ohio higher education roadway network (ohern.org)

Northwest Ohio Transit NetworkJoint Powers AuthorityLinking Communities and Institutions of Higher Learning by Public Transit and Commuter RailJerry W. Wicks, Ph.D., Director, OHERN InstituteRon Sheck, Ph.D., Public Transit and Passenger Rail Committee, TMACOGKen Prendergast, Executive Director, All Aboard Ohio

Ohio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

WHY PASSENGER RAIL IN NW OHIO?

Passenger rail - more efficient, greater capacity and extensible Strengthen the economy - halt further population decline Our region faces strong competition for new investment

Our competitors will offer: More opportunities for industry Better personal opportunities for education Attractive living environments and a variety of mobility optionsOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

POPULATIONS SEEKING MORE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS: Senior citizens College and university students Young professionals


This proposal responds to key transportation goals and priorities in TMACOGs most recent transportation planning document,On the Move: 2007-2035 Transportation Plan-Update 2011

Intercity passenger rail Transit connection linking BGSU, Owens & Univ. of Toledo Public transit region-wide Fuel efficient modes of transit, like rail and bus A truly integrated regional transit system and Transit for seniors, people with disabilities and non-driversOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY (JPA)

Created through an agreement between:

Two or more public authorities (e.g. city and county governments, port authorities, transit authorities or public colleges and universities) can operate collectively as a new, separate entity. Under Ohio state law, public entities may create multi-county authorities to undertake regional, intrastate or even interstate transportation projects and services.


CHARACTERISTICS OF JPA

Used where activity transcends boundaries of existing authorities Are distinct from their member authorities Have separate operating boards Boards have the powers of any or all of the participating agencies Authorizing agreement defines the powers allowed to be exercisedOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

LEGAL BASIS FOR A NW OHIO TRANSIT NETWORK JPAUnder federal law and guidance from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), states, compacts of states, state-chartered high-speed rail agencies or Amtrak can obtain and use FRA funds for passenger rail and transit projects.Under state law, Ohio's local governments, port authorities, transit agencies, county park districts and state universities may form inter-local agreements or create multi-county authorities to undertake regional, intrastate or even interstate transportation projects and services.

Minnesotas Northern Lights Express California Capitol Corridor JPAOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

BASIC FEATURES OF PROPOSED SYSTEM

Corridor - Sylvania, Ohio to Findlay, Ohio Rail line serves as a rapid link to transit service providers Connects Amtrak, universities, commercial taxi/bus services & bike paths

Coordinated schedules among transit services Work toward a common regional fare payment

Service begins with three DMU train sets Maximum speed 79 mph Potential for extending rail service

Pursue infrastructure upgrades to rail, bridge and stationsOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

Taking liberties with Peter Arnos 1943 cartoon in the New YorkerOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

A RAIL CORRIDOR ~60 miles in lengthlinkING six colleges, universities & two branch campuses INTO ONE EXTENDED CAMPUS OF 65,000 STUDENTS WITH OVER 2,000 FACULTYservicING six towns/cities &connectING transit services in Lucas, Wood and Hancock COUNTY


DevelopmentProjects:1. Add 1/4 mile of NS track leaving station

2. Enhance Toledo Union Station

3. Railroad Vertical-Lift Bridge

4. Add 1.5 miles of new track near Walbridge


TRAIN SETS - DIESEL MULTIPLE UNITS (DMU)

Seating Capacity: 216 for three car set or 140 plus middle lounge car with standing room for 50 Quiet, smooth ride, air conditioned, WiFi with power outlets, handicap accessible bathrooms and extra storage for baggage and bicycles Car length: 83 ft Maximum Speed: >100 mph Rapid acceleration/deceleration Each car is self-propelled for speed and increased reliabilityOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

Video of double-deck diesel-electric multiple unit (DMU) train departing Salzburgs main stationOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

Table Table 1. County-to-County Worker Flows Among Lucas, Wood and Hancock CountyLucasWoodHancockTOLucas175,37419,50460720,111Wood17,05434,1081,60318,657Hancock5142,17729,1572,691FROM17,56821,6812,21041,459

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000. County-to-County Worker Flow Files.How do we fund the system? Compete for FRA Funds On-board advertising, food services, etc. Farebox (~25% of revenue - see inter-county worker flows) Discounted transit payment plans: U-PassOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

Ohio Higher Education Rail Network InstituteU-PASS is BIG!U-PASSisSMART!

