as in a bus pullout, travel lane, bike lane or on a road shoulder. Determining what
design is appropriate depends on safety considerations, street design, available space, ridership
and other factors. Most of Transfort’s buses stop in bike or travel lanes, but bus pullouts may be
used in areas where there is high ridership, a large number of route transfers or where traffic is
considered to be high volume. Queue jumps refer to an intersection design that allows the bus
to move ahead of queueing traffic to progress through high congestion intersections quicker.
Queue jumps and bus pullouts typically originate from recommendations of a corridor, sub-area or
service-related planning effort (e.g. Harmony Road Enhanced Travel Corridor Alternatives Analysis,
Lincoln Corridor Plan, or West Central Area Plan). In addition, a bus pullout may be required when
multiple routes transfer at the location. Foothills Mall provides an example of such a situation.
In-Street Design alternatives are illustrated below in Figures 4 and 5. Bus pullouts, shall be designed
to the detail shown in LCUASS drawing 711. The flow chart in Figure 6 helps to determine what
In-Street Design is appropriate, and the trade-off of each design is described in Table 4.
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 16
Figure 4 — In-Street Bus Stop Design Alternatives
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 17
Figure 5 — Bus Stop Zone Dimensions (where on-street parking is present)
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 18
Figure 6 — In-Street Design Recommendations
Is a design
recommended as part
of an adopted plan?
YES
Use design
identified
in the Plan
NO
Is the stop a
transfer location?
YES
What volume
of transfers are
anticipated?
NO
Is there on-street
parking?
YES NO
A Bulbout stop
is most likely
appropriate
A Curbside stop
is appropriate
HIGH VOLUME
(BRT connections or
more than 3 routes
serve the stop)
LOW VOLUME
(2-3 low frequency routes)
How many travel lanes are
on the adjacent road?
A Bus Pullout or
Open Bus Bay is
appropriate
1 in each
direction
A Bus Pullout or
Open Bus Bay is
appropriate
2 or more in
each direction
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 19
STOP LOCATION ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
CURBSIDE STOP
(Typical)
• Provides easy approach for bus
drivers and results in minimal
delay to the bus
• Simple design and inexpensive
to install
• Easy to relocate
• Can cause traffic delays since bus
stops in the travel lane
• May cause drivers to make unsafe
passing maneuvers
BUS PULLOUT
(Route transfer stop
and/or on roads with
two travel lanes)
• Bus is out of travel lane,
minimizing delay to traffic
• Passengers board/alight out
of traffic
• Re-entry into congested traffic can
be difficult and cause delays
• Expensive to install, making
relocation difficult/expensive
OPEN BUS BAY • Allows the bus to decelerate
in the intersection
• See Bus Pullout advantages
• See Bus Pullout disadvantages
QUEUE JUMP • Allows bus to bypass
queued traffic
• See Bus Pullout advantages
• May delay right turning vehicles
• See Bus Pullout disadvantages
BULBOUT/NUB
(For locations with
on-street parking)
• Removes fewer parking spaces
than others
• Decreases walking distances to
bus stops for pedestrians
• Provides additional sidewalk area
for passengers
• Results in minimal delay for buses
• Costs more to install compared to
curbside stops
• See Curbside Stop disadvantages
Table 4 — Recommended Bus Stop In-Street Design
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 20
4. CURB-SIDE CHARACTERISTICS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
This section describes criteria that all bus stops shall meet, provides preferred layout of passenger
amenities at stops and recommends how amenities should be distributed throughout the Transfort
service area. Curbside characteristics refer to features associated with the comfort, safety and
convenience of customers at bus stops outside of the roadway. These features include factors like
sidewalk width, connections to adjacent land uses, and bus stop passenger amenities such as
shelters, benches, bike racks, trash and recycling receptacles and lighting. Newly constructed or
altered bus stops shall meet the standards in this section to the maximum extent feasible.
Image 9
Curb-side
Characteristics
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 21
4.2 UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND
ADA ACCESSIBILITY
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 regulated enforceable accessibility standards for
new construction and alterations to places of public accommodation, which include bus stops.
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, the most recent guidance, outlines the following
four basic principles to accomplishing ADA accessibility at bus stops, as it applies to all newly
constructed or altered Transfort bus stops.
1) Surface — the bus stop boarding and alighting area shall have a firm, stable surface;
2) Dimensions — the bus stop boarding and alighting area shall provide a clear length of 8'
minimum, measured from the curb, and a clear width of 5' minimum, measured parallel to
the roadway.
Figure 6 — ADA Dimensions of Bus Boarding and Alighting Area
3) Connection — the bus stop boarding and alighting area shall be connected to streets, sidewalks,
or pedestrian paths by an accessible route, of at least 4' wide.
4) Slope — the slope of the bus stop boarding and alighting area shall be the same as the roadway
to the maximum extent practical, and not steeper than 1:48, a 2% grade.
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 22
If a bus stop has a shelter, there shall be a minimum clear floor space of 30" wide by 48" deep inside
the shelter and an accessible path leading from the shelter to the boarding and alighting area.
Figure 7 — ADA Interior Bus Shelter Space
4.3 BUS STOP TYPES
Transfort has four typical stop types tailored to the context of each stop area. Higher ridership
areas or areas with high concentrations of youth, senior, disabled or low-income populations are
recommended to have a higher level of patron amenities such as a shelter, bench, bike rack,
trash receptacle and lighting. Lower ridership areas may have fewer amenities. The Bus Stop
Development Form (Appendix 1) will assist in determining what stop type is appropriate. The stop
types are described below:
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 23
Figure 8
Type I Standard (Detached sidewalk)
Figure 9
Type I Constrained (Attached sidewalk)
Images 10 and 11 — Existing Type I Standard Stop Examples:
Shields and Rolland Moore Park SB Bus Stop Harmony and Taft Hill EB Bus Stop
• Type I – Sign Stop — A bus stop with a bus stop sign and basic ADA accessible landing
surface are the primary features of this stop type, meaning there is no bench or shelter. This
is the most basic stop type and is appropriate for low land-use density and low ridership areas.
