Agenda - 12-12-2017 - 6-e - Consideration of Approval of Additional Station for the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project at Blackwell and Mangum Streets in Downtown Durham

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2 savings, but it allows sufficient room for the system to navigate between historic buildings in the downtown Durham area, making the Blackwell/Mangum station technically feasible. The addition of the Blackwell/Mangum station is expected to yield a net gain of approximately 600 trips per day according to GoTriangle's regional ridership modeling. The new station is expected to cost approximately $2.5 million which is less than the estimated $8 million to shift the Gateway station to the west. The new station costs less because it does not require any changes to the rail alignment. The proposed Gateway update requires the addition of track and a shift in the rail alignment while the new Blackwell/Mangum station is positioned along the current rail alignment. GoTriangle staff report that the new station will add approximately $150,000 in annual operations and maintenance costs and add less than a minute to end to end travel time. If the Blackwell/Mangum station is approved, it will be submitted for reevaluation by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in January. If the FTA requires additional environmental analysis, GoTriangle will complete that process prior to an amended Record of Decision from the FTA, which is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2019. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no additional cost associated with this consideration. The addition of the Blackwell/Mangum station to the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit project must be accommodated within the current project budget. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this agenda item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. Public Transportation provides opportunity for access to jobs and services to many individuals. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board consider approving the addition of a light rail station at Blackwell and Mangum streets in downtown Durham.