Fastlink Route Performance Report
Transcription
Fastlink Route Performance Report
Fastlink Route Performance Report Committee Operations Date of meeting 06 November 2015 Date of report 28 October 2015 Report by Assistant Chief Executive (Operations) 1. Object of report To provide Committee with an update on the performance of the Fastlink route. 2. Background The Committee will be aware that concerns regarding the performance of the Fastlink route was recently highlighted by local bus operators McGill’s and Stagecoach respectively. A particular area of concern was the performance of bus priority measures at signal controlled junctions along the route, which resulted in service diversions from September 26 for a period of two weeks. During this period, SPT and GCC instructed further improvement works alongside traffic signal testing which was successfully implemented, with both operators recommencing use of the Fastlink bus lanes on completion of the works. Following the above, a meeting was convened between Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Government on 8 October 2015 to discuss the Fastlink scheme and in particular progress on delivery of City Centre bus priority measures and passenger facilities. The meeting was chaired by the Transport Minister, where it was agreed that a report would jointly be produced by SPT and GCC to consider the performance of the Fastlink route, and outline next steps in terms of delivering the project objectives and completion of the City Centre bus priority measures and passenger facilities. A copy of the Fastlink Route Performance Report is included in Appendix A. 3. Outline of proposals The Fastlink Route Performance Report is structured as follows; • Section 1 INTRODUCTION Page 6 • Section 2 BACKGROUND Page 8 • Section 3 REGISTERED SERVICES Page 15 FLR4/OP01R076-v1 (13:31) Page 1 of 2 • Section 4 WIDER SCHEME OBJECTIVES Page 21 • Section 5 JOURNEY TIMES Page 25 • Section 6 DELIVERY JOURNEY TIME TARGETS – NEXT STEPS; Page 28 • Section 7 CONCLUSION Page 33 • Section 8 PROGRAMME Page 36 A number of key conclusions from the report are noted below; 4. • This report demonstrates that good progress has been made in terms of delivery of the project objectives as set out in the Fastlink Final Business Case. The project remains on target to achieve the 20% journey time saving target, on completion of the City Centre Bus Priority Measures. • A particular focus of the report is on progress achieved to date in terms of achieving reduced travel times by public transport to existing and new developments along the Fastlink corridor. The analysis undertaken so far demonstrates that, as of October 2015, a 15.6% journey time saving has been realised, from the overall target of 20%. This result aligns with recent positive operator and public feedback and follows recent upgrades to traffic signalling along the route. • In terms of further measures, SPT and GCC are currently rolling out a programme of immediate enhancements including the installation of signal detection loops, introduction of SCOOT signalling and working with Stagecoach Western to install Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) equipment on their Fastlink X19 service to further enhance bus priority signalling. It is anticipated that this programme of improvements will be completed by December 2015. • Crucially, a £3.14 million package of works has been agreed between GCC and SPT, to deliver Bus Priority Measures and improved Passenger Facilities within Glasgow City Centre. These works will deliver further journey time savings for all bus services operating in the City Centre (e.g. up to 180 buses per hour in Union Street) in alignment with the targets set out in the Final Business Case. Committee action The Committee is recommended to note the contents of the Fastlink Route Performance Report and that the report has been passed to Scottish Government for consideration. Eric Stewart Assistant Chief Executive (Operations) Gordon Maclennan Chief Executive for further information please contact Gordon Dickson, Bus Services Manager on ext 3407. FLR4/OP01R076-v1 (13:31) Page 2 of 2 Fastlink; Route Performance Report “Delivering an exemplar urban Bus Rapid Transit system” Route Performance Report Oct 2015 Issue: 01 Prepared by: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport & Glasgow City Council Issue: 01 October 2015 2 DOCUMENT CONTROL 1. Authorisation Signature Prepared by GD Prepared by CAF Approved by ES Approved by GG Name and Function Date Gordon Dickson, Bus Development Manager, SPT Christine Francis, Technical Services Manager, Land & Environmental Services, GCC Eric Stewart, Assistant Chief Executive (Operations), SPT George Gillespie, Assistant Director, Land & Environmental Services, GCC 22.10.15 22.10.15 22.10.15 22.10.15 Note: Any unsigned document or document at draft issue may not be considered as released by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport other than for specified purposes such as pending approval. 2. Issue Control Each page of this document carries the document issue. The document is always re-issued as a whole. The table of the previous and current issues is below: Issue 01 Date Remarks Draft 3. Distribution Report distributed to the following organisations; • • • • Strathclyde Partnership for Transport Glasgow City Council Transport Scotland Scottish Government Issue: 01 October 2015 3 Contents 1. 1.1. 1.2. 2. 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 2.5. 2.6. 2.7. 2.8. 2.9. 3. 3.1. 3.2. 4. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 4.5. 5. 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 6. 6.1. 6.2. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 4 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT ................................................................................................................ 4 PROJECT STATUS SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 4 BACKGROUND............................................................................................................................... 5 FASTLINK CONCEPT........................................................................................................................ 5 FUNDING APPROVAL ...................................................................................................................... 5 THE CORE ROUTE .......................................................................................................................... 5 SCHEME OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................................... 6 KEY FEATURES ............................................................................................................................... 