Public Engagement and Support: Customers and Advisory Groups

July 24th, 2013

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Momentum’s outreach was unprecedented. Metro staff heard from almost 12,000 stakeholders during the process, which helped inform our understanding of the public’s short- and long-term needs. Below is a high-level summary of the most commonly-held viewpoints across region:

  • Make no small plans for Metro;
  • Recognize Metro is critical to the region’s future;
  • Continue rebuilding;
  • Reduce crowding;
  • Provide better customer information; and
  • Ensure predictable funding.

Customers

“Today’s service quality is a paramount concern” and “Master the basics then move to grand plans”

Customers indicated how important Metro is to their communities. Of those responding to the online survey, 77 percent said Metro was an important part of their decision to move to the area and 75 percent said it is the reason they stay. Much of the feedback from customers was service-oriented focused on short-term improvements. Customers want Metro to keep rebuilding and improve predictability, reliability, and frequency. Customers indicated that “it would go a long way with us” if Metro would take care of the “little things” now. Instead of focusing on more rail lines and bus priority corridors, frequently raised issues include:

  • Better in-system information;
  • Enhanced station/vehicle amenities;
  • More off-peak service; and
  • Reduced crowding on both bus and rail.

Customers were generally supportive of Metro 2025 initiatives, with all eight-car trains receiving the most positive votes, followed by increasing station capacity, upgrading the communications system, and increasing flexibility in the rail system via pocket tracks and crossovers. While bus enhancements overall were considered to be positive (including bus-only lanes and an extensive bus priority network), there was a general consensus that without rail enhancements, expanded bus service would not be sufficient to meet future demands. Lastly, many felt that system integration including fare payment across all regional modes was important.

Advisory/Advocacy/Civic Groups

“Provide better connectivity”

Among the key advisory and advocacy groups in the region, there was wide support for the Momentum planning effort. Priorities included better connectivity, integration, access and wayfinding in the system. For rail, there was support for advancing the plan’s core capacity improvements and adding pocket tracks for flexibility, more station capacity, and a new “circle line” rail line to better connect the edges of our region. There was wide support for the Priority Corridor Network and increases roadway priority for buses, potentially on the region’s HOV lanes. It was also noted that Metro could take a more active role in land use planning to encourage transit-oriented development and complete communities. Some felt that Metro should more actively promote its environmental benefits, while also creatively looking for new sustainable measures.

For more information:

Download both the full Momentum plan and the Executive Summary.

Regional support is important to making Momentum a reality! A number of regional stakeholders have already endorsed Momentum. Please sign on and add your name to endorse Momentum and send the message that public transit is vital to the National Capital Region.

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