A Chronology of the Columbia Pike Transit Initiative

Working together, Arlington and Fairfax Counties have developed a comprehensive long-term vision for Columbia Pike. Over the past decade the formerly low-density, auto-dependent corridor has been transforming steadily. Both counties have been actively engaged in redevelopment that will increase density and the mix of land uses at key locations in the corridor.

In 2002, the Arlington County Board approved the Columbia Pike Initiative - A Revitalization Plan. Part visioning exercise and part implementation plan, the Board established how the future of transportation and development would look along Columbia Pike, and what steps would be taken to achieve the vision. Three major transit goals resulted from the 2002 Columbia Pike Initiative:

• Improve bus stops along Columbia Pike and provide better information for bus riders;
• Implement improvements to the bus services in the Columbia Pike corridor;
• Plan for long-term higher-capacity transit options.

The first two goals have been implemented through the PikeRide bus service. The Columbia Pike Transit Initiative has focused on the final goal – to evaluate and plan for long term higher-capacity transit options along Columbia Pike.

In addition, recognizing the growing need for alternatives to the automobile, Fairfax County's Comprehensive Plan supported measures to increase the use of public transit. Transit connections linking neighborhoods, employment centers, and the regional Metrorail system were cited as specific policy goals. The Columbia Pike Transit Initiative will help to plan for this higher capacity system along the section of Columbia Pike within Fairfax County.

Between 2004 and 2005, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), in coordination with Arlington County, Fairfax County, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and with input from the Federal Transit Administration, conducted the Local Alternatives Analysis of 2005 (Local AA). The final document details the alternatives considered, technical evaluation process, public and stakeholder input, and study recommendations.

The Local AA began with a wide range of alternatives, which were narrowed down to a small set of alternatives through extensive public input and technical analysis. This small set of alternatives included a "No Action (or Baseline) Alternative," and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Streetcar, and Modified Streetcar Alternatives.

The Modified Streetcar Alternative was recommended as the preferred transit investment for the corridor. It combines elements of the other alternatives – notably a streetcar project with continued extensive bus service – to improve transit service efficiency and make a significant investment in the community.

One of the goals in defining this alternative was to develop a functional project that could be constructed as inexpensively as possible, yet would achieve community goals. Basic features of this alternative are as follows:

• The streetcar line would extend five miles between Skyline and Pentagon City.
• Streetcar service would operate at constant six-minute headways throughout the day.
• Streetcar service would be augmented with WMATA buses that would help carry peak passenger demand and supply service for trips such as those from Annandale that are more efficiently accommodated via bus service.

In the spring of 2006, the Modified Streetcar Alternative was endorsed for further study by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Arlington County Board. This alternative is a part of the current Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Constrained Long-Range Plan and serves as the basis for the Streetcar Alternative in this current phase of the study.

As you can see, high-quality transit service is a key component of the Columbia Pike Corridor vision. Both Arlington and Fairfax Counties actively promote high-density development, pedestrian and bicycle friendly designs, mixed-use activity centers, and a range of housing options.

Since the completion of the Local AA, Arlington County and Fairfax County have continued to coordinate with project stakeholders and related planning efforts, as well as develop funding strategies and refine the technical analysis. To advance the study to the current phase, the following technical tasks were part of the analysis: coordination of station stops, examination of right-of-way and easement requirements, assessment of utilities, evaluation of vehicle storage and maintenance facility concepts, and analysis of financial strategies.

These efforts have allowed the project to advance to its current phase, which includes updating the Local AA, completing environmental documentation, and preparing an application for Federal funding under the New Starts/Small Starts program.

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