Figures 8 and 9 and images 10 and 11 show standard and constrained options for this type of
stop, depending on the available right-of-way and sidewalk design.
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 24
Figure 10
Type II Standard (Detached sidewalk)
Figure 11
Type II Constrained (Attached sidewalk)
Images 12 and 13 — Existing Type II Standard and Constrained Examples
(to comply with above design, these stops need the addition of a bike rack and trash receptacle)
Shields and Centre Avenue NB Bus Stop Lincoln Avenue and Buckingham Park WB
Bus Stop
• Type II – Bench Stop — This describes a bus stop with a stand-alone bench as the primary
feature, and which does not include a shelter. The stop should also have a bus stop sign, bike
rack and trash receptacle. The most appropriate use of Bench Stops is areas with low to mid
ridership potential. Figures 10 and 11 and images 12 and 13 show standard and constrained
options for Type II – Bench Stops.
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 25
• Type III – Shelter Stop — This describes a bus stop with a shelter as the primary feature.
This stop type should also include a bus stop sign, at least one bench, a trash receptacle, one
or more bike racks, interior lighting and advertising panels. A Shelter Stop should be used in
areas with medium to high ridership potential, high concentrations of elderly, youth, disabled
and low-income populations and in areas with high exposure to the elements.
• There are four alternative designs for Type III stops. The alternative chosen depends on the
sidewalk design, public right-of-way and existing structures that may render the standard
design impractical. Transfort staff will assist in determining which design is appropriate
for each individual situation. Figures 12–19 and images 14–17 show examples of Type
III Shelter Stop configurations. The existing stop images aren’t necessarily compliant
with the organization/siting recommendations for passenger amenities in this section,
for the appropriate organization/siting of passenger amenities, see the “amenity detail”
following each Type III configuration.
Figure 12
Type III Standard (Detached sidewalk)
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 26
Figure 13
Type III Standard (Detached sidewalk) — Amenity Detail
Figure 14
Type III Constrained (Detached sidewalk)
Figure 15
Type III Constrained (Detached sidewalk) — Amenity Detail
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 27
Figure 16
Type III Constrained (Attached sidewalk)
Figure 17
Type III Constrained (Attached sidewalk) — Amenity detail
Figure 18
Type III Wide Parkway (Detached sidewalk)
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 28
Figure 19
Type III Wide Parkway (Detached sidewalk bus stop) — Amenity detail
Image 14 and 15 Existing Type III Examples
* These do not meet the siting/organization of passenger amenity recommendations detailed in this section.
Over time stops will be upgraded to meet revised standards, see Section 5.2 for more information.
Images 16 and 17 — New Shelter Examples
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 29
• Type IV – Station Stop — This describes a bus stop that has enhanced passenger amenities
such as a ticket vending machine, real time next bus LED and/or digital signage, a unique shelter
structure, as well as the standard passenger amenities provided at Type III stops. Elements
required at a Station Stop include those identified in Image 18 and Section 4.4 below. MAX
Stations are currently the only Station Stops in Transfort’s system. Stations should be used
on specialty routes, most often in Enhanced Travel Corridors as defined in the Transportation
Master Plan as “uniquely designed corridors that are planned to incorporate high frequency
transit, bicycling and walking as part of the corridor.”
Image 18 — Example Station Stop
Image 19 — Troutman Station (Concept) Image 20 — Troutman Station (Built)
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 30
4.4 PASSENGER AMENITIES
Passenger amenities are a significant element in attracting people to use public transportation.
Shelters are the most preferred passenger amenity because they offer the best protection from
the elements. Other important amenities include: benches; customer information such as transit
maps; real-time bus arrival information and directional signage; lighting; bike racks; and trash and
recycling facilities. All passenger amenities should be located within public right-of-way or within
a dedicated transit easement. The Bus Stop Passenger Amenities required, based on Stop Type
described in Section 4.3, are provided in Table 5. In addition, see the Bus Stop Development Form
in Appendix 1 for determining stop type.
• Bus Stop Sign — All active bus stops (except Type IV Station Stops) are required to have a
Transfort bus stop sign. Signage includes a round bus stop sign and a routes served sign.
Transfort will arrange for the installation of the signage at the time service is initiated at a stop.
• Solid Surface and full ADA Accessibility — All newly constructed or altered bus stops shall
have a solid surface at least as large as the minimum size described in the Stop Types in
Section 4.3 and comply with the four dimensions of accessibility described in Section 4.2.
Newly implemented routes offer an exception to this rule, as sometimes stop locations need
to be monitored to ensure they are in the best location prior to making the full investment
upgrading the stop infrastructure. Final stop locations are generally finalized within two years.
• Bench – All new benches shall be selected from the options described in this section and
shall be powder coated in either RAL 7047 (for benches in shelters) or RAL 7039 (for
stand-alone benches), refer to the Shelter Paint Colors on page 31. Images 21-23 depict the
acceptable options.
Image 21 Image 22 Image 23
6' Stand-alone ad bench
REF RFB-14 4793-121
5–7' In-shelter non-ad bench
REF SFB-02 14001-121
5' In-shelter non-ad bench
REF SFB-08 12096-121
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 31
• Shelter — All new shelters (not including Type IV Stations) shall be selected from the options
described in this section and be powder coated in RAL 7047 and RAL 6017 as depicted in
the examples below. Walls shall be either perforated metal or custom glass with the official
Transfort branded banner and routes served information as shown in images 24–27. A
double-sided advertising panel is the standard requirement. The non-ad shelter option is
only available upon Transfort’s approval. In addition, shelters are preferred to incorporate
solar panels for lighting or shall be directly wired for electric service.