6 PROJECT GOVERNANCE .................................................................................................................. 7 SCHEME GOVERNANCE .................................................................................................................. 7 INFRASTRUCTURE STATUS ............................................................................................................... 8 NETWORK ENHANCEMENT .............................................................................................................. 8 REGISTERED SERVICES ................................................................................................................ 10 QEU HOSPITAL TO CITY CENTRE, VIA FASTLINK .............................................................................. 10 QEU HOSPITAL TO OTHER LOCATIONS ........................................................................................... 12 WIDER SCHEME OBJECTIVES...................................................................................................... 15 ACCESSIBILITY ............................................................................................................................. 15 GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & REGENERATION................................................................................... 15 INTEGRATION............................................................................................................................... 16 SAFETY ....................................................................................................................................... 16 ENVIRONMENT............................................................................................................................. 17 JOURNEY TIMES ........................................................................................................................... 18 BASELINE, PROJECTIONS AND TARGETS .......................................................................................... 18 JOURNEY TIME ANALYSIS.............................................................................................................. 18 JOURNEY TIME RELIABILITY ............................................................................................................ 19 DELIVERY JOURNEY TIME TARGETS – NEXT STEPS; ................................................................. 20 OPTIMISATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND JUNCTION LAYOUTS............................................................ 20 CITY CENTRE BUS PRIORITY MEASURES & PASSENGER FACILITIES ..................................................... 22 7. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................... 24 8. PROGRAMME............................................................................................................................... 26 8.1. 8.2. FASTLINK - OPTIMISATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND JUNCTION LAYOUTS ........................................... 26 FASTLINK CITY CENTRE - OUTLINE PROGRAMME ............................................................................. 26 Issue: 01 October 2015 4 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Purpose of the Report The purpose of this report is to outline the status of the Fastlink scheme in terms of delivery of the project objectives as set out in the Fastlink Final Business Case approved by the Scottish Government in 2011. The report was requested by the Transport Minister on 8 October 2015 following a teleconference held between the Scottish Government, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Glasgow City Council to discuss scheme progress. As requested, a particular focus of the report is on progress achieved to date in terms of achieving reduced travel times by public transport to existing and new developments along the Fastlink corridor. In terms of structure, the report firstly covers background to the Fastlink scheme in respect of concept, objectives, governance, infrastructure and network enhancement support. This is followed by a review of registered Fastlink services and an initial high level assessment of the impact on wider scheme objectives. Following this, the report focuses on the impact on bus journey times and the next steps being taken by SPT & GCC in supporting delivery of this key objective, in terms of optimisation of traffic signals, junction layouts and the implementation of City Centre Bus Priority Measures. 1.2. Project Status Summary A status summary of the project is provided below for reference; Achieved √ 1 High Quality Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System 2 Bus Journey Time Savings and Reliability 3 Accessible Halts and Buses √ 4 Safe and Secure BRT Infrastructure √ 5 High Quality BRT Infrastructure √ 6 Frequent BRT Services √ 7 Reliable BRT Services √ 8 Link to Key Interchanges √ 9 Environmentally Friendly Vehicles √ 10 Modal Shift to Bus √ 11 City Centre Bus Priority & Passenger Facilities 12 Exemplar Statutory Quality Partnership On Target* Planned √ *Note: Journey Time Savings planned to be fully realised on completion of Point 11- City Centre. Issue: 01 October 2015 5 2. BACKGROUND 2.1. Fastlink Concept The concept of Fastlink is defined in the 2011 Final Business Case as the following; “Fastlink is a high quality, high frequency, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system providing a ‘step change’ in public transport provision along the Clyde Corridor, acting as an exemplar for the conurbation and delivering a lasting legacy for generations to come.” 2.2. Funding Approval In 2011, following submission of the Fastlink Final Business Case, Scottish Government awarded funding of up to £40 Million for delivery of the Fastlink Core Route between Glasgow City Centre and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. 2.3. The Core Route Within Glasgow’s City Centre, Fastlink connects with Central Station, Queen Street Station and Buchanan Bus Station, it then runs along the Clydeside via the International Financial Services District, the Clyde Arc Bridge and Govan to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. A map of the route is shown below. Issue: 01 October 2015 6 2.4. Scheme Objectives A number of detailed objectives were identified and developed for the Fastlink project, these are noted below. • • • • • • To reduce travel time (target 20%) and the cost of travel to existing and new developments along the Clyde corridor; To improve accessibility, and thereby help to reduce social exclusion, to key areas, facilities and services along the Clyde Corridor such as healthcare, education, employment and tourist attractions; To support growth, development and regeneration along the Clyde Corridor in the residential, commercial and retail sectors; To ensure high quality integration of new and existing public transport along the Clyde Corridor; To improve safety, particularly for vulnerable public transport users, along the Clyde Corridor; and To reduce the adverse environmental effects of transport along the Clyde Corridor through modal shift, sustainable trip patterns and reducing the growth rate of congestion on main corridors. Overall, the Fastlink project aims to deliver an exemplar urban Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system which will act as a catalyst for economic regeneration and set the blueprint for expansion and upgrade of existing quality bus corridors across Greater Glasgow and beyond. 