NEW YEAR's Day 1-1-2013

KMPO will be closed for the New Year's Holiday 1-1-2013.  Our office will re-open on Wednesday 1-2-2013.  Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!

KMPO Office Closed December 24th & 25th

Happy Holidays from the KMPO Staff!!!!! Our office will be closed for the Christmas holiday, December 24th & 25th.

OPEN HOUSE - SH 53 Transportation Access Study 10-25-12

EXPECT DELAYS - US 95 & Chilco Rd Paving through November 1st, 2012

Giving you a heads up on construction for U.S. 95 and the Chilco Rd/Silverwood area.  If you are planning on going to Silverwood anytime soon (until November 1st), plan an alternative route to get there!

The Idaho Department of Transportation announced today that the roadway paving project on US 95, between Chilco Road and Silverwood will begin paving this week causing expected delays.  Motorists are encouraged to take other routes.

The contractor will be doing test strips of asphalt until Thursday (August 23rd), with paving on U.S. 95 following.

Delays of up to 2 hours are anticipated for those using Chilco Rd during paving operations.

Motorists can expect intermittent delays at Chilco Road through November 1st.

You can visit www.itd.idaho.gov for more information or follow their "Twitter" (@IdahoITD) for more information.

KMPO Transportation Improvement Plan 2013-2017 TIP Amendments

We have posted two TIP Amendments for 2013 - 2017, on our webpage at www.kmpo.net, please visit our webpage to view the amendments.

SpaceX Reusable Futuristic Dragon Space Vehicle

Ok, I know that this is a bit out of the ordinary norm for transportation, but space travel has always intrigued me. 

 The video below was recently posted on You Tube.  Here are experts of some of what the video documents:

On May 25, 2012, SpaceX became the first private company in history to send a spacecraft to the space station and in August of 2012, NASA chooses to prepare Dragon for a crew. It will be able to transport up to seven astronauts to the space station.

Dragon is a free-flying, reusable spacecraft developed by SpaceX under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. Initiated internally by SpaceX in 2005, the Dragon spacecraft is made up of a pressurized capsule and unpressurized trunk used for Earth to LEO transport of pressurized cargo, unpressurized cargo, and/or crew members. 

This video from You Tube is worth watching, and you never know, the ordinary American may be traveling to space one of these days!



 You can also go to SpaceX.com for more information at http://www.spacex.com/updates.php/

Optical Speed Bumps Tested In Oregon To Slow Drivers Down

Oregon engineers are testing optical speed bars to slow traffic down.  It's basically an optical illusion used to get speeders to step on their brakes and slow down.  The speed bars are being tested at the intersection of Oregon 211 and Dubarko Rd.  Studies have shown to decrease the average speed at problem intersections by up to 5 mph depending on the location. It's a low cost alternative to getting drivers to slow down.  The speed bars make a driver think they are going faster than they actually are.  Each bar is a foot wide and 18 inches long, they are spaced at gradually decreasing intervals to create the illusion.
Here is a link to the Oregon Live.com website, just click on the video in the middle of the page and watch it and see what you think....
 http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2012/08/oregon_traffic_optical_illusio.html

USDOT Announces Hundreds of Millions $$$ Allocated to Highway Improvements

AASHTO Journal, August 3, 2012
FHWA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (announced last Thursday) that more than 363 million was allocated to 12 grant programs set to fund highway improvements, from interstate rehabilitation and reconstruction to technology aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion.  The funding was made possible through the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II.

FHWA is encouraging states, cities, tribal governments and local planning organizations to apply for the funding from the 12 programs. 

The grant programs that will be doling out the funding are:  Public Lands Highway; Interstate Maintenance; Transportation, Community and System Preservation; Ferry Boat; National Scenic Byways; Value Pricing Pilot; Highways for LIFE; National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation; Railway-Highway Crossing Hazard Elimination in High Speed Rail Corridor; Delta Region Transportation Development; Innovative Bridge Research and Deployment; and Truck Parking.

For more information on the programs and grant awards is available at bit.ly/fhwagrants.  Additional information on MAP-21's effect on highway provisions is available at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/summaryinfo.cfm .