Image 24 Image 25
14' Standard Non-advertising shelter
(Use must be approved by Transfort)
REF SIGNA-TFP14
15' Standard advertising shelter
REF SIGA-TFP15 25340-00
Image 26 Image 27
18' Upgraded ad shelter with V-ad Panels
REF SIGA-TFV 24343
15' Upgraded ad shelter with glass walls
REF SIGA-TFG15 25341-00
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 32
RAL Paint Colors
SHELTER PAINT COLORS
GREEN: #RAL 6017 SILVER: #RAL 7047
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 33
• Bike Racks — Bike racks are recommended at all bus stops and specifically required at
all type II–IV stops. The preferred bike rack style is a simple hitching post or inverted U, as
shown below, and should be powder coated in RAL 7047, RAL 7039 or RAL 6017.
Image 28 (2 bike) Image 29 (2 bike)Image 30 (4 or 5 bike)
REF SFM-05 25390-121 REF SFM-06 25391-121 REF SFM-10 25392-121
• Trash and Recycling Receptacles — Trash and recycling receptacles are required at all
Type III and IV stops and are an option at Type I and II stops. Lower ridership stops may
utilize a pole mounted trash receptacle, and higher ridership stops (projected over 25 daily
boardings) shall provide a stand-alone trash receptacle from the options below, and should
be powder coated in RAL 7047 or RAL 7039.
Image 31 Image 32
Pole Mounted
REF SFTR-10 25393-121 25394-121
32 Gallon Steel Strap
REF SFTR-11 25395-121 25396-121
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 34
• Lighting — Solar lighting panels are included on the roof of the approved shelter options
described previously. Type I and II stops typically do not have their own lighting, and instead
utilize nearby street lights and lighting from neighboring businesses. Pole mounted lighting
may be an option for stops with limited nearby lighting.
• Transit System Map — Transfort installs transit system maps at high ridership Type III
stops (over 50 daily boardings). System maps are only installed at Type III stops because
the shelter provides a mounting location for the map display case.
• Transit Route Map/Schedules(s) — Transfort typically installs individual route maps at
high ridership Type III stops (over 50 daily boardings). Route maps are only installed at Type
III stops because the shelter provides a mounting location for the map display case.
• Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) — Ticket vending machines are included at MAX stations
and in the example Type IV Station Stop design, as shown in Images 18–20. However, while
TVMs remain a recommended element, the need for TVMs may be reduced as Transfort
moves towards mobile ticket purchase options.
• Digital Signage — Digital signage is recommended at all Type IV Station Stops and may be
installed by Transfort at high use and/or transfer bus stops. Digital signs, which are LED
panels and/or LCD screens, typically display real-time bus arrival information, rider alerts,
and other critical passenger information.
• Ground Mounted Tactile — Type IV Station Stops are recommended to include ground
mounted tactile surfaces adjacent to boarding and alighting areas.
• Paper Schedules — Paper schedules are typically provided just at transit centers, but
could be considered for high ridership stops as needed. This information would be provided
by Transfort.
• Security Cameras and Emergency Call Box — Security cameras and emergency call
boxes are recommended to be provided at Type IV Station Stops.
• Wind Screen — Wind screens are integrated into the standard shelter designs, but depending
on the orientation of the shelter, the standard wind screens may not be adequate for the
specific location. If wind is deemed to be an issue at a particular stop, a custom wind panel
should be considered in addition to or in lieu of the standard shelter wind panel.
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 35
• Secure Bike Parking — Secure bike parking is an optional element at any stop, but should
be considered at high use stops, especially transit centers and/or park-n-rides.
• Braille Signage — Braille signage is not a standard element at bus stops, but has been
recommended to be evaluated further following the completion of this document. Section
5.3 discusses next steps related to Braille Signage.
• Wayfinding Signage — Wayfinding signage is optional at all bus stops but is recommended
at Type IV Station stops.
Bus Stop Amenities Type I Type II Type III Type IV
Bus Stop Sign
Solid Surface
5' x 8' Landing Pad
4' Path Connection to adjacent sidewalks
Minimal Slope
Bench
Shelter
Custom Shelter
Bike Rack(s)
(At least 1 rack recommended at all stops
[except Type I], additional racks may be
required based on projected ridership)
Trash and Recycling Facilities
Lighting
Transit System Map
Route Map/Schedule(s)
Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)
Digital Signage
Ground Mounted Tactile
Paper Schedules
Security Cameras and Emergency Call-box
Wind Screen
Secure Bike Parking
Braille Signage
Wayfinding Signage
Legend:
Required Amenity
Recommended Amenity
Optional Amenity
Table 5 — Bus Stop Amenities
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 36
4.5 BUS STOP TYPE DETERMINATION
The selection of the appropriate stop type should consider both qualitative and quantitative
measures, such as:
• ridership potential and/or existing ridership,
• neighboring land uses, including concentrations of youth, seniors, disabled, and low-income
populations (e.g. schools, housing or social service agencies)
• proximity to defined activity centers (as part of City Plan), and
• exposure to the elements.
As new stops are developed, the following criteria should be used to determine the appropriate stop
type. Please refer to the Bus Stop Development Form in Appendix 1 for a site specific evaluation form.
Higher priority for upgrades should be given to bus stops with mid-high ridership (above 50
boardings per day), demographic considerations such as youth, senior, disabled and low-income
population concentrations within ¼ mile of the stop, and stops with high exposure to the elements.