2.5. Key features Aligning with the Final Business Case and project objectives, Fastlink has been designed to incorporate a number of key features to encourage modal shift to public transport these are summarised below; • • • • • • • • • • • Bus Priority Lanes / Segregated Busway Bus Priority Traffic Signalling High Quality Halts / Interchanges Improved Safety Lighting Extensive CCTV coverage Help points at halts Improved Signage & Travel Information Distinctive “Fastlink” branding Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) bus lane enforcement Real Time Passenger Information available at all halts Cycling Facilities / Cycle Parking at Halts For reference, a number of images are included in Appendix B which demonstrates the above key features. Issue: 01 October 2015 7 2.6. Project Governance Delivery of the project is overseen by the Fastlink Steering Group which is led by SPT, regularly meets and has senior level representation from the following organisations; Glasgow City Council, Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). The remit of the Steering Group is to oversee delivery of the Fastlink project and associated enhancements and thereby discharge the various duties required to satisfy respective grant conditions and agreements between the organisations. The two key delivery partners, Glasgow City Council and SPT, also meet regularly via the Fastlink Working Group to monitor progress on a ‘day by day’ basis and report to the Steering Group and respective corporate governance requirements within SPT and GCC. The Working Group is supplemented as required with representatives from Renfrewshire Council in terms of developing plans for an extension to the Fastlink Core Route towards Renfrew. Further details on the Fastlink delivery strategy and governance arrangements are available at; www.spt.co.uk/documents/rtp091211_agenda7.pdf 2.7. Scheme Governance Operation of services on the Fastlink scheme is governed by a unique Statutory Quality Partnership (SQP) agreement which has been jointly made by SPT and GCC and came into operation on Sunday 28 June 2015. The Fastlink SQP is the fifth such agreement to be implemented in Strathclyde, designed to complement the Glasgow Streamline SQP and set leading standards in terms of high quality bus infrastructure, passenger facilities, vehicle emissions (set at Euro 6 or Low Carbon Vehicles (LCV) for services operating full Fastlink route) and targeting growth / modal shift. Noting the relatively low uptake of SQP’s in the rest of Scotland, the Fastlink SQP sets leading standards for partnership working. Statutory Quality Partnership Schemes were introduced by the Scottish Parliament under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 as the preferred mechanism to improve the quality of bus service provision. By investing in improved facilities for bus services, a transport authority is able to restrict the use of these facilities only to those services complying with the specified service standards. Compliance with the requirements and restrictions is enforced through the offices of the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland. There are various constraints on what service standards may be specified and these must be proportionate to both the investment and transport outcomes sought. The Fastlink SQP follows these guiding principles. Further details available at; www.spt.co.uk/corporate/about/projects/fastlink/sqp/ Issue: 01 October 2015 8 2.8. Infrastructure Status Current status of the Fastlink Infrastructure as of October 2015 is summarised below; • • • Arrivals Square to Clyde Arc Bridge; Clyde Arc Bridge to Broomielaw; Glasgow City Centre Complete & Operational Complete & Operational Completion 2017* *Note; Bus Gate at Nelson Mandela Place operational June 2014. Further Glasgow City Centre Fastlink works detailed in Section 6. 2.9. Network Enhancement Having established the concept of the Fastlink Core Scheme as an exemplar to stimulate the expansion of BRT solutions across existing Quality Bus Corridors, the sustainability of this initial route was considered in detail in the Final Business Case, which confirmed kick start funding would be required for initial operations. To support this, SPT invited local bus operators to participate in a mini competition which offered capital support for environmentally-friendly buses as part of a wider drive to establish sustainable, highquality commercial bus services on the Fastlink corridor and associated routes to the QEUH. Two responses were received to the mini competition, these being from McGill’s Bus Service and Stagecoach Western Buses respectively. Following tender evaluation and recommendation, SPT’s Partnership Board approved the following awards for Fastlink Network Enhancement; • • The award of Network Enhancement Grant (NEG) to Stagecoach Western Buses at a cost of approximately £1,150,000 for a 4 year period commencing 31 August 2015, or a date thereafter to be agreed with SPT The award of Network Enhancement Grant (NEG) to McGill’s Bus Service at a cost of approximately £1,300,000 for a 4 year period commencing 31 August 2015, or a date thereafter to be agreed with SPT Further to the above, contracts have now been exchanged between SPT and Stagecoach, funding 7 brand new Euro 6 vehicles (supplied by ADL ltd) and committing Stagecoach to a 4 year period commencing 31 August 2015. Stagecoach will operate the 7 vehicles on their frequent (every 10 minutes during main day, M - F) X19 Fastlink Service, and extend the route to QEU Hospital, Govan, City Centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Easterhouse. At this point in time, McGill’s have not taken up their offer of funding and have indicated they are unlikely to do so following a review of their services operating on the Fastlink corridor to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. In summary, the agreement with Stagecoach noted above secures the requirement