To see the full article from AASHTO, please go to: http://www.aashtojournal.org/Pages/080312hwyimprove.aspx.

KMPO 2013-2017 "Draft" Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - Public Comments Welcome

KMPO 2013-2017 "Draft" Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Available for Public Comment - August 1, 2012 to September 1, 2012.

KMPO's 2013-2017 "Draft" TIP is now available. The draft TIP includes a short range, six-year program of fiscally constrained projects for highways, transit and non-motorized projects within the Kootenai Metropolitan Area. 

Public comments can be emailed to: gmiles@kmpo.net or mailed to KMPO, Attn: Glenn F. Miles, 250 Northwest Blvd, Suite 209, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814. You can also reach us by phone at: (208) 930-4164.

You are Invited to Comment on the Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP)

You are invited to comment on the Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP), formerly STIP.  The ITIP list includes proposed projects for the next five years (2013 - 2017), and includes programmed improvements to highways, bicycle routes, pedestrian projects and public transportation.  The draft ITIP can be viewed at:
www.itd.idaho.gov

The public comment period is July 30, 2012 to August 30th, 2012.  You can email your comments to comments@itd.idaho.gov or send them via mail to: ITD - ITIP Comment, Attn: Adam Rush, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129.

For CD's or paper copies, please contact Adam Rush at (208) 334-8119 or the general email at comments@itd.idaho.gov.

Greensferry Overpass Nearing Reality in Post Falls, Idaho

Greensferry Rd & I-90

It looks like Greensferry overpass in the city of Post Falls, Idaho could become a reality in the next two years.  Greensferry Road  is between the Seltice Way overpass and Highway 41.  The overpass location would be on Greensferry Rd intersecting I-90.

"Greensferry looks really promising now, sooner rather than later" Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin in a statement to the Coeur d'Alene Press. "I can see if we get all the wrinkles ironed out starting construction in a year or so."  

The overpass would improve traffic and pedestrian circulation and emergency response and provide another much-needed connection between the north side of Post Falls and the south side.

Funding issues still have to be worked out, but it looks as though the Greensferry overpass could come to fruition sooner than expected.

To see the full story reported by ITD in "today's News" please visit the link below:
http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/Apps/MediaManagerMVC/NewsClipping.aspx/Preview/65067

River Avenue Just Completed in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

River Avenue just completed

River Avenue & Northwest Blvd.

River Avenue was just completed in the City of Coeur d'Alene. River Avenue ties the college district routes together along with a new signal that was installed at the intersection of Northwest Boulevard and River Avenue.  This is the second of the recent improvements along Northwest Boulevard, in the City of Coeur d'Alene.  Hubbard Avenue was completed just prior to the River Avenue intersection.  Great job city of Coeur d'Alene!!!!!

MPO - Metropolitan Planning Organization ???

I have so many people ask me what an MPO is and comment that they never knew it existed, so I thought it might be a good idea to do a post on it....

Metropolitan planning organization

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A metropolitan planning organization (MPO) is a federally mandated and federally funded transportation policy-making organization in the United States that is made up of representatives from local government and governmental transportation authorities. The United States Congress passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962, which required the formation of an MPO for any urbanized area (UZA) with a population greater than 50,000. Federal funding for transportation projects and programs are channeled through this planning process. Congress created MPOs in order to ensure that existing and future expenditures of governmental funds for transportation projects and programs are based on a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (“3-C”) planning process. Statewide and metropolitan transportation planning processes are governed by federal law (23 U.S.C. §§ 134–135). Transparency through public access to participation in the planning process and electronic publication of plans now is required by federal law. As of 2005, there are 385 MPOs in the U.S.

Core functionsThere are five core functions of an MPO:

1. establish a setting: establish and manage a fair and impartial setting for effective regional decision-making in the metropolitan area (UZA)
2. evaluate alternatives: evaluate transportation alternatives, scaled to the size and complexity of the region, to the nature of its transportation issues, and to the realistically available options
3. maintain a long-range transportation plan (LRTP): develop and update a fiscally constrained long-range transportation plan for the UZA covering a planning horizon of at least twenty years that fosters
   • mobility and access for people and goods,
   • efficient system performance and preservation, and
   • quality of life
4. develop a transportation improvement program (TIP): develop a fiscally constrained program based on the long-range transportation plan and designed to serve the UZA’s goals while using spending, regulating, operating, management, and financial tools
5. involve the public: involve the general public and all the significantly affected sub-groups in the four essential functions listed above.