Criterion Type I – Sign Type II – Bench Type III – Shelter Type IV – Station
Ridership Potential
(existing or projected)
Low Ridership
(<25 daily
boardings)
Low–Med
Ridership
(25–50 daily
boardings)
Med–High
Ridership
(>50 daily
boardings)
Very High
Ridership
(250+ daily
boardings)
Land Use Density
(Refer to Zoning Map)
RUL, UE, RF,
RL, or POL
NCL, NCB,
LMN, RC, RDR,
NC, CL, E, I
NCM, MMN,
HMN, D, CC,
CCN, CCR, CG,
CS, HC
Youth, Seniors or Disabled
Populations Concentrations
Within a ⅛ mile
of population
concentrations
Located in an Activity
Center (City Plan— Targeted
Infill and Redevelopment Area
map, see Figure 20 below)
Recommended
Located in an Enhanced
Travel Corridor
Recommended
High Exposure
to the Elements
Recommended
Table 6 — Bus Stop Type Criteria
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 37
Figure 20 — Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Map, City Plan, 2010
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 38
As noted previously, Transfort serves just over 500 bus stops; some of which meet the design and
amenity distribution standards outlined in Sections 3 and 4. This section is intended to describe
Transfort’s plan to bring bus stops into compliance with these standards as well as the City’s
Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan as adopted in 1992.
The Transition Plan set forth a five year approach to achieving full compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act standards. At that time, Transfort had a much smaller service area and
anticipated that full compliance could be achieved through a $17,000 investment in bus stop solid
surface improvements. The plan presumed that once existing stops were brought into compliance,
future stops would be developed in accordance with the ADA standards. However, that was not the
case and many of Transfort’s current stops are not compliant with ADA standards.
In 2013, a full inventory of bus stops was completed. This identified that only 32% of Transfort’s
stops met the ADA standards described in Section 4.2. Since 2013’s inventory, service has been
eliminated in some areas (College Avenue and Timberline Road) and new service has been added
to other areas (Mason Corridor, North Timberline Road, West Vine Drive, East Drake Road and
East Horsetooth Road). In addition, as of spring 2015, approximately 50 stops had been upgraded
to meet ADA standards. Transfort managed projects upgrading 27 stops, including 18 MAX
stations and nine stops throughout the community; private development upgraded upwards of
seven stops; and Transfort’s advertising contractor upgraded 16 stops. Based on this information
Transfort estimates that now approximately 35% of bus stops meet ADA accessibility requirements.
Inventorying of bus stops is ongoing and Transfort will have a more accurate understanding of ADA
compliance by the end of 2015.
Based on the previous estimate, approximately 330 bus stops in Transfort’s service area are not
in compliance with ADA standards. Many of these are located in areas with limited neighborhood
sidewalks. In addition to the cost of any necessary connecting sidewalks, bus stop improvements
can range between $2,500 to $30,000 depending on the available public ROW and other site
specific characteristics (an average is estimated at $10,000 for each stop). Stops on the low
5. NEXT STEPS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 39
end are generally within public ROW and have level grading to build on. Stops on the higher end
are in areas that often require negotiations with private property owners before any accessible
infrastructure can be installed and where drainage or grading challenges are present. The obstacles
to upgrading bus stops is described more thoroughly in Section 2.4.
This information leads Transfort to estimate that full compliance with ADA standards would cost
between $3,000,000 and $5,000,000 (in 2015 dollars). Transfort’s Bus Stop Improvement Plan, in
Section 5.2, describes Transfort’s phased approach to achieving (at a minimum) ADA accessibility
at all bus stops as well as compliance with the bus stop type and amenity distribution standards in
this document.
Section 2.3 — “Bus Stop Installation and Upgrade — How does it happen?” explains the four
primary ways that bus stops are upgraded:
• Transfort Bus Stop Improvement Plan
• Transfort’s Advertising Contractor
• Development and/or Redevelopment
• City Capital Projects and Street Maintenance Program
This section focuses on stops improved through the Transfort Bus Stop Improvement Plan and by
Transfort’s advertising contractor. Transfort’s Bus Stop Improvement Plan is not all inclusive of
every Transfort stop, since two other improvement methods, Development/Redevelopment and
City Capital Projects – Street Maintenance Projects, will also result in upgraded stops throughout
the community.
5.2 TRANSFORT BUS STOP
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
This April, City of Fort Collins residents approved a 10-year 0.25% sales tax for Capital Projects. In
addition to other City Capital Projects, this tax includes a dedication of an average of $100,000 a year
to bus stop improvements in the Transfort service area. It is anticipated that this will fund an average
of 10 stops a year over the next 10 years for a total of 100 stops (between 2016 and 2026). This
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 40
funding can also serve as local as leverage for grants for additional stop improvements. In addition,
Transfort can work with their advertising contractor to upgrade additional stops within public ROW.
Based on this identified funding source and Transfort’s working relationship with their advertising
contractor, Transfort projects an average of 15–20 stops be improved to meet the new design standards
each year based on the priorities described in Section 4.5. To reiterate, priority for bus stop upgrades
are given to areas that do not meet ADA requirements and meet the following criteria:
• Mid-high ridership (above 50 boardings per day),
• Demographic considerations such as youth, senior, disabled and low-income population
concentrations within ¼ mile of the stop
• Stops with high exposure to the elements
5.3 RECOMMENDED FUTURE ACTIONS
• Grant Funding — The City should pursue grant funding to leverage the limited local funding
to accelerate the Transfort Bus Stop Improvement Plan.
• Snow Removal on Adjacent Sidewalks — The inconsistent removal of snow surrounding
bus stops was a point of concern for the Citizen Advisory Committee that helped guide the
development of this document. Transfort would not be the appropriate leader to initiating
this discussion, but the City’s Street Maintenance and Code Enforcement Departments will
be made aware of the concerns expressed.
• Braille Signage — Braille signage was identified as an element of interest by the Citizen
Advisory Committee that guided the development of this document. Following the adoption
of this document, Transfort will establish a group of interested transit users to help determine
how Braille signage could be implemented and what the Braille signage should say.
