Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the purpose of the study?
• Who is conducting the study?
• Why is the study being conducted?
• What is the timeline for the study?
• What is High Capacity Transit (HCT)?
• What is an HCT mode?
• How is this study different from previous HCT studies?
  What are the proposed outcomes of the study?
• How does this study relate to the Columbia River Crossing project?
• What types of HCT work well in other communities?
• Will this study result in light rail in Clark County?
• Who are the key decision makers for the study?
  What is the decision-making process?
• How can I learn more or become involved with the study?
  

What is the purpose of the study?

The Clark County High Capacity Transit (HCT) System Study will analyze a range of possible transit corridors and types of High Capacity Transit that could operate within those corridors. HCT includes bus rapid transit, streetcar, light rail, monorail, commuter rail, and other types of transit that move large numbers of people quickly and efficiently. In Clark County, HCT can provide residents with an alternative to backups on congested roads and highways by traveling in an exclusive transit right of way. The study will take a fresh look at transit needs and possibilities in Clark County and find the most promising corridors and types of HCT: those that most effectively connect the community with the most important destinations.

For additional information read the Study Purpose.

Who is conducting the study?

The study is an initiative of the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and is funded through a Federal Transit Administration grant, with matching funds contributed by local jurisdictions and partner organizations. As the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) for the three county area of Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat, RTC’s mission is “to encourage and promote the development of a balanced, efficient and affordable regional transportation system to meet the needs of people and goods, within and through this region, and minimize transportation-related air pollution.” The RTC Board is seeking a broad range of new ideas by gathering input from Clark County residents, elected officials, community groups, and other interested parties.

Why is the study being conducted?

Clark County has grown significantly over the past 25 years and that growth is expected to continue. Although growth has resulted in economic prosperity, it has also outpaced transportation investment. This has resulted in significant increase in roadway congestion and travel delays throughout the county.

The study is an initial step in a planning and project development process for Clark County and aims to identify a set of HCT policies that balance land use goals, transit priorities, and regional transportation system needs to guide the development of the HCT element of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

What is the timeline for the study?

The study will begin in early 2007, identifying potential modes and corridors to examine. This will provide input into the corridor analysis between the spring of 2007 and the winter of 2008. Based on the corridor analysis, specific modes and corridors will be selected for alternative analysis in the HCT System Plan, which will be completed in spring 2008. The result of the study will be the identification of one or two priority corridor and mode combinations to develop further in future phases.

What is High Capacity Transit (HCT)?

High capacity transit is a term used to describe many types of transit that move large numbers of people quickly and efficiently. All types of high capacity transit use a fixed guideway system, which means they use a track or lane that is typically separated from automobile traffic or – in the case of streetcars – use a defined track in a lane shared by automobiles.

What is an HCT mode?

Modes are a term used for different transit options. HCT modes are designed to ease traffic congestion, consider land use impacts, and improve accessibility and mobility. Examples of HCT modes include:

• Heavy rail – a train system that is electrically powered and completely grade separated. Usually located largely or partially in a subway. Examples include the BART system in San Francisco, WMATA in Washington DC, and CTA in Chicago.
• Commuter rail – uses existing rail lines in peak hours, stops less frequently, serves longer distance trips, using locomotive and trailer coaches. Examples include the Sounder in Puget Sound, Long Island Railway, and Chicago’s Metra system.
• Light rail transit (LRT) – operates on a separate trackway, handles high commuter traffic volume and is the most flexible of the rail modes. Examples include the Portland’s MAX system, Tacoma’s LINK system, and Denver’s RTD Light Rail.
• Bus rapid transit (BRT) - is “LRT on rubber tires”, provides frequent stops conducive to commuter traffic and has exclusive rights of way allowing for higher speeds and better reliability. Examples include the Eugene Oregon EMX system (opening 2007), Boston’s Silver Line, and Los Angles Orange Line.
• Streetcar – operates in mixed traffic uses on tracks embedded in city streets, stops frequently (almost every block), and is used for intensive development. Examples include The Portland Streetcar, Seattle Waterfront Streetcar, and San Francisco trolley.
• Monorail – uses a single rail line most often elevated above roadways and land uses, may require aerial rights and have a visual environmental impact. Examples include the Seattle Center Monorail and Las Vegas Monorail.