If the metropolitan area is designated as an air quality non-attainment or maintenance area, then

6. protect air quality: transportation plans, programs, and projects must conform with the air quality plan, known as the “state implementation plan” (SIP), for the state within which the UZA lies.

Presently, most MPOs have no authority to raise revenues such as to levy taxes on their own, rather, they are designed to allow local officials to decide collaboratively how to spend available federal and other governmental transportation funds in their urbanized areas. The funding for the operations of an MPO comes from a combination of federal transportation funds and required matching funds from state and local governments.

If you would like to know more, visit the link to Wikipedia's site.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_planning_organization

Commissioner Rodney A.Twete Appointed to KMPO Board

At the regular scheduled Board Meeting of the Lakes Highway District (LHD) held on July 2, 2012, the Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed Commissioner Rodney A. Twete as the new LHD representative to the KMPO board with commissioner Weston E. "Monty" Montgomery appointed as the alternate.


 

Rodney A. Twete

"Monty" Montgomery

Looking for a Job? Want to be a Bike Boss in Salt Lake, UT?

This story came across in Today's News and the title caught my attention.  Hiring a "BIKE BOSS" in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Your job would be to make bicycling conditions safer.  The position pays $38,000 a year and the official job title is a Public Works Bicycle Coordinator. In the article, Councilman Arlyn Bradshaw commented on the Council's decision to fund and allocate the position saying "Its a public safety issue" and noted that 66 auto-bicycle accidents occurred in 2011 in the area served by the Unified Police District. With so many people still out of work and the story being transportation related, I thought it worthwhile to post. 

 If you would like to read more or find out more about the position, here is the original story:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54430359-78/bicycle-bike-bradshaw-council.html.csp

Transitplus Transportation Plan Draft Final

TransitPlus Transportation Plan Update Draft FinalKMPO's Transportation Plan Update consultant, Suzanne O'Neill of TransitPlus, Inc., released the Transportation Plan Update Draft Final dated July 3, 2012. If you have any comments or questions regarding the updated Transportation Plan, please email us at kmpo@kmpo.net.

You can visit http://www.kmpo.net/
to view the Transportation Plan Update Draft Final, under News and Notices dated July 3, 2012.

Congress Passes Surface Transportation Bill

Congress has passed a 26 month surface transportation bill last Friday that runs through September 30, 2014.

The transportation bill is 599 pages long and contains a 91 page summary.  More detailed analysis will be coming out over the coming weeks.
The bill will make some stakeholders happy and others not so much, but the bill does have a number of provisions that modernize federal transportation policy and set the stage for more visionary advancements in the next bill.

This Week in Federal Transportation News Congress is conducting an in-state work period this week and is in legislative recess.  The House also passed a fiscal year 2013 transportation spending bill.

If you would like to read the surface transportation bill, I have included the links for your viewing pleasure :) Here is a link to the new surface transportation bill: http://www.rules.house.gov/Media/file/PDF_112_2/LegislativeText/CRPT-112hrpt-HR4348.pdf And the link to the Summary: http://www.rules.house.gov/Media/file/PDF_112_2/PDF/HR4348crJES.pdf

Update to Earlier Post - A True Original Leata Cabalero 1975 with Fiberglass Panels

A little bit more of Post Falls, Idaho's history in car manufacturing.  I posted a story earlier about the Stinebaugh Leata Cabalero.  Since the original post, I found out there was an earlier version of the Leata Cabalero manufactured by Sonny Stinebaugh in Post Falls, Idaho.  

Below, is a picture of the original car manufactured at Stinebaugh Manufacturing along with a link to the http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1975-leata.htm website that posted the story. Thank goodness for the internet and all of the stories published.  They manufactured a few different models over the years.