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 41
6. APPENDIX
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 42
6.1 BUS STOP DEVELOPMENT FORM
Is a design
recommended as part
of an adopted plan?
YES
Use design
identified
in the Plan
NO
Is the stop a
transfer location?
YES
What volume
of transfers are
anticipated?
NO
Is there on-street
parking?
YES NO
A Bulbout stop
is most likely
appropriate
A Curbside stop
is appropriate
HIGH VOLUME
(BRT connections or
more than 3 routes
serve the stop)
LOW VOLUME
(2-3 low frequency routes)
How many travel lanes are
on the adjacent road?
A Bus Pullout or
Open Bus Bay is
appropriate
1 in each
direction
A Bus Pullout or
Open Bus Bay is
appropriate
2 or more in
each direction
Transfort Bus Stop Checklist
To be filled out by Transfort Staff
Location (cross streets): __________________________________________________
Block Location: ¨ Near-side ¨ Far-side ¨ Mid-block
Service: ¨ On Existing Transit Route ¨ Future Transit Route
Street-Side Design Considerations:
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 43
Curb-side Design Considerations:
Projected Ridership (boardings)
Low Ridership (<25 daily boardings) – 0 points
Moderate Ridership (25–50 daily boardings) – 2 points
High Ridership (>50 daily boardings) – 5 points
Very High Ridership (200+ daily boardings) – 10 points
Land Use Density (Zoning)
Low Density (RUL, UE, RF, RL, POL or County) – 0 points
Medium Density (NCL, NCB, LMN, RC, RDR, NC, CL, E, I) – 2 points
Higher Density (NCM, MMN, HMN, D, CC, CCN, CCR, CG, CS, HC) – 5 points
Youth, Senior, Disabled or Low-income Population Concentrations
(includes schools, dedicated housing, and social service entities)
Within a ¼ mile of population concentrations – 2 points
Within a ⅛ mile of population concentrations – 5 points
Activity Center
Within a designated Activity Center or on CSU’s campus – 2 points
Enhanced Transportation Corridor (ETC)
Located along an ETC – 2 points
Designated as Station in an ETC plan – 15 points
High Exposure to Elements
In areas with exposure to wind, rain, high traffic speed, etc. – 5 points
TOTAL
Scoring
Type I Stop — Basic accessibility required
Type II Stop — Basic accessibility and bench required
Type III
Type III – Basic accessibility, standard shelter, trash and 1 bike rack (2 bikes)
Type III – Basic accessibility, standard shelter, trash and 2 bike racks (4 bikes)
Optional Type IV (upon consideration by transit provider)
Score Range
0 – 1
2 – 4
5 – 10
11 – 15
>15
In-street and Curb-side Design
Recommended In-Street Design: ¨ Curb-side Stop ¨ Bulbout Stop
¨ Bus Pullout Stop ¨ Open Bay Stop ¨ Queue Jump Stop
Recommended Curb-side Stop Type: ¨ Type I (Sign Stop) ¨ Type II (Bench Stop)
¨ Type III (Shelter Stop) ¨ Type III (Shelter Stop – 2 bike racks) ¨ Type IV (Station Stop)
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 44
6.2 LAND USE CODE SECTION 3.6.5
3.6.5 Bus Stop Design Standards (update in progress)
(A) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to ensure that new development adequately
accommodates existing and planned transit service by integrating facilities designed and located
appropriately for transit into the development plan.
(B) General Standard. All development located on an existing or planned transit route shall install
a transit stop and other associated facilities on an easement dedicated to the City or within public
right-of-way as prescribed by the City of Fort Collins Bus Stop Design Standards and Guidelines
in effect at the time of installation, unless the Director of Community Services determines that
adequate transit facilities consistent with the Transit Design Standards already exist to serve the
needs of the development. All development located on existing transit routes will accommodate
the transit facilities by providing the same at the time of construction. All development located on
planned routes will accommodate said facilities by including the same in the development plan
and escrowing funds in order to enable the city or its agents to construct the transit facilities at the
time transit service is provided to the development. All facilities installed shall, upon acceptance
by the City, become the property of the City and shall be maintained by the City or its agent.
(C) Location of Existing and Planned Transit Routes. For the purposes of application of this
standard, the location of existing transit routes shall be defined by the Transfort Route Map in
effect at the time the application is approved. The location of planned transit routes shall be
defined according to the Transfort Strategic Operating Plan, as amended.
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 45
6.3 TECHNICAL DESIGNS (As Incorporated into
Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards)
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 46
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 47
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 48
6.4 CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
LETTER OF SUPPORT
TRANSFORT BUS STOP DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 49
Ordinance Approved by Voters
April 7, 2015
See Also Resolution 2015-019
ORDINANCE NO. 013, 2015
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
EXTENDING THE EXPIRING TWENTY-FIVE HUNDREDTHS PERCENT (0.25%) “BUILDING ON BASICS”
CAPITAL PROJECTS SALES AND USE TAX FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
OBTAINING REVENUE FOR THE “COMMUNITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM” CAPITAL
PROJECTS AND RELATED OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins has heretofore enacted a comprehensive retail sales and use tax, which
enactment is codified in Chapter 25, Article III of the Code of the City of Fort Collins (the “Code”); and
WHEREAS, the amount of such tax presently imposed by the Code, as contained in Code Section 25-75(a),
includes a twenty-five hundredths percent (0.25%) tax for the construction of the capital projects identified in
Ordinance No. 092, 2005, which Ordinance was approved by the City’s voters on November 1, 2005, and which
projects were approved by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of said Ordinance (the “Existing
Tax”); and
WHEREAS, the Existing Tax is scheduled to expire at midnight at the end of December 31, 2015; and
WHEREAS, on January 20, 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution 2015-012 identifying various
projects that it believes should be funded by the extension of the Existing Tax, and submitting to the registered
electors of the City the question of whether an ordinance extending the Existing Tax for a period of ten years should
be enacted to obtain additional revenues for the planning, design, real property acquisition, construction, and
operation and maintenance for certain capital projects as part of the “Community Capital Improvement Program”;
and
WHEREAS, at a regular City election on April 7, 2015, the voters of the City of Fort Collins approved the
extension of the Existing Tax for the foregoing purposes and determined that, upon the expiration of the Existing
Tax, it is necessary and desirable that a twenty-five hundredths percent (0.25%) sales and use tax be imposed on all
items taxable under the Code, subject to the exceptions contained in City Code Section 25-73(c) and (d) and Section
25-74(b), commencing January 1, 2016, for the purpose of obtaining revenues for the planning, design, real property
acquisition, and construction of the aforementioned capital projects and for the operation and maintenance of some
of them.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as
follows:
Section 1. That Section 25-75(a) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read
as follows:
Sec. 25-75. Rate of tax.
