PULLMAN, Wash. — A group of transportation consultants completed a feasibility study last month that proposes an enhanced citywide fixed route service throughout Pullman and a new campus shuttle route.
The report, completed by Nelson/Nygaard, a firm out of Portland, Ore., describes an alternative system design that could enhance existing transit service by restructuring current citywide fixed routes and by adding a two-way campus shuttle route. The new shuttle could better serve the campus core, important areas on the fringe of campus, including the Student Recreation Center and remote interceptor parking lots. The proposed enhancements are designed to attract increased ridership system-wide, and reduce the amount of vehicular trips within the WSU community.
The estimated annual operating cost for the citywide fixed-route restructuring and campus shuttle would be $1,787,800, an increase of $670,000 over the current Pullman Transit operating budget. The report describes a number of potential funding sources for the system’s additional operating expenses.
“We are pleased with the innovative concepts that the consultants came up with, and we are anxious to continue our dialogue with student leaders, university groups, and city and transit officials as we move forward from here,” said John Shaheen, director of Parking, Transportation and Visitor Center.
The proposed new service could be implemented in part or in whole, depending on the level of funding available, as early as September 2004. However, implementation will not occur until additional funds are identified and secured.
The shuttle feasibility study was a joint project between WSU and the City of Pullman, totaling $40,000. The Washington State Department of Transportation provided a $26,000 federal transportation-planning grant, and WSU provided $14,000 in matching funds.
The proposed route structure was an outgrowth of an intensive, three-day design session held on campus last September. Representatives from campus groups, interested stakeholders and Pullman residents were encouraged to share their thoughts in an open-house session.
Nelson/Nygaard consultants have completed work on university transportation projects at Colorado State University, Oregon State University, University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University.
A copy of the shuttle feasibility study can be obtained online at www.wsu.edu/parking/ or by request from Shaheen at (509) 335-4911.