to have a high quality, frequent (every 10 minutes), attractive and environmentally friendly service delivered on the full Fastlink route, backed by a four year agreement with the Issue: 01 October 2015 9 operator. This has been a major achievement of the scheme to date and is supplemented by the wider service provision documented in section 3 of this report. Issue: 01 October 2015 10 3. REGISTERED SERVICES A significant number of local bus services are registered with the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland to operate on the Fastlink infrastructure, some operating fully on the Fastlink route, others operating on parts of the Fastlink route and serving nearby local communities. All of these services must comply with the Fastlink Statutory Quality Partnership (SQP). The highest concentration of services on Fastlink operates between the QEU Hospital and Glasgow City Centre. A further significant number of services operate between the QEU Hospital and other destinations, utilising the Fastlink bus priority infrastructure at the new hospital. Further details on Fastlink services to the City Centre, and other destinations, is provided below. 3.1. QEU Hospital to City Centre, via Fastlink A summary of local bus services currently operating on the Fastlink route between the QEU Hospital and Glasgow City Centre is provided below. Operator Stagecoach Western McGill's McGill's McGill's Service Route X19 Easterho use – Glasgow BBS – QEUH (via Fastlink) F1 23 26 Glasgow BBS QEUH (via Fastlink) Glasgow Renfield St Erskine (via Govan, QEUH, Renfrew) Glasgow Renfield St Paisley Nethercr aigs (via Govan, QEUH, Renfrew) Days of Operation Hours of Operation Monday to Friday 0518 0001 0608 0001 Saturday Sunday Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday 0603 0006 0600 2353 0600 2353 0600 2353 0600 2353 0600 2353 0600 2353 0600 2353 0600 2353 0600 2353 Frequency via SGH (minutes) Daytime Evening 10 20 10 20 20 30 10 or less 10 or less 20 - 30 peak buses per/hour 6 6 20 - 30 20 60 15 30 15 30 20 30 15 30 15 30 20 0 Total 4 4 20 Further to the above, the map provided below illustrates the routes of the above services and extent each utilise the Fastlink infrastructure. Issue: 01 October 2015 11 In terms of service provision between QEU Hospital to City Centre, the key points are as follows; • There are currently 4 services (3 operated by McGill’s; 1 by Stagecoach) collectively providing circa 20 buses per hour, main day M – F, between QEU Hospital and Glasgow City Centre, via Fastlink. Weekend provision noted above. • Stagecoach X19 and McGill’s F1 operate on full Fastlink track only; both services provide 6 buses per hour, main day M – F, and 3 buses per hour in the off-peak. (Combined 12 bph main day / 6 bph off-peak). • McGills services 23 & 26 operate over large sections of the Fastlink track as noted above; both services provide 4 buses per hour, main day M – F, and 2 buses per hour in the off-peak. (Combined 8 bph main day / 4 bph off-peak). • McGill’s have applied to withdraw their F1 service on 15 November and increase provision on their service 23 from 4 to 6 bph, main day M – F. Thus, as of 16 November there will be 16 buses per hour between QEUH and Glasgow City Centre, via Fastlink. Issue: 01 October 2015 12 3.2. QEU Hospital to other locations A summary of other local bus services currently operating to the QEU Hospital from a number of further destinations is provided in the table below. The vast majority of the services shown below operate via the new Arrivals Square transport hub at the QEU Hospital which incorporates bus priority infrastructure and passenger facilities which are part of the Fastlink Statutory Quality Partnership. Provision as at 21 October 2015 Operator Colchri First Glasgow First Glasgow First Glasgow First Glasgow First Glasgow McGill's Stagecoach Western Stagecoach Western Stagecoach Western McGill's McGill's McGill's McGill's McGill's McGill's Service Route H2 Silverburn - Crookston - Penilee Hillington - Govan Summerston - Maryhill - Botanic Gardens - Byres Rd - Partick Cross - Partick Interchange - SGH Drumchapel - Blairdardie - North Knightswood - Anniesland Broomhill X - Partick - SGH Castlemlk - Croftfoot - Battlefield Shawlands - Mosspark - Halfway SGH or Govan Days of Operation Hours of Operation Monday to Friday Saturday Monday to Friday 15 Saturday Sunday Monday to Friday 16 Saturday Sunday Monday to Friday 34 Saturday Sunday Monday to Friday Glasgow BBS - Partick - SGH 77 Saturday Braehead - Glasgow Airport Sunday Partick -Springburn - Parkhead Monday to Friday Saturday 90 ** Shawlands - Govan - SGH Braehead Sunday Monday to Friday Glasgow Inner Circle (Partick 89/90 Springburn - Parkhead - Shawlands Saturday (SPT) - Govan - SGH - Partick) Sunday QEUH - Partick - Glasgow Monday to Friday G1 University - Ruchill - Glasgow Saturday University - Partick - QEUH Sunday QEUH - Partick - Hyndland Monday to Friday G2 Wyndford - Hyndland - Partick Saturday QEUH Sunday Easterhouse - Garthamlock - Royal Monday to Friday X19 Saturday Infirmary - Glasgow City Centre SGH (via Fastlink) Sunday Monday to Friday Glasgow City Centre - SGH (via F1 Saturday Fastlink) Sunday Monday to Friday Paisley - SGH - Partick - Glasgow 17 Saturday City Centre Sunday 21 Paisley - Renfrew - Braehead Monday to Friday SGH - Govan Bus Stn Saturday Monday to Friday Erskine - Braehead - SGH 23/23A Saturday Glasgow City Centre Sunday 25 Silverburn - Cardonald - SGH Monday to Friday Govan Nethercraigs - Paisley - Braehead - Monday to Friday 26 Saturday SGH - Drumoyne - Glasgow City Centre Sunday 0729 - 2001 0927 - 1731 0627 - 2228 0631 - 2228 0631 - 2228 0642 - 2308 0641 - 2308 0646 - 2308 0522-2253 0600-2253 0558 - 2252 0521-2312 0550 - 2312 0550 - 2312 0542 - 1933 0700 - 1932 0838 - 1911 1910 - 2340 1910 - 2340 1824 - 2333 0627 - 2230 0629 - 2230 0629 - 2230 0638 - 2215 0645 - 2215 0645 - 2215 0530 - 2315 0629 - 2315 0629 - 2315 0600 - 2353 0600 - 2353 0600 - 2353 0555 - 2350 0707 - 2350 0830 - 2127 0612 - 1929 0645 - 1929 0512 - 0024 0542 - 0018 0712 - 0018 0720 - 1750 Frequency via SGH (minutes) Daytime Evening 30 60 60 30 30/60 30 30/60 30 30/60 30 30/60 30 30/60 30 30/60 15 30 20 30 30 30 10 20 - 30 10 20 - 30 15 - 20 20 - 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 0 60 0 60 0 60 10 30 10 30 30 30 10 30 10 30 30 30 10 20 10 20 20 20 10 or less 20 - 30 10 or less 20 - 30 20 60 12 30 12 30 30 30 15 0 15 0 15 20 - 30 15 30 20 30 20 0 0525 - 0021 1630 - 0021 0700 - 2256 15 15 20 - 30 ** First 90 will continue to serve the hospital via Langlands Drive Issue: 01 October 2015 30 30 60 13 The map below illustrates the geographical coverage of the above service provision; It should be noted that the uplift in services, including Fastlink routes, to the QEU Hospital has grown from approximately 14 to 86 buses per hour, during the main day Monday to Friday, to a wide spread of destinations including City Centre, Govan, Partick, Castlemilk, Drumchapel, Easterhouse, Maryhill, Paisley, Erskine and Renfrew. Further details available at; www.spt.co.uk/bus/accesstohealthcare/queen-elizabthuniversity-hospitals/ A recent survey undertaken by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde found that over 65% of respondents felt that there had been an improvement in bus services since the new Issue: 01 October 2015 14 hospitals opened. A similar proportion also stated that it was easy to access the hospital by bus. Further details of the survey can be provided on request. Issue: 01 October 2015 15 4. WIDER SCHEME OBJECTIVES This section of the report outlines the wider objectives of the Fastlink scheme and provides a snapshot of available evidence in terms of the schemes current level of impact against these objectives. 