(a) The amount of tax hereby levied is three and eight-five hundredths (3.85) percent of the purchase
price of tangible personal property or taxable services except that the amount of use tax levied on
manufacturing equipment is three (3) percent of the purchase price. Twenty-five one-hundredths (0.25)
percent of such amount is a tax which shall expire at midnight on December 31, 2030, the proceeds of
which shall be used for the purposes of acquiring, operating and maintaining open spaces, community
separators, natural areas, wildlife habitat, riparian areas, wetlands and valued agricultural lands, and to
provide for the appropriate use and enjoyment of these areas by the citizenry, pursuant to the provisions of
the Citizen-Initiated Ordinance No. 1, 2002. Another twenty-five one-hundredths (0.25) percent is a tax
which shall expire at midnight on December 31, 2015, the proceeds of which shall be used for the purpose
of paying the costs of planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, incidental upgrades and other costs
associated with the repair and renovation of City streets, including, but not limited to, curbs, gutters,
bridges, sidewalks, parkway shoulders and medians. Another twenty-five one-hundredths (0.25) percent is
a tax which shall expire at midnight on December 31, 20152025, the proceeds of which shall be used for
the purpose of paying the costs of planning, design, right-of-wayreal property acquisition, and construction
ATTACHMENT 2
Ordinance Approved by Voters
April 7, 2015
See Also Resolution 2015-019
and at least seven (7) years of operation and maintenance of certainthe capital projects specified in the
"Building on BasicsCommunity Capital Improvement Program" and five (5) years of operation and
maintenance for those capital projects specified in Ordinance No. 013, 2015,capital project program, all of
which shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Ordinance No. 92, 2005Ordinance No. 013, 2015.
Another eighty-five one-hundredths (0.85) percent is a tax which shall expire at midnight on December 31,
2021, the proceeds of which shall be used in accordance with the terms and conditions of Ordinance No.
126, 2010.
Section 2. That the revenue generated by the twenty-five hundredths percent (0.25%) sales and use
tax imposed pursuant to this Ordinance (the “Tax”) shall be used, to the extent that such revenues are sufficient, for
the planning, design, real property acquisition, construction, and operation and maintenance for the capital projects
described on Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Projects”), subject to the
following terms and conditions:
(a) The design, scheduling and amount of tax revenue to be set aside for the planning, design, real
property acquisition, and construction for the Projects, and the operation and maintenance for
those Projects for which operation and maintenance funding is provided on Exhibit “A”, shall be
determined by the City Council; provided, however, that no decision regarding the design or cost
of any of these Projects shall substantially change its essential character or eliminate any of its
components from that described on Exhibit “A”, except as expressly permitted under subsection
2(b) below, nor shall any decision fund less than five (5) years of operation and maintenance for
any of the Projects for which such funding is provided for on Exhibit “A”, unless the Council has
determined that such Project shall not be undertaken pursuant to subsection 2(b), below. This
provision shall not be construed as prohibiting the City Council from:
i. enhancing the scope or design of any of the Projects, or increasing the cost thereof, unless
such enhancement or increase in cost would substantially impair the City's ability to fully
fund the planning, design, real property acquisition, and construction for any of the
Projects described on Exhibit “A” or the operation and maintenance for five (5) years
from the date of completion of their construction for those of the Projects for which
operation and maintenance funding is provided on Exhibit “A”, excepting only the
Projects, if any, which have been eliminated by the City Council pursuant to the
provisions of subsection (b) below; or
ii. using any other revenues lawfully available to the City to enhance the scope or design of
any of the Projects, or to fund, in whole or in part, the planning, design, real property
acquisition, construction, operation and/or maintenance for any such Projects.
(b) The planning, design, real property acquisition and construction for all of the Projects shall be
undertaken and completed by the City unless the City Council determines by resolution, after
receiving a recommendation from the City Manager, that it is no longer legally or financially
feasible to undertake and complete any of the Projects without substantially altering the essential
character of the same from that described on Exhibit “A” or, with regard to the Projects described
in subparagraphs (c) and (d) below, the contingency required for each of these Projects is not
reasonably likely to be satisfied.
(c) The use of any revenues generated by the Tax for construction of the “Downtown Poudre River
Enhancements and Kayak Park” (the “Poudre River Project”) shall be expressly contingent upon a
determination by the City Council, after receiving a report and recommendation from the City
Manager, that the City has received for the Poudre River Project at least $1,500,000 in any
combination of contributions and pledges of cash and other property acceptable to the City
Council. The City’s use of revenues generated by the Tax for the planning, design and real
property acquisition of the Poudre River Project shall not be subject to this contingency.
Ordinance Approved by Voters
April 7, 2015
See Also Resolution 2015-019
(d) The use of any revenues generated by the Tax for the real property acquisition for and construction
of the Gardens on Spring Creek Visitors Center Expansion (the “Gardens on Spring Creek
Project”) shall be expressly contingent upon a determination by the City Council, after receiving a
report and recommendation from the City Manager, that the City has received for the Gardens on
Spring Creek Project at least $1,000,000 of any combination of contributions and pledges of cash
and other property acceptable to the City Council. The City’s use of revenues generated by the
Tax for the planning and design of the Gardens on Spring Creek Project shall not be subject to this
contingency.