How is this study different from previous HCT studies?
What are the proposed outcomes of the study?

In 1991, the C-TRAN Board of Directors initiated a Clark County HCT Analysis conducted by the Intergovernmental Resource Center (RTC predecessor). The purpose of the study was to determine the most appropriate HCT options and alignments to address both internal Clark County and interregional travel needs. This study focused on three corridors: I-5, I-205, and cross county (east-west corridors). The study recommended that the I-5 corridor proceed with a pre-alternative analysis study for HCT options including light rail. This became the basis for the February 1995 vote, on which Clark County residents rejected increasing taxes to finance light rail in the I-5 corridor.

This study is an opportunity to take a fresh look at potential HCT corridors and types in Clark County. Current roadway congestion, growth projections, and public sentiment underscore the need to consider future HCT options for Clark County. The proposed outcome of this study is to identify an HCT system to address these and other issues and to ensure Clark County continues on its trajectory of a strong economy and good quality of life.

How does this study relate to the Columbia River Crossing project?

The Clark County High Capacity Transit (HCT) System Study’s focus is on identifying high capacity transit corridors and modes within Clark County with the potential to provide efficient and high quality transit service connecting county residents with where they want to go. The HCT System Study will also develop HCT policies to be included in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, C-TRAN’s long-range plan, and local comprehensive land use plans.

The Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project is aimed at improving the mobility, reliability, and accessibility for automobile, freight, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian users of the I-5 corridor from State Route 500 in Vancouver to approximately Columbia Boulevard in Portland.

The Clark County HCT System Study will be coordinated with the CRC project. The HCT System Study will not analyze alternative modes in the section of I-5 that is being studied by the CRC project. Instead, the CRC information and recommendations will be included in the Clark County HCT Study wherever applicable. Timelines and key milestones of the two studies will be carefully monitored and coordinated to support consistent and efficient analysis. A coordinated effort will build a well informed public dialogue about transit alternatives by engaging stakeholders early and throughout the decision making process.

For more detailed information, see the Coordination of Clark County Studies fact sheet (PDF).

What types of HCT work well in other communities?

Bus rapid transit – Eugene, OR (www.ltd.org)
Streetcar – Portland, OR (www.portlandstreetcar.org)
Light rail – Denver, CO (www.rtd-denver.com)
Commuter rail – Sounder, Puget Sound (www.soundtransit.org)

Will this study result in light rail in Clark County?

The HCT System Study will take a comprehensive look at all possible modes and corridors and identify a system that is compatible with land use policies, addresses citizens’ concerns and provides mobility. Light rail is one of several HCT modes that will be evaluated in the study. However, the outcome of the study is not to identify one specific HCT mode but rather it will propose a set of mode and corridor alternatives to the current transportation system. For a sample list of HCT modes, see the High Capacity Transit, Modes and Corridors fact sheet (PDF).

Who are the key decision makers for the study?
What is the decision-making process?

Public involvement and transparent decision-making is the foundation for determining which HCT modes and corridors are selected for study. The decision-making process involves the study Task Force, composed of stakeholder representatives, which develops recommendations for consideration by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee, composed of elected representatives, forms decisions for the RTC Board, which ultimately makes decisions for the study. There is also a sounding board, composed of any Clark County citizen, which is a public engagement avenue to provide a broader range of participation into the study process.

How can I learn more or become involved with the study?

Input from the Clark County community is essential to the success of this study effort. You can get more information and share your comments in the following ways:

• Fill in an online comment form.
• Provide direct feedback in our online survey.
• Request a study briefing for your business or community group.
• Attend Sounding Board meetings and share your comments.
• Join the study e-mail list and receive periodic updates.
• Contact information for the study is

E-mail: hct@rtc.wa.gov
Phone number: 360-397-6067