4.1. Accessibility In terms of Accessibility, a key objective of the scheme is as follows; “To improve accessibility, and thereby help to reduce social exclusion, to key areas, facilities and services along the Clyde Corridor such as healthcare, education, employment and tourist attractions” At this early stage, we would note that 100% of bus stops installed to date have high access kerbs and 100% of buses operating on the route are low-floor. This allows stepfree boarding and alighting to improve access for passengers with physical impairments, elderly passengers and passengers with buggies and prams. For examples please see images in Appendix B. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in the frequency of services through the corridor, thus improving access to key centres and facilities including the new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Science Centre and businesses at Pacific Quay, International Financial Services District and Glasgow City Centre. Residents within the local catchment, including Govan residents, have an improved level of service to the Hospital, City Centre and further afield. Further details on the service provision are provided in Section 3 - Registered Services. 4.2. Growth, Development & Regeneration In terms of Growth, Development & Regeneration, a key objective of the scheme is as follows; “To support growth, development and regeneration along the Clyde Corridor in the residential, commercial and retail sectors” At this early stage, it is too soon to comment on impacts on population growth or availability of jobs within the catchment area. However, the following developments should be noted; • • • Opening of new Premier Inn hotel (adjacent to Fastlink track at Pacific Drive) Opening of new Village by De Vere hotel (adjacent to Fastlink track at Pacific Drive) Commencement of significant residential housing development at Linthouse (adjacent to Fastlink route on Govan Road) Issue: 01 October 2015 16 In addition, the impact of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (circa 10,000 staff & 750,000 patients and visitors per annum) should not be underestimated in terms of supporting growth, development and regeneration. Fastlink bus priority measures and passenger facilities are fundamental in providing suitable access to the jobs and services located at the site by fast, frequent and high quality local bus services. This is a major achievement of the scheme to date. 4.3. Integration In terms of Integration, a key objective of the scheme is as follows; “To ensure high quality integration of new and existing public transport along the Clyde Corridor” The scheme has already created high quality interchanges with other modes of transport across the route: • • • • Integration with subway and bus services at Govan Interchange Integration with rail services at Glasgow Queen St and Glasgow Central Stations Integration with regional bus services at Buchanan Station Integration with walking and cycling routes and facilities At this early stage, we would note that there is emerging evidence of passenger interchange at the new QEUH transport hub, and significantly increased opportunity of interchange within the City Centre hubs of Central Station, Queen Street Station and Buchanan Bus Station. Partner feedback has also highlighted an increase in interchange trips at Govan & Partick Subway stations for onward local bus journeys to the QEUH, via Fastlink infrastructure. It is further anticipated that the completion of Govan Subway & Bus Interchange redevelopment in spring 2016, coupled with the Fastlink infrastructure already delivered at this location, will lead to a further uplift in interchange trips to the QEUH and other key locations along the route. 4.4. Safety In terms of Safety, a key objective of the scheme is as follows; “To improve safety, particularly for vulnerable public transport users, along the Clyde Corridor” At this early stage, we would highlight the following high quality safety features have been designed into the Fastlink scheme; • 100% of bus stops installed on the Core Route have enhanced lighting and high quality “Fastlink” branded stainless steel shelters. Issue: 01 October 2015 17 • • 100% of buses operating on the route are installed with CCTV as per the SQP requirements. Passenger safety CCTV infrastructure has also been installed at key locations along the route with improved 24 hour coverage of all Fastlink bus stops. Further to this, the City Centre improvement plans set out in section 6.2 aim to significantly improve one of the highest accident black spots within Glasgow, namely the junction of Union Street, Argyle Street & Jamaica Street. 4.5. Environment In terms of Environment, a key objective of the scheme is as follows; “To reduce the adverse environmental effects of transport along the Clyde Corridor through modal shift, sustainable trip patterns and reducing the growth rate of congestion on main corridors.” The Fastlink SQP agreement has secured a significant improvement in the emissions standards of buses operating on the route. At this early stage, we would note that 100% of buses operating on the Fastlink corridor are Euro-4 standard or newer, which makes the Fastlink route the lowest emission levels per bus of any core bus corridor in Glasgow. Further to this, the Fastlink project has delivered 7 brand new Euro 6 vehicles, the latest EU emission standard, to be operated on Stagecoach X19 Fastlink service. Stagecoach have complemented this support with a further 10 brand new Euro 6 vehicles, all of which will be operated on the Stagecoach X19 Fastlink service. Therefore, this flagship Fastlink service is likely to be the most environmentally friendly route of this type operating in Scotland or the rest of the UK. Issue: 01 October 2015 18 5. JOURNEY TIMES A key objective of the Fastlink scheme is to reduce travel time (target 20%) and the cost of travel to existing and new developments along the Clyde Corridor. This consists of an initial reduction target of 15% and a final goal of 20% on completion of the scheme including City Centre. This section sets out the available evidence in terms of current journey time performance compared to both the reference case (i.e. without Fastlink) and the project targets. 