(e) The Projects shall be subject to all applicable provisions in Article XII of Chapter 23, as amended,
of the City Code relating to art in public places.
Section 3. That any revenues generated by the Tax and remaining unexpended and unencumbered
after the completion of the construction of all of the Projects described on Exhibit “A”, excluding any of these
Projects eliminated by the City Council under the provisions of Section 2(b) above, may, in the discretion of the City
Council, be used to fund additional operation and maintenance of the Projects or for the planning, design, real
property acquisition, construction, operation and/or maintenance for any other capital project approved by the City
Council.
Section 4. That the full amount of revenues derived from the Tax may be retained and expended by
the City, notwithstanding any state revenue or expenditure limitations including, but not limited to, those contained
in Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution.
Section 5. That the amendment of Section 25-75(a) of the City Code as set forth herein shall take
effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2016.
Section 6. That except as provided herein, all other provisions of Chapter 25 of the City Code shall
remain unchanged and in full force and effect unless otherwise rescinded or modified by action of the Council.
Exhibit A
Project Descriptions
Community Capital Improvement Program
2015
Estimated Capital
Cost
(2015 dollars)
Estimated Annual
Operations and
Maintenance Cost
(2015 dollars)
Pedestrian Sidewalk/ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Compliance – Safe Routes to Everywhere
$14,000,000 No O&M Funds
This project will provide an annual fund to begin the implementation of a 52-year compliance program to
eliminate gaps in the City’s pedestrian network and improve ADA compliance.
Ordinance Approved by Voters
April 7, 2015
See Also Resolution 2015-019
Bicycle Infrastructure Improvements – Safe Routes to
Everywhere
$5,000,000 No O&M Funds
This project will provide an annual fund to begin implementation of the City’s 2014 Bicycle Master Plan.
This project will provide an annual fund to be used toward stand-alone bicycle infrastructure projects as
well as add-on elements to other projects that complete or enhance the City’s bicycle network. Projects
will enhance safety, provide wayfinding, and improve comfort and access for bicyclists.
Bus Stop Improvements – Safe Routes to Everywhere $1,000,000 No O&M Funds
This project will provide an annual fund to make ADA improvements and upgrade bus stops throughout
the City.
Downtown Poudre River Enhancements and Kayak Park $4,000,000 $50,000
This project creates a whitewater kayak park with viewing/picnic areas, adds a pedestrian bridge over the
river, improves access to the river and enhances the river’s habitat and beauty. The project also lowers the
river channel to improve flood mitigation and prevent flooding of College Avenue.
Bike/Ped Grade Separated Crossings Fund $6,000,000 $20,000
This project will provide an annual fund to construct top priority grade-separated bicycle and pedestrian
crossings across arterial roadways.
Transfort Bus Fleet Replacement $2,000,000 No O&M Funds
This project will provide an annual fund to meet the local match needed to replace heavy duty buses over
the next 10 years. This fund will be leveraged to receive an 80% match of federal and state grant funding.
Arterial Intersection Improvements Fund $6,000,000 No O&M Funds
This project will provide an annual fund for improvements to arterial intersections, prioritized by
congestion, with safety improvements for all travel modes.
Implementing Nature in the City $3,000,000 $100,000
This project will provide an annual fund to protect access to nature and the key natural spaces that define
our community by filling in gaps to achieve a 10-minute walk to nature or by enhancing species
connectivity, and by enhancing existing sites to provide greater habitat variety and natural experiences.
Gardens on Spring Creek Visitor’s Center Expansion $2,000,000 $40,000
This project will double the square footage of the Visitor’s Center at the Gardens on Spring Creek and will
add meeting rooms, a new entryway with gift shop, a conservatory, a small café, and additional office
space.
Southeast Community Center with Outdoor Pool $14,000,000 $230,000
This project will build a Community Center in southeast Fort Collins focused on innovation, technology,
art, recreation and the creative process. The Center will also have a large outdoor leisure pool with water
slides, sprays and jets, decks, a lazy river and open swimming area.
Ordinance Approved by Voters
April 7, 2015
See Also Resolution 2015-019
Affordable Housing Fund $4,000,000 No O&M Funds
This project will fund capital costs of development or rehabilitation of one or more public or private
housing projects designated specifically for low income individuals and families.
Lincoln Avenue West Segment Road Improvements $5,300,000 $42,200
This project will fund design, right-of-way, and construction of improvements to the west segment of
Lincoln Avenue located between the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks just north of Jefferson Street to 1
st
Street, including the Poudre River Bridge.
City Park Train $350,000 No O&M Funds
This project will bring back the City Park train in a new, expanded location in City Park.
Renovation of the Historic Carnegie Building $1,700,000 $25,000
This project will renovate the historic 1904 Carnegie library building to enhance its use as a Community
Center. The Center will host special events, community meetings, art exhibits and symposiums in the heart of
Downtown.
Linden Street Renovations Design & Construction $3,000,000 $12,000
This project will fund final design, construction, and right-of-way acquisition for the renovation of the
downtown 200 block of Linden Street.
Club Tico Renovation $250,000 No O&M Funds
This project will complete the renovation of Club Tico at City Park by renovating the kitchen and
restrooms and adding a second story deck overlooking Sheldon Lake and City Park Pool.
Willow Street Renovations Design & Construction $3,500,000 $11,000
This project will fund final design and construction of improvements to Willow Street between College
Avenue and Linden Street as identified in the River District Infrastructure Plan.