Stinebaugh's brochure stated "The Cabalero owner knows he is one of a few people fortunate to experience the pleasure of a truly exceptional automobile meant to be a landmark in automotive history." It's interesting that some of these cars are still around and sought after and at a fair price years later.

Here is a later model, posted by "just a car geek" that kind of reminds me of an older Subaru Brat:

 http://www.justacargeek.com/2011/10/1977-leata-cabalero.html

I thought it might be worthwhile.  I know it's expanded my car knowledge.

Beck Road Interchange - Post Falls, Idaho - Construction In Progress

While waiting in stopped traffic on I-90 last Thursday (due to someone's boat coming off a trailer), I was able to snap a couple of pictures of the Beck Road Interchange construction that is in progress.

Although it is only the rough grading so far, you can see where the interchange is going to be.

 

The design build project is still scheduled to be completed by Thanksgiving of this year.  I'll keep you updated on the project's progress. The new access to I-90 will connect to Pointe Parkway and Beck Road, as well as providing easier access to:  Cabela's, Walmart, Greyhound Event Center and other businesses in the area.

  

You can visit Idaho Transportation Departments link below for more information on the project:

http://itd.idaho.gov/projects/d1/BeckRoadInterchange/default.asp

You can also visit the City of Post Falls website at:  http://www.postfallsidaho.org/

Bamboo Bicycles - You Can Make One!

"I noticed the story in the Spokesman Review below, so I GOOGLED" bamboo bicycle projects.  It's quite interesting...You can actually make your own bamboo bicycle!  I found an older video on YouTube of a bamboo bicycle project from start to finish (below):

Here is the story of in the Spokesman Review that was recently published...

Spokesman Review-
Spokane business owner Paul Fish (founder of Mountain Gear) wanted to see if he could build a bike out of bamboo.  After 50 hours and trial and error, he did it.  He is hoping to get the time down to 25 hours per bike, especially since six family members have requested he build one for them.  The bamboo bike weighs about 18 pounds and rides like a bike.  He got his inspiration and design assistance on the Bikecad website, www.bikecad.ca  Total cost of the bike was around $200.00.  To see the full story by the Spokesman Review visit the following link:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/jun/10/bamboo-bike/

So there you have it, another project for all the bicyclist/inventors out there :)

East Hayden Lake Road, Lakes Highway District - Roadway Failure - Driver's Use Caution

Due to heavy rain, a 40 foot section of roadway, along the "East Hayden Lake Road" failed.  A portion of the roadway slid away from the rest of the road, as reported by Eric Shanley, road supervisor, of Lakes Highway District.  If you are traveling that direction, drivers should expect delays and exercise caution.

Transportation by Lawn Chair & Helium Filled Balloons.. HUH???

                               

I noticed this on the transportation news and had to share it.  It brought a "comical smile" to my face.  It's definitely a different way to travel, although I am not sure how the Department of Aviation would appreciate it, if we followed suit, ballooning up, up, and away, and in our lawn chairs no less.

I followed this story about a man named "Kent Couch".  He has a website devoted to his past, present and future flights, plus information about exactly how he does it.  He carries his Red Ryder BB rifle to shoot the helium filled balloons in order to safely land the lawn chair.  The website says he is planning another flight sometime this year to Iraq, in a fundraiser for Iraqi orphans.

On a previous flight, in October of 2009, he took his buddy John Freis with him to compete in the first ever two man lawn chair cluster balloon race.  You can go to the website below, if you would like to see the balloon race. http://www.couchballoons.com/2009-Flight

Do not try this at home, and in no way am I encouraging you to take up lawn chair ballooning! Have a wonderful day!

Disclaimer: Cluster Ballooning (or any type of  ballooning to remove yourself from the ground to fly in the air) is inherently dangerous. KMPO assumes No Responsibility for the use or mis-use of information provided on this story or blog.

Leata Cabalero Automobile, Built in Post Falls, Idaho

Leata Cabalero Automobile, Post Falls, Idaho

I was at lunch today and actually learned something I never knew before, so I thought it would be fun to share this on our blog...