5.1. Baseline, Projections and Targets The table below show the Reference Case, Target and Achieved (Oct 2015) Fastlink journey times for round trips between the QEU Hospital and Buchanan Bus Station. A combination of traffic modelling, snapshot surveys, limited operator data and timetable schedules, were used to provide the estimates provided below. INBOUND JOURNEY Evening Peak Average OUTBOUND JOURNEY Evening Peak Average Arrival Sq to Hope St to Buchanan BS to Jamaica St to Hope St Buchanan BS Jamaica St Arrival Sq Reference Case (No Fastlink) Fastlink Target Fastlink - Achieved Oct 2015 JT Saving Achieved Oct 2015 JT Saving with optimization of traffic signalling & junction layouts JT Saving Anticipated with City Centre Phase 1 Fastlink Completion Journey Time (Minutes) 27 21 22 Journey Time (Minutes) 11 9 10 Round Trip Totals Journey Time (Minutes) Journey Time (Minutes) Journey Time (Minutes) 12 10 11 27 21 22 77 61 65 -15.6% 1 -2.6% 1 1 1 -2.6% -20.8% The key points from the table are summarised below. 5.2. Journey Time Analysis The Reference Case provides an estimated PM Peak journey time of 77 minutes for the round trip between QEU Hospital and Buchanan Bus Station. This case assumes no Fastlink measures are implemented along the route alongside predicted traffic growth from development in the corridor. The scheme objectives set a final target journey time saving of 20%, compared to the reference case noted above. Therefore, the target average Fastlink journey time for the same round trip is 61 minutes in the PM Peak. Journey Time surveys, conducted in October 2015 by Fastlink operators and SPT, revealed that the average PM Peak Fastlink journey time for the same round trip is 65 minutes. Based on the Journey Time surveys, the results suggest that an interim 15.6% Issue: 01 October 2015 19 journey time saving has been achieved to date. This equates to a saving of 12 minutes per round trip in the PM peak. This aligns with recent feedback from Fastlink operators that there has been a significant improvement in the performance of the route, particularly in terms of delivering bus priority at signalised junctions. The results also suggest that a further 2.6% journey time saving should be sought on route elements outwith Glasgow City Centre (where service provision is up to 20 buses per hour). This equates to a saving of 2 minutes per round trip in the PM peak. SPT and GCC are confident that this additional time saving can be achieved through the optimisation of traffic signals and junction layouts along this section. Further details on works planned to achieve this are set out in the next section. In addition, a further 2.6% journey time saving should be sought on the route within Glasgow City Centre (where service provision is up to 180 buses per hour). This equates to an additional saving of 2 minutes per round trip in the PM peak. SPT and GCC are confident that this additional time saving can be achieved through the roll out of bus priority measures within Glasgow City Centre, building on the success of the bus gate at Nelson Mandela Place. Further details on works planned to achieve this are set out in the next section. In summary, the above suggests that an initial target of 15% journey time saving has been achieved to date, from the overall target of a 20% journey time saving. Further journey time savings, in line with the overall target, are anticipated through the measures noted above and detailed in section 6 delivery journey time targets – next steps. 5.3. Journey time Reliability In addition to journey time savings, reliability of journey time is also extremely important to bus passengers. As traffic increases in the years to come either as a result of increasing traffic volumes or of development in the Govan area, the Fastlink route will cushion bus services from the effect of any increasing congestion through the use of segregated carriageways and bus priority measures at shared junctions. It is intended that Fastlink will provide an ever more attractive alternative to the car and will play a vital role in ensuring access to key areas, facilities and services along the Clyde Corridor. Monitoring of journey time reliability will be reported to the Fastlink Steering Group and SQP board in due course. Issue: 01 October 2015 20 6. DELIVERY JOURNEY TIME TARGETS – NEXT STEPS 6.1. Optimisation of traffic signals and junction layouts As noted above, SPT and GCC are confident that some additional time saving can be achieved through the optimisation of traffic signals and junction layouts on the Fastlink route outwith the City Centre. To achieve this SPT and GCC are working on the installation of additional advanced stop line detection loops along the route, particularly on fully segregated bus only sections. As shown in the example below; Advanced stop line loops are to be installed at the following locations; 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Broomielaw Pacific Drive Drive Road Roundabout Golspie Street Govan Road at Stag Street QEU Hospital / Arrivals Square Further to this, a number of the junctions along the route are to be incorporated within Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique (SCOOT) which is a dynamic signalling system which allows for effective bus priority. Following final approval from Police Scotland (received 20 October 2015), a box junction is to be installed adjacent to the Clyde Arc Bridge at the critical junction between Old Govan Road and Pacific Drive. This will facilitate improved movement of Issue: 01 October 2015 21 buses through this section of the route (particularly in the peak traffic periods) and reduce the risk of conflict with general traffic, a concern recently expressed by operators McGills and Stagecoach. SPT are also initially working with Stagecoach to install Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) equipment onto their X19 service which will further assist in the delivery of traffic signal optimisation / bus priority. SPT plan to work with other operators on the route as they move to install the latest generation of smart ticket machines, which form an integral part of the Fastlink AVL, signal priority and Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) solution. These works will be completed by December 2015 and will assist with delivering the Journey Time savings target. In addition to the above, SPT & GCC are working on plans to improve performance at the following Fastlink junctions following feedback from bus operators; • • • Broomielaw at York Street Clyde Arc Bridge – North Junction QEU Hospital – Arrivals Square / Govan Road It is anticipated that these works will be completed over the next 6 months and will further assist with delivering the Journey Time savings target. Issue: 01 October 2015 22 6.2. City Centre Bus Priority Measures & Passenger Facilities Delivery of bus priority measures and improved passenger facilities within Glasgow City Centre is a fundamental component of the Fastlink project, particularly in terms of securing the final journey time saving target of 20%. This phase of the project will secure improved journey times and improve reliability of local bus services operating both on the Fastlink route and also further afield. It will also build upon the success of the Bus Gate at Nelson Mandela Place, introduced in 2014 A summary of the works to be undertaken in the City Centre is set out below. Union Street Oswald Street Jamaica Street Midland Street Note – some of the above works are dependent on the successful promotion of a traffic regulation order. Further details on the above works is set out in Appendix A. Issue: 01 October 2015 23 It should be noted that the above plans were presented to the Glasgow Streamline SQP Board earlier this year and received broad support by local bus operators and the Confederation of Passenger Transport in terms of the potential impact on journey times and reliability. Further support was welcomed from the SQP Board in terms of the impact the above plans are likely to have on improving the junction of Union Street, Argyle Street & Jamaica Street, which is one of the highest accident black spots within the city. The above works are planned to benefit all bus services using the city centre main routes and in particular linking with the current Streamline quality bus corridors. The overall costs of the agreed City Centre works is £3.14 million, which aligns with estimates previously provided to the Steering Group, a further breakdown of these costs is provided in Appendix A. This phase is due to be completed in 2017, with advanced design, development and consultation well underway. Issue: 01 October 2015 24 7. CONCLUSION This report demonstrates that good progress has been made in terms of delivery of the project objectives as set out in the Fastlink Final Business Case. The project remains on target to achieve the 20% journey time saving target, on completion of the City Centre Bus Priority Measures. The scope of works, programme, costs estimates and grant terms have been finalised by SPT and GCC, for completion 2017. In support of the delivery of these objectives, a class leading SQP agreement between SPT, GCC and local bus operators, setting the latest standards in terms of high quality bus infrastructure, passenger facilities, vehicle emissions and targeting growth / modal shift, has been achieved following extensive industry consultation and commenced on 28 June 2015. In addition to this, a Network Enhancement agreement has been secured with Stagecoach Western Buses, a major national bus operator and new entrant to the corridor, to provide 7 new “Fastlink” branded Euro 6 buses, securing high quality, frequent, attractive and environmentally friendly bus services delivered on the full Fastlink route, backed by a four year operating agreement. Hence providing the travelling public with certainty over Fastlink services travelling between the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Govan and Glasgow City Centre, via the full Fastlink route. Further evidence of success to date is provided within the volume of services registered to use the Fastlink SQP infrastructure. The report details the fact that there are currently 20 buses per hour main day M – F, between QEU Hospital and Glasgow City Centre, via Fastlink. This service provision is generated by two local operators, McGill’s & Stagecoach respectively. Additionally, it should be recognised that the ‘Arrivals Square’ transport hub at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital forms a key part of the Fastlink SQP agreement. The report therefore also details the fact that there are currently 86 buses per hour main day M – F, to a wide spread of destinations including City Centre, Govan, Partick, Castlemilk, Drumchapel, Easterhouse, Maryhill, Paisley, Erskine and Renfrew. Again this has been another notable success of the project, particularly so given the previous service provision (only 14 buses per hour) to the old hospital site. At a strategic level, this report demonstrates significant progress has been made to date in terms of delivery of the wider scheme objectives including accessibility, economic development, integration, safety and environmental impact. A particular focus of the report is on progress achieved to date in terms of achieving reduced travel times by public transport to existing and new developments along the Fastlink corridor. The analysis undertaken so far demonstrates that, as of October 2015, a 15.6% journey time saving has been realised, from the overall target of 20%. This result aligns with recent positive operator and public feedback and follows recent upgrades to traffic signalling along the route. Further journey time savings, in line with the overall target, are anticipated through the measures noted below. Issue: 01 October 2015 25 In terms of further measures, SPT and GCC are currently rolling out a programme of immediate enhancements including the installation of signal detection loops, introduction of SCOOT signalling and working with Stagecoach Western to install Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) equipment on their Fastlink X19 service to further enhance bus priority signalling. It is anticipated that this programme of improvements will be completed by December 2015. Crucially, a £3.14 million package of works has been agreed between GCC and SPT, to deliver Bus Priority Measures & improved Passenger Facilities within Glasgow City Centre. These works will deliver further journey time savings for all bus services operating in the City Centre (e.g. up to 180 buses per hour in Union Street) in alignment with the targets set out in the Final Business Case. The detailed programme of works for the Glasgow City Centre Bus Priority Measures & improved Passenger Facilities is set out in the following section. These works are due to be complete by 2017, with advanced design, development