Ohio Higher Education Rail Network InstituteChicago Metropolitan Area u-Pass Schools

Student U-Pass fees at Arizona State UniversityArizona State UniversityTempe, Arizona Fall 2012 Enrollment 73,373 ASU U-PassTransit FareSummer Term Pass (3m)$75$312Academic Year Pass (9m)$200$936Employee Local (annual)$390$768Employee Express (annual)$520$1248

Source: https://cfo.asu.edu/pts-transit-passOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute


- Click above for Video -


Transportation network of colleges and universities20 colleges in the transit network with a mission to:

Enhance the academic and social lives of college students

Attract students, faculty, and staff to area colleges

Increase professional development opportunities

Enable area colleges to share resources

Enhance the visibility of the regions higher education communityhttp://www.baltimorecollegetown.org/The NW Ohio Transit Network would have the same objectivesOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

Potential Annual Revenue from a Universal $25 a Semester U-Pass ProgramMetropolitan Area Non-profit Colleges and UniversitiesStudent EnrollmentFull-Time FacultyRevenueLourdes University2,49091$129,050University of Toledo22,610851$1,173,050Mercy College1,21064$63,700Owens Community College*14,605201$740,300Bowling Green State University17,580827$920,350Owens Comm. College - Findlay*2,391--$119,550University of Findlay4,990211$260,050Fall/Spring subtotal65,8762,245$3,406,050Summer term (.25** x Enrollment x $50)16,469561$425,750Total Annual Revenue$3,831,800*Owens CC 2012 Fact Sheet**Simplifying assumption - summer enrollment is 25% of academic year total.Source: www.american-school-search.com


Future JPA Growth:

Michigan:

Adrian Ann Arbor Detroit

Indiana:

Fort Wayne

Ohio:

Grand Rapids Lima Columbus SanduskyOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

WHAT LIES AHEAD?

Creating the JPA is only the first step in a long process

Creation of the JPA enables a series of administrative actions:

Working to organize and design a transportation system

Discussions with area schools about the JPAs implications:

Ability to pursue unexpected opportunities for passenger rail What can be shared among schools and will policies need to change? What learning and research opportunities can be developed? Ohio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

NEXT STEPS

Vote of support from committee for continued development of the JPA Formation of a JPA advisory group to review: a. Terms of the agreement used in forming the JPA b. Analysis of the rail corridor c. Other issues Continue informal meetings with transit, city, county and university officials Pursue funding opportunities for planning with TMACOG and transit Invite representatives from either the Northern Lights Express or the California Capitol Corridor to make a presentation at the Toledo ClubOhio Higher Education Rail Network Institute

Author Affiliations Jerry W. Wicks, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus, Sociology, Bowling Green State University; Director, Ohio Higher Education Rail Network Institute; Member, Public Transit and Passenger Rail Committee, Toledo Metropolitan Council of Governments (TMACOG); Board Member, All Aboard Ohio The Ohio Higher Education Rail Network (OHERN) Institute is an educational and research division of All Aboard Ohio. OHERNs principle goal is the strengthening of higher education through research into the social, demographic and economic effects of integrating passenger rail and public transit with college life. (OHERN.ORG) All Aboard Ohio is a non-profit, member-based organization dedicated to promoting improved public transportation and passenger rail service throughout the state. All Aboard Ohio exists to increase public awareness of the need to improve and increase safe and efficient intercity passenger rail and local public transportation service in Ohio and informational activities. throughout the United States by conducting nonpartisan research and educational andAll Aboard Ohio is incorporated in Ohio as a non-profit association and exempt from federal income tax under the IRS Code, section 501(c)(3), as a publicly supported educational organization. Dues and donations to All Aboard Ohio are tax-deductible in accordance with the IRS code.