Transit Planning

TGC has more than 24 years of experience in applying innovative transit planning, financing, and implementation concepts as tools to provide new transit services, enhance existing services, construct capital facilities, and provide a framework for community revitalization and economic development. TGC has planned and managed the implementation of numerous successful developments throughout Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and the U.S.

Terminal Feasibility and Advanced Planning Studies

Since 2000, TGC has conducted feasibility analyses for 18 multi-modal terminals and park-and-ride facilities. Of these, five terminals have been completed; five are in final design, and seven are feasibility or preliminary engineering. Typical activities include passenger and transportation provider demand analysis; joint development potential; site selection analysis, preliminary facility and site concepts, intergovernmental coordination, management of a public participation process, and drafting of funding and implementation strategies

(Projects: El Paso Suburban Terminals, The District Small Urban Transit Terminals, Galveston Downtown Terminal, El Paso International Transit Terminal)

BRT/LRT Alternatives Analysis

TGC’s approach to Alternatives Analysis is guided by FTA principles, procedures, and guidelines. These basic guidelines are supplemented, where appropriate, by additional areas of study that address items unique to each project, enhance its value to the client, or increase its funding viability. By following this methodology, TGC can efficiently deliver cost-effective plans that will meet or exceed federal planning requirements. Tasks undertaken include: travel demand forecasting; development and evaluation of alternatives; development of criteria, including New Starts and Small Starts, and evaluation of alternatives; development of a project management plan according to FTA criteria; and preparation of Environmental Analyses.

(Projects: El Paso SMART Starter, Galveston Trolley, Oklahoma City Northeast Rail Corridor Project)

BRT/LRT Preliminary Engineering/Advanced Planning

TGC uses effective, cost-efficient technology and methods and present the facts in a clear, concise way for all to understand. Our goal is to deliver a plan that is technically sound, competitive for funds, and is appropriately scaled to reflect the capabilities and resources of the client.

TGC’s methodology to develop plans for Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rail Transit systems is guided by FTA requirements. TGC’s dual goals for its BRT/LRT projects are to draft a plan that is not only sound from an engineering perspective but from a financial perspective as well. That is, that the TGC-delivered BRT/LRT plan represents a project that is competitive for funds on the national stage and is cost-effective to operate.

TGC typically manages the technical aspects of the program. We oversee the topographic surveys, geotechnical analysis, review of utility plans, track layouts and track work, traffic control, and maintenance facility specifications. Our goal is to ensure the work adheres to FTA requirements and the end-product will be a cost-effective, competitive project. In addition to the preliminary engineering, TGC drafts a supporting facilities program (shelters, pedestrian improvements), manages a public participation process, defines and begins to implements a funding and implementation strategy.

(Projects: El Paso SMART Starter, Galveston Trolley Extension, Oklahoma City Northeast Rail Corridor Project)

  • Operations Planning:
    TGC excels in delivering clear and practical transit operation plans. We focus on providing our clients with an implementation strategy that delivers multiple, key organizational goals and cost-effectively expands local and regional transit service. TGC planning rational is guided by the following objectives:
  • Maximize ridership and farebox recovery ratios, provide high-quality service amenities, minimize travel time, and create rational regional linkages;
  • Develop fixed-route (and flex-route) implementation plans that will increase ridership and enhance access of service to seniors and other mobility-impaired persons;
  • Develop Americans with Disabilities Act Para-transit service plans to meet all federal guidelines in a fiscally constrained manner, but provide additional access to persons with disabilities to other modes of local and regional transit;
  • Develop effective coordination strategies for all county and regional services to reduce redundancy, streamline services, and contain costs;
  • Ensure Intelligent Transit Systems (ITS) technology can be used effectively in an integrated manner to enhance operations, upgrade fare collection capabilities, and improve data collection and reporting;
  • Tailor performance measures to the specific circumstances of the client; and Conduct public and stakeholder outreach to develop community consensus with respect to new services;
  • Identify and pursue funding through appropriate state and federal programs such as Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program, and modifications to the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5307, and FTA Section 5311;

Environmental Review

TGC delivers cost-effecitve Environmental Assessments that address the 24 categories of potential environmental impacts. In addition to environmental impacts, the TGC Team recommends the development of economic impacts focusing on value added and tax benefits (e.g. property and sales) resulting from each alternative.

Existing Conditions Analysis

Transit patrons require to a safe, comfortable, and convenient path to get to a bus stop. TGC recognizes this need and can provide its clients a comprehensive assessment of the physical infrastructure in place to support access to transit along with a master plan for improvement, costing estimates, and funding strategy.

(Projects: Houston Midtown Transit and Pedestrian Plan, Fort Lauderdale Transit and Pedestrian Plan, El Paso Great Streets)