- PHASE III -
Phase III of DIRECTIONS involves Alternatives Analysis (AA) of Northeast Corridor rapid transit starter system options, utilizing information gathered during the MPO’s regional transportation planning process. This information includes regional travel patterns, identified problems, and demonstrated needs. AA has been an important part of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) process for advancing local fixed guideway transit projects for more than 25 years. Projects seeking “New Starts” federal funding must be based upon the results of the Alternatives Analysis process.
Initially, DIRECTIONS’ study partners developed 15 - 20 possible starter system route alignments within the Northeast Corridor. Through early analysis, a number of these routes were found to possess characteristics contrary to previously established Community Goals or System Priorities. Such flaws include negative impacts on park lands/historic sites/environment, or disproportionate burdens being placed on minority or low-income populations. Of the remaining routes, four remain possibilities and are undergoing further analysis.