and consultation well underway. Both SPT and GCC believe that this report clearly demonstrates the significant progress made in terms of delivery of the project objectives as set out in the Fastlink Final Business Case, and that there is a clear delivery plan in place to address any outstanding issues, particularly with regards to Glasgow City Centre. We look forward to working closely with all project partners on delivering this final phase of the Fastlink project and building upon recent positive industry feedback to promote the merits of the project at the forthcoming Bus Rapid Transit UK Conference, which we are delighted will take place in Glasgow on the 30 November and 1 December 2015. Issue: 01 October 2015 26 8. PROGRAMME 8.1. Fastlink - Optimisation of traffic signals and junction layouts • Initial improvement works will be completed by December 2015 and will assist with delivering the Journey Time savings target. • Further improvement works will be completed over the next 6 months and will further assist with delivering the Journey Time savings target. 8.2. Fastlink City Centre - Outline Programme November 2015 Technical consultation on Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) November 2015 - June 2016 Detailed design of agreed Phase 1 Scheme + Preliminary Design of Phase 2 - Renfield Street and Hope Street bus stop infrastructure. Identify any potential early actions December 2015 Start statutory public consultation on TRO for Phase 1 February 2016 - April 2016 Finalise and procure resources for implementation of any identified early action works that are not dependent on TRO June 2016 Complete TRO (assume objections resolved) July 2016 – Sept 2016 Implement any early action works June 2016 Issue Tender for main Phase 1 works Sept 2016 Site Start and supervision of works March 2017 Works Complete Note: The length of the TRO consultation process is to a certain extent dependent on the number and type of objections received. The above programme allows for a reasonable number of objections based on past experience of schemes of this type but assumes that the TRO does not require to be referred to an independent hearing. Issue: 01 October 2015 27 Appendix A; City Centre Bus Priority Measures & Passenger Facilities 1.1. Union Street The details of the Fastlink City Centre works to be carried out in Union Street are as follows: • • • • • • • • • • Widen the east footway and re-surface with natural stone. Removal of on-street parking adjacent to west footway. Relocation of taxi rank. Provision of new drainage associated with the widening of the East footway. Provide 2 No superstops with High Access Kerbs and bespoke stainless steel and glass shelters, configuration to be agreed with SPT. Installation of RTPI signs at superstops. Improved lighting at superstops. Improved diesel resistant surfacing within the vicinity of the halts. Western footway resurfaced with HRA. Junction works including signals at the junction with Argyle Street. Estimated Total Cost: £1,012,900 1.2. Jamaica Street The details of the Fastlink City Centre works to be carried out in Jamaica Street are as follows: • • • • • • • Widen the east footway and re-surface with natural stone. Provide 1 No superstops with High Access Kerbs and bespoke stainless steel and glass shelters, configuration to be agreed with SPT. Installation of RTPI signs at superstops. Improved lighting at superstop. Improved diesel resistant surfacing within the vicinity of the halts. Western footway resurfaced with HRA. Junction works including signals at the junction with Midland Street. Estimated Total Cost: £400,125 1.3. Midland Street The details of the Fastlink City Centre works to be carried out in Midland Street are as follows: • • • • North and south footway to be resurfaced in HRA. Improved lighting along length of street. Carriageway to be resurfaced along full length to improve running. Junction works including signals at the junction with Oswald Street. Issue: 01 October 2015 28 Estimated Total Cost: £296,562 1.4. Oswald Street The details of the Fastlink City Centre works to be carried out in Oswald Street are as follows: • • • • • Provide 1 No superstop with High Access Kerbs and bespoke stainless steel and glass shelters, configuration to be agreed with SPT. Installation of RTPI signs at superstops. Improved diesel resistant surfacing within the vicinity of the halts. Junction works including signals at the junction with Argyle Street. Remodelling of south west corner of junction between Oswald Street and Argyle Street. Estimated Total Cost: £285,250 1.5. Argyle Street The details of the Fastlink City Centre works to be carried out in Argyle Street are as follows: • • • • Provide 1 No superstops with High Access Kerbs and bespoke stainless steel and glass shelters, configuration to be agreed with SPT. Installation of RTPI signs at superstops. Improved diesel resistant surfacing within the vicinity of the halts. Design and development of bus priority / traffic management measures on Argyle Street in the vicinity of Oswald Street and York Street. Estimated Total Cost: £224,938 1.6. Howard Street The details of the Fastlink City Centre works to be carried out in Howard Street are as follows: • • • • Provide 1 No superstops with High Access Kerbs and bespoke stainless steel and glass shelters, configuration to be agreed with SPT. Resurfacing of the South footway in Natural Stone. RTPI at superstop. Improved diesel resistant surfacing within the vicinity of the halts. Estimated Total Cost: £268,250 1.7. Renfield Street Issue: 01 October 2015 29 Designs works to be carried out: • • Review and design of superstops with High Access Kerbs and bespoke stainless steel and glass shelters, number of stops and configuration to be agreed with SPT. RTPI to be incorporated in designs. Estimated Total Cost: £15,000 1.8. Hope Street Design works to be carried out: • Review and design of superstops with High Access Kerbs and bespoke stainless steel and glass shelters, number of stops and configuration to be agreed with SPT. Estimated Total Cost: £15,000 Issue: 01 October 2015 30 Appendix B – Images of Fastlink Route Operation October 2015 Anderston Quay Anderston Quay Issue: 01 October 2015 31 Clyde Arc Bridge Clyde Arc Bridge Issue: 01 October 2015 32 Govan Road at Govan Town Hall Govan Road at Govan Town Hall Issue: 01 October 2015 33 Govan Road at Govan Town Hall Govan Road at Govan Town Hall Issue: 01 October 2015 34 Govan Road at Drive Road Drive Road Issue: 01 October 2015 35 Govan Road at Clachan Drive Arrivals Square – Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Issue: 01 October 2015 36 Arrivals Square – Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Issue: 01 October 2015