Multi-Modal Level of Service Toolkit
Fort Collins MMLOS Manual – Transit LOS
Overview Fort Collins created MMLOS standards for its streets in the late 1990s and has continued to refine them. Fort Collins standards consider both route characteristics and land use characteristics; high-priority land uses, such as public schools, require higher LOS for pedestrian and bicycle modes.
How to measure Public Transit LOS is evaluated according to the following criteria:
Hours of weekday service Frequency of weekday service Travel time factor (transit travel time ÷ auto travel time along the bus route to four specific destinations, including schools and shopping centers) Peak passenger load (passengers ÷ seats).
Figure 1: Public Transit LOS – Standards and Ratings
LOS for public infrastructure provision is calculated based on transit service planned for 2015 in the City’s Transit Development Plan. LOS for development review is calculated based on existing transit service. However, a development that otherwise conforms to zoning and building codes will not be hindered if it fails to meet transit LOS. Figure 1 (right) shows how to determine transit LOS using service level standards and site location.
Source: Larimer County Multi-Modal Level of Service Manual
Applications
General Plans
Transit Plans
Transportation Master Plans
Advantages
New development achieves connectivity and continuity goals Reduces City’s capital infrastructure burdens (developments must meet LOS standards to win approval) Educates developers, engineers and planners; promotes buy-in among professionals Creates better interconnectivity between modes, higher modal splits
Disadvantages
Harder to enforce when economy, demand for development are weak Can be difficult to implement in infill areas Requires long-term coordination with transit provider, does not account for declining transit budgets Requires defined roadway networks, congestion/transportation demand management plan
Data Requirements
Development review
Transit plan (existing) Land use plan (existing) Transit service data from transit provider (for development review) o Frequency of service o Weekday service hours o Peak passenger load o Travel time to specific destinations along route Auto travel times along bus route to specific destinations