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21 <br /> the fiscally-constrained LRTP or in the CTP is a good way to keep this under <br /> consideration. <br /> 2. Could a circulator route be added to the bus service element within the Chapel <br /> Hill and Carrboro area to provide better access to shopping opportunities within <br /> Orange County for Orange County residents? Bolstered sales revenues can be <br /> reinvested within Orange County. <br /> This is a service planning issue best addressed to Chapel Hill Transit staff. There <br /> are already routes that link residents to shopping areas with greater frequency <br /> than most circulator routes in much of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. <br /> ORANGE COUNTY STAFF POST NOTE <br /> Although it is difficult to summarize the technical and philosophical questions from the <br /> BOCC related to the AA and LPA and how it comports to the unique challenges of <br /> multiple travel patterns and corridors and status of economic development opportunities <br /> in Orange County, staff has made a reasonable compilation. In summary, they asked <br /> how can our regional fixed route transit investment of over$80 million, not including the <br /> $5 million annual investment in bus service, be spent to serve the needs of Orange <br /> County residents and businesses in a manner that will create return benefits of land <br /> use, environment and economic development that matches the vision of Orange County <br /> residents (i.e. matching the corridor and technology to the appropriate scale of the <br /> Durham-Orange corridor). <br /> Triangle Transit staff post note: <br /> How best to serve Orange County citizens is the clear objective we are <br /> collectively seeking. As the Commission considers all the options it is important <br /> to remember that a rail (fixed guideway) project is primarily a transportation <br /> infrastructure investment. If the project isn't the right fit, it will not compete well <br /> for federal and state funding, resulting in nothing being built. Non-transportation <br /> benefits such as environmental protection, safety and economic development are <br /> positive corollary benefits for the rail but not the core purpose of the investment. <br /> We believe a clear understanding of current and future travel demand markets for <br /> Orange County and the region, together with accurate knowledge of the costs <br /> and benefits of available options to meet the strong future growth in travel <br /> demand will lead to support for the 25 year bus and rail investment plan proposed <br /> for Orange County. We look forward to reviewing with you how the proposal <br /> plans for new and improved transit options for roughly 75% or Orange County <br /> citizens by providing connections to key employment centers, healthcare, <br /> education and shopping throughout the county. <br /> Page 13 of 13 <br />