Evidently, in the 1970's era, cars were manufactured in the City of Post Falls!  Who knew!  It was called the "Leata Cabalero"  and was made by Stinebaugh Manufacturing.

I was curious, so I had to look it up on the web, and I actually found another blog that has blogged about it!  A post by the handle "Junkman", actually owns one and has it in his collection. 

I don't ever recall seeing one  or hearing the name of this automobile before now. See, it's never too late to learn something new :) Here's a link to the Blog I found, enjoy! 

http://ca.jalopnik.com/351450/leata-cabalero-most-beautiful-car-ever-built-in-post-falls-idaho

In "Memory" of Marv Lekstrum 9-24-32 to 6-10-12



Marvin Lekstrum
9-24-32 to 6-10-12

In "Memory" of Marv Lekstrum. He was an elected commissioner of Lakes Highway District and an active member on our Board.   Marv was a wonderful asset to our community and contributor to Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization (KMPO).  We will all miss his smiling face and quick wit. We are deeply saddened by his passing. He will be greatly missed....

A Memorial Service will be held for Marv, tomorrow (Thursday) at 9:00 a.m., June 14, 2012, at the Church of the Nazarene, 4000 N. 4th St., in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  The church is located just south of the Kathleen Ave. round-a-bout.

To see the whole story in the Coeur d'Alene Press, please visit the link below:
http://www.cdapress.com/obituaries/article_645753c5-6acd-5813-8087-236228d9265a.html

Transportation Bill - Deadline Approaching - FLY ASH Regulations in Highway Construction

Fly Ash Description (Wilkpedia):
Fly Ash is one of the residues generated in combustion, and comprises the fine particles that rise with the flue gases. Ash which does not rise is termed bottom ash. In an industrial context, fly ash usually refers to ash produced during combustion of coal. Fly ash is generally captured by electrostatic precipitators or other particle filtration equipment before the flue gases reach the chimneys of coal-fired plants, and together with bottom ash removed from the bottom of the furnace is in this case jointly known as coal ash. Depending upon the source and makeup of the coal being burned, the components of fly ash vary considerably, but all fly ash includes substantial amounts of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) (both amorphous and crystalline) and calcium oxide (CaO), both being endemic ingredients in many coal-bearing rock strata

Sunshine State News (Tallahasse, FL) 6-6-12
The self imposed deadline that Congress set is drawing near.  The construction industry is watching closely as the final agreement of the federal transportation bill is being reached.

A bipartisan amendment stands to increase sensible regulatory measures on fly ash, an end product of coal combustion, and should be included in the final federal transportation bill. It would also encourage fly ash recycling which has proven beneficial to the environment and the economy as a cost-effective product to build roads, tunnels and bridges. However, if the talks about the federal transportation bill fail, the cost and environmental benefits of this amendment go down with it.

The cost savings of recycled fly ash products is a major advantage for taxpayers and construction firms. Fly ash materials keep repair and maintenance costs low as the product is stronger and last longer than traditional road-building materials. According to a report from the American Roads and Transportation Builders’ Association (ARTBA), more than 55 million tons of fly ash were recycled for construction purposes across the nation.

In addition to its economic vitality, the continued use and production of fly ash secures more than a quarter million jobs.

Federal lawmakers have proposed this amendment to allow for greater use of fly ash in transportation projects and to provide greater EPA oversight on each state’s fly ash regulations.

It will be interesting to see what Congress decides on the federal transportation bill and if they will meet their deadline.

To see the full story, visit the following link:
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/federal-transportation-bill-whats-holdup-washington

If you drive a "Prius", Some Believe It can Define who you are

I found this article interesting....posted on "Today's News" by the Idaho Transportation Department. 

"You have a Prius....you probably compost, sort all your recycling, and have a reusable shopping bag for your short drive to Whole Foods.
The Portland Mercury, 2008

Opinion:  The Lewiston Tribune
WASHINGTON D.C. - Prius, which is Latin for "to go before" or "lead the way", is the perfect name for the car whose owners are confident they are leading the way for the benighted. 

