Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

D.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECTS, PURPOSE AND ALTERNATIVES

D.2.1 NEW TRANSIT SYSTEMS

D.2.1.1 Description of the Projects

New Transit Systems, as defined in the Glossary (see Section D.1.3), are comprised of both the linear component of a transit system and associated system elements such as stations, park and ride lots, storage and maintenance facilities and other ancillary features.  These projects typically involve the acquisition of a new or widened right-of-way.

D.2.1.2 Purpose of the Project

New transit projects planned under this Class EA will be undertaken to provide new or extended transit facilities for the following possible reasons:

1. to accommodate and support opportunities and policies for economic development and municipal growth
2. to support opportunities and policies for reducing auto dependency and increasing use of alternate modes of transportation, including transit
3. to address projected capacity deficiencies in the transportation system
4. to provide greater transportation choice for basic mobility for those persons who do not have an alternative, including transit-dependent students, lower income workers, seniors and persons who cannot or do not drive.
5. to support policies for reducing environmental and health impacts of transportation.
6. to provide access to existing or proposed land uses.

D.2.1.3 Alternative Solutions

In many instances, there may be more than one way of solving problems, addressing opportunities, or meeting the demand for new or extended transit facilities.  Possible “Alternative Solutions” may include, for example:

1. New transit systems
2. Widen or improve existing roads for general traffic, High Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs) or transit vehicles
3. Transit operational changes (i.e. increased frequency of service or extended routes on existing roads)
4. Provide alternative transportation facilities such as a new road, train, ferry, etc.
5. Limit / manage growth
6. Develop alternative routes for existing or anticipated traffic
7. “Do Nothing”

It should be noted that a combination of alternatives may be required to address the problem and/or opportunity (e.g. widen roadway for exclusive bus use in peak periods and general traffic use in off-peak periods).