Thursday, October 30, 2008

TPPC October 30, 2008

This morning the Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met. The meeting lasted about 80 minutes.

At the top of the Agenda was the VBWave seasonal trolley service. After a slow start, it rebounded in August, getting back to 2006 ridership levels. The problem was that September was 42.3% below 2007, with the year ending 28.0% down. Farecard sales were down 31.61% for the year.

An attack strategy is being mustered. First, a robust marketing plan for 2009. Second, a survey in early 2009 to find out why people ride and don't. Third, improved signage and amenities.

Finally, the trolley fleet will soon be down to 15 vehicles, as the excess trolleys will be auctioned off next month. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) needs 21 vehicles at peak, so 10 hybrids and 15 trolleys would give them 25 to work with.

The Oceanfront Enhancement Committee's (OEC) recommendations on street closings were discussed again. The TPPC sent to the OEC a proposal to cul-de-sac 16th Street just west of Arctic and to implement traffic calming measures on Arctic.

The previously approved changes to the Residential Parking Permit Program (RPPP) will go to City Council on November 25 for the required Ordinance change.

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