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EXHIBIT A <br /> pg. 8 of 69 <br /> Light rail vehicles can operate in exclusive right of way,as well as along urban streets,and <br /> characteristically serve accessible low platform(14 inches high)stations. The operations <br /> plan for the 17-mile alignment includes train frequencies(headways)of every 10 minutes <br /> during the morning and evening peak and 20 minutes during the off-peak hours and on <br /> weekends. Fifteen vehicles will be required to operate the system based on an 18 hour <br /> schedule each weekday. Several potential light rail vehicle maintenance facility locations <br /> are being evaluated and are also included In the financial plan. Detailed alignment and <br /> station location decisions will occur in the future at the preliminary engineering and final <br /> design stages,within 1-4 years after a successful referendum and levy of the sales tax. <br /> Durham County's share of capital cost for the Durham and Orange Light Rail Project is <br /> approximately$1,050 billion(2011 dollars). The total cost for the project is$1.4 billion <br /> ($2011). Durham County's share of operations and maintenance costs are estimated at <br /> $11.3 million/year(2011 dollars). Total operations and maintenance cost are estimated <br /> at$15 mlllion/year. <br /> C. New Commuter Rail Service <br /> The Durham County Bus and Rail Investment Plan provides funding for a transit system <br /> that serves Durham and Wake County using Commuter Rail technology(CRT). The 37-mile <br /> alignment extends from West Durham to Greenfield Parkway in Garner via Durham,the <br /> Research Triangle Park,Morrisville,Cary,Raleigh,and Garner. A total of 12 stations have <br /> been proposed,including locations with major bus and Amtrak intercity rail connections <br /> available In downtown Durham,downtown Cary,and downtown Raleigh,-Due to the <br /> vehicle's performance capabilities,length of the corridor,and the needs of activity centers <br /> being served,station spacing is typically between 2 miles and 10 miles for commuter rail <br /> systems.. <br /> Commuter Rail vehicles are pulled by diesel powered locomotives and travel at speeds up <br /> to 79 mph. Total,end-to-end,travel time for the 37-mile alignment is about 51 minutes <br /> including stops. The train would include a locomotive and multiple coach cars,sized <br /> according to anticipated ridership. Initial 2035 projections Indicate ridership will exceed <br /> 7,000 boardings per day. This estimate is subject to change as the ridership forecasting <br /> model is refined and validated. <br /> Commuter rail vehicles must remain in the railroad corridor(Le.no street running). The <br /> operations plan for the alignment assumes the use of existing freight tracks where <br /> possible. In some instances,a second track will be constructed to enhance the capacity of <br /> the corridor to allow for continued increases in demand for both passenger and freight <br /> traffic in the corridor. Commuter Rail operation Is recognized as an Inter-urban service <br /> and operates on 20 to 30 minute train frequencies(headways),primarily during the <br /> morning and evening peak periods,with the opportunity for some limited off-peak <br /> service. The service Is primarily oriented towards the work-week and peak-period <br /> commuting to major employment centers.Weekend service will be considered based <br /> Page 17 <br />