ATTACHMENT 3
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ORDINANCE NO. 022, 2019
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROPRIATING UNANTICIPATED GRANT REVENUE FROM THE FEDERAL
TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) IN THE TRANSIT SERVICES FUND AND
APPROPRIATING PRIOR YEAR RESERVES IN THE TRANSIT SERVICES FUND AND
AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE TRANSIT
SERVICES FUND TO THE CAPITAL PROJECT FUND FOR THE ACCESSIBLE
INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT AND TRANSFERRING
APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE CAPITAL PROJECT FUND TO THE CULTURAL
SERVICES AND FACILITIES FUND FOR THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM
WHEREAS; the City was awarded a competitive grant by the Federal Transit
Administration (“FTA”) to upgrade bus stops through the Transfort service area in the amount of
$1,520,344 (the “Grant”); and
WHEREAS, the Grant will be used to repair or replace concrete pads at bus stops and
purchase amenities, such as accessible bus shelters, over the next 2-3 years; and
WHEREAS; the Grant requires the City to provide a local match of $380,086 that would
typically be derived from the Community Capital Improvement Program (“CCIP”) funds,
however, CCIP funds for Fiscal year 2020 and 2021 have not yet been appropriated or approved;
and
WHEREAS, because of the above, the local match that would typically come from CCIP
for year 2020 and 2021 will come from Tranfort’s Transit Reserve Funds and these reserve funds
will be replenished by the 2020 and 2021 CCIP funds as they become available; and
WHEREAS; the City’s Art in Public Places (“APP”) Ordinance requires $19,004 to be
appropriated towards the City’s APP Program, and so an additional $19,004 will be appropriated
from Transfort’s Transit Reserve Funds to satisfy the APP requirement; and
WHEREAS, this appropriation benefits public health, safety and welfare of the citizens
of Fort Collins and serves the public purpose of enhancing bus stops that are utilized by citizens
for public transportation; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9, of the City Charter permits the City Council to make
supplemental appropriations by ordinance at any time during the fiscal year, provided that the
total amount of such supplemental appropriations, in combination with all previous
appropriations for that fiscal year, does not exceed the current estimate of actual and anticipated
revenues to be received during the fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended the appropriation described herein and
determined that this appropriation is available and previously unappropriated from the Transit
Services Fund and will not cause the total amount appropriated in the Transit Services Fund to
exceed the current estimate of actual and anticipated revenues to be received in that fund during
any fiscal year; and
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WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9 of the City Charter permits the City Council to
appropriate by ordinance at any time during the fiscal year such funds for expenditure as may be
available from reserves accumulated in prior years, notwithstanding that such reserves were not
previously appropriated; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended the appropriation described herein and
determined that this appropriation is available and previously unappropriated from the Transit
Services Fund and will not cause the total amount appropriated in the Transit Services Fund to
exceed the current estimate of actual and anticipated revenues to be received in that fund during
any fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 10 of the City Charter authorizes the City Council to
transfer by ordinance any unexpended and unencumbered appropriated amount or portion thereof
from one fund or capital project to another fund or capital project, provided that the purpose for
which the transferred funds are to be expended remains unchanged; the purpose for which the
funds were initially appropriated no longer exists; or the proposed transfer is from a fund or
capital project in which the amount appropriated exceeds the amount needed to accomplish the
purpose specified in the appropriation ordinance; and
WHEREAS, this project involves construction estimated to cost more than $250,000, as
such, Section 23-304 of the City Code requires one percent of these qualified appropriations to
be transferred to the Cultural Services and Facilities Fund for a contribution to the Art in Public
Places (APP) program; and
WHEREAS, FTA funds are ineligible for public art purposes, as Section 23-304 of the
City Code otherwise requires, due to grant restriction on the use of the funds and therefore
reserves from the Transit Services Fund are being requested to cover the amount needed for the
APP program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That there is hereby appropriated for expenditure unanticipated revenue in
the Transit Services Fund the sum of ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY
THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR DOLLARS ($1,520,344) for transfer to the
Capital Projects Fund for the Accessible Infrastructure Enhancement Project and appropriated
therein.
Section 3. That there is hereby appropriated for expenditure from reserves in the
Transit Services Fund the sum of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FOUR THOUSAND FIVE
HUNDRED NINETY DOLLARS ($174,590) for transfer to the Capital Projects Fund for the
Accessible Infrastructure Enhancement Project and appropriated therein.
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4. That the unexpended appropriated amount of FOURTEEN THOUSAND EIGHT
HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE DOLLARS ($14,823) in the Capital Projects Fund - Accessible
Infrastructure Enhancement Project is authorized for transfer to the Cultural Services and
Facilities Fund and appropriated therein for the Art in Public Places Art Project.
Section 5. That the unexpended appropriated amount of THREE THOUSAND
EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS ($3,800) in the Capital Projects Fund - Accessible Infrastructure
Enhancement Project is authorized for transfer to the Cultural Services and Facilities Fund and
appropriated therein for the Art in Public Places Program Operations.
Section 6. That the unexpended appropriated amount of THREE HUNDRED
EIGHTY-ONE DOLLARS ($381) in the Capital Projects Fund - Accessible Infrastructure
Enhancement Project is authorized for transfer to the Cultural Services and Facilities Fund and
appropriated therein for the Art in Public Places Program Maintenance.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 19th day of
February, A.D. 2019, and to be presented for final passage on the 5th day of March, A.D. 2019.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 5th day of March, A.D. 2019.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
MID-BLOCK STOP
Use if:
• Block size is large
and/or destinations
are focused
mid-block
• Route pattern calls
for mid-block stop
• Minimizes sight distance
difficulties at intersections
• Removes the influence of
traffic congestion occurring at
intersections
• Encourages passengers to cross
mid-block (jaywalk)
• Increases walking distance for
patrons to cross at intersections
Table 3 — Recommended Bus Stop Location