The article goes on to review history of the automobile and the connection between cars and the American self-image, from the model T, in 1908 to the Toyota Prius, in 2003.

One thing they forgot to mention, is the snow dweller drivers.  It doesn't matter if I compost, garden or use a reusable shopping bag... I would love to get better gas mileage but, where I live, I have to drive an all wheel vehicle, that is, if I want to make it to work in the winter!

Here is the link to the full story, if you would like to read it.  http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/Apps/MediaManagerMVC/NewsClipping.aspx/Preview/63592

"TAKE A RIDE" on the TRI-MET Rail System in Portland, Oregon

 

 











This past week, I attended training in Portland, Oregon.   Instead of renting a car or taking a cab, I took the TRI-MET Rail system to travel back and forth.  I have to say it's a wonderful transportation system!

Portland has a thriving downtown area, walkable neighborhoods, extensive bike paths and a comprehensive transit system.

On the way back from training to go to the airport, I had boarded at the Sunset Station and arrived at the Portland airport.  On the way to the airport, there was standing room only by the time we reached the downtown area.  Portland has a population of 583,776 according to the 2010 Census records.  I can see how invaluable a rail system can be in a city with a population of that size!  When you look at the history of the TRI-MET Rail system it's quite impressive. 

They began their rail line in 1980 (the first MAX line) and in 2009 had expanded the rail to include the yellow, green, red and blue lines.  All over a span of 29 years.  For all those that live, and yes, travel to Portland, the TRI-MET system is a wonderful operational accomplishment! Thank you to all those that joined the vision to create it and make it a reality for all of us to enjoy!

If you would like to check it out, here is the link to the TRI MET Site: http://trimet.org/about/index.htm

Want to be an Organ Donor ? - Sign Up on Facebook

I saw a video clip posted by Today's News - Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and thought this was worth mentioning.   I found it interesting that the ITD video mentioned that Idaho has the 6th highest nationwide percentage of people signed up to be an organ donor  The primary place in Idaho to register is through the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  But, now, thanks to Facebook, you can sign up easily from your timeline page. Below, is the YouTube video of the launching of the Facebook campaign:

All you have to do, is take the steps below after signing into your Facebook and clicking on your timeline (or you can go directly to www.yesidaho.org or call 1.866.YES.IDAHO:

Did you know that MAY is National Bike Month?

What a better way to pull out the old bike (fill up the flat tires) and ride somewhere. On a trail, to work, the store, with your family, friends, or just around the block!  

Simply by choosing to ride your bike this month, and especially on bike to work day (May 18th is National Bike to Work Day), you can help generate political momentum for safe and bike-able streets!  Bike to work day shows transportation planners and politician,s that there is a need for a network of bicycle trails, lanes, boulevards, signage and new innovative facilities.  By cycling together, we can make a difference!

Before you ride, please be safe and prepared by learning or reviewing the "rules of the road".

Idaho has many wonderful trails in the Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls area.   Below are a few links for the local trails, and an ITD link that has useful information on rules of the road or even bicycle maintenance:

http://itd.idaho.gov/bike_ped/publications.htm

http://friendsofcdatrails.org/

http://gis.itd.idaho.gov/bikemap/

http://maps.google.com/  (Choose Directions and click on the Bike Icon)

http://www.idahobyways.gov/byways/lake-coeur-d-alene.aspx

Wishing you Happy and Safe Bicycling!!!!

Idaho StateWide Texting BAN Goes Into Effect July 1, 2012

An Idaho statewide texting ban goes into effect on July 1, 2012.  Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter signed legislation this month to make texting while driving illegal.  Idaho is the 37th state to enact a texting-while-driving ban.

Banning the use of smartphones and other hand-held devices to manually review, prepare or send written communicaitons while operating a motor vehicle, the new law will receive primary enforcement - police can stop and cite offenders for that violation alone - but offenses are not moving violations.  Also, there are no points assessed against the driver's license,

Violators can expect to pay a fine of $85, if caught by a law enforcement officer.

