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Computer generated two-point perspective of the Miramar College Transit Station.
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By: Travis Nunez, Nataly Medrano and Kathleen Evangelista
TransNet
and Metropolitan Transit System has plans for a new DAR or direct access ramp
and a new bus station in Miramar College to congest general traffic and improve
transportation choices on the Interstate 15 corridor.
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Computer generated isometric perspective of the
Miramar College Transit Station. |
The
projects would be done in replacement in the 1990's proposed trolley line,
which was deemed due to not being cost effective. Furthermore, the station will
feature 12 bus bays; new shelters and next bus signs that provide updated bus
arrival times. It will include one center island passenger platform with four
bus bays and the remaining bus bays and passenger platforms will be
constructed in a circular pattern surrounding the center island.
The
environmental document was completed in March 2009 and the design was finished
in November 2011. Construction
began last fall 2012 on the future Miramar College Transit Center. It will be
located south of the Hillery Drive/ Westview Parkway intersection on the
northeast end of San Diego Miramar College. The transit station will join the
future Mira Mesa direct access ramp. The construction is expected to take two
years; the anticipated completion will be on summer 2014. The project has $85
million for its total estimated cost and it is funded by the federal and state
funds, TransNet and San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.
From
north to south, the Miramar College Transit Station will be the fifth transit
facility from the Escondido Transit Center, Del Lago Transit Station, Rancho
Bernardo Transit Station and Penasquitos Transit Station.
"The
concept is based on DAR," wrote Senior Transportation Planner Emerson
Barrow. "Or the direct access ramp from the freeway into the neighborhood
separate from the congested general traffic."
The
Department of Transportation released the I-15 Direct Access Ramp fact sheet
last August 2012, stating there are it’s three missions. First, integrate
transit services along the freeway corridor. Second, maximize the coordination
of land uses and transportation consistent with the regional goals and
community plans. And lastly, provide a direct entrance/exit to the Express
Lanes and ease congestion on the surrounding interchanges.
The
managed lanes will allow bus riders, cars and van poolers, and solo drivers
willing to pay the toll to use the lanes to avoid congestion and reduce their
travel time. It will also help ensure reliable trip times for commuters using
local and MTS Premium Express Bus Services.
The
estimated fare for the commute period express routes will be $5 and $2.50 for
the all day all stops services. San Diego Miramar College has not yet announced
whether if there will be a fare discount for the students.
"Some
schools subsidize bus passes for their students", Emerson Barrow added.
"I don't know if Miramar College does or not."
Some of
the students shared their thoughts about the new transit station in the school.
“It’s
going to help me out a lot because I ride the bus to school”
Sarai
Reyes
21
years old
Major:
Administration of Justice
“Especially
with high gas prices people will use the bus more often”
Karolina
Salazar
18
years old
Major:
Business Management
“I
think it’s a good idea because it will help out a lot of the students”
Jessica
Carillo
20
years old
Major:
Physical Therapy
“I feel
like it will create traffic especially if cars are going to be coming in and
out”
Samantha
Martinez
19 years
old
Major:
Nursing Education