Citylink Transit Routes w/Paratransit Service Area Changes - EFFECTIVE May 14, 2012

The Citylink Transit Routes with Paratransit Service Area are changing!  The effective date is May 14, 2012.  To view a larger map please visit our www.KMPO.net website at the following link:
http://www.kmpo.net/Data_Publications/Transit%20Proposed%20Service%20Reductions%204-30-12/CityLink_Trans_wPCB_120430.pdf

Summary of Citylink and Citylink Paratransit Service Changes

Effective May 14, 2012

What do the changes look like? Major fixed route service changes are as follows:

§  Citylink bus service will end at 10 p.m., seven days a week.

§  The “A” route, which currently runs out to Stateline, will be eliminated.

o   The “B” route will be reconfigured to pick up many of the riders who used to rely on the “A” Route.

o   Citylink will still serve Post Falls from Riverstone on Seltice and Mullan Avenue north and south of Interstate 90.

o   Service will be expanded north of Mullan Avenue on Idaho Street to Poleline Avenue, then Poleline Avenue to Spokane Street to serve the residential area and to access the Post Falls Library.

§  Two-way service will be provided between Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and Hayden eliminating much of the current loop routing.

§  More bus stops will be added along the routes, which will make transit access more convenient for riders.

o   By providing more stops along the fixed routes, this may decrease the distance riders have to walk to their final destination and provide better access to service.  

o   With more stops, the ridership may also redistribute to the new bus stops, thereby making loading and unloading at each stop quicker and easier.

§  Buses will no longer go directly into the NIC campus. Transit stops will be provided on Northwest Boulevard at Hubbard and Garden Avenue.

§  Increased the 60 minute frequency of the routes from the Riverstone Transit Center to provide hourly service as opposed to the current 85 minutes per trip.

§  The Link Route will provide easy two way (both inbound and outbound from Riverstone) access to the Kootenai Medical Center campus along Lakeside, Ironwood, and Lincoln Way.

§  Citylink routes and stops will no longer use private property, which reduces potential liabilities, and increases travel time. 

What changes are anticipated for the Paratransit Service?

§  With the reduction in transit service area, the boundary of the Paratransit service area will also be reduced to coincide with the changes in the fixed bus routing.  This change will impact some current users of the paratransit service. 

o   If you do not live within the new paratransit service area, but are eligible for paratransit service, you may still use the service if you are able to get to a connecting location within the paratransit service area.  Please note that your ride outside of the paratransit service area will need to be your responsibility.

§  There are no changes contemplated for the Kootenai Medical Center transit service.

§  Please remember that all Paratransit riders may also use the fixed route bus service for their travelling needs too.

Why is Citylink changing?

§     Citylink has not been a financially sustainable system for several years. These changes will allow us to bring the transit system in line with the funding available. And it creates a good building block for us to expand the system in the future as funding increases.

How and why were these changes chosen?

We have used what we’ve learned over the past several years to make improvements to the system.  We looked at ridership numbers to determine where Citylink is used the most and attempted to make changes in a way that affected the fewest riders.  These proposed changes allow us to achieve the required cost savings, while maintaining as much service as we can in the highest population centers.

§  Adding more bus stops to the system to make it more convenient for riders.

§  Adding more two way service on the fixed routes.

§  Decreasing wait time for riders by providing more frequent service from Riverstone.

§  Again, it is important to remember that this will be a sustainable building block upon which we can grow the system as more funding becomes available.

When will changes be implemented?

§  The changes will take effect on May 14, 2012.

Schedules?

§  New Schedules will be available prior to the change on the buses as well as all regular schedule outlets. 

Quick numbers on Citylink riders:

From February 2011-February 2012, an average of 48,200 people rode Citylink routes each month. Sixty-three percent (63%) of those riders rode the urban routes (A, B, and C routes in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and Hayden).  Thirty-seven percent (37%) of riders rode the Link and Rural routes to Worley, Plummer, Tensed and DeSmet.  In 2011, Citylink provided approximately 575,731 trips in the urban areas.

Quick numbers on Citylink Paratransit riders:

Since paratransit service startup in July of 2011, ridership has grown to nearly 1,000 trips per month.

To see the "Summary of Changes" in larger text please visit our www.KMPO.net website