CC 11-17-2020 Item No. 19 Stevens Creek Corridor Transit Study_Amended Staff Report
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: November 17, 2020
Subject
Cupertino participation in the Steven Creek Corridor Transit Study.
Recommended Actions
Receive staff presentation and provide input on proposed Stevens Creek Corridor Transit
Study with a required Cupertino contribution of either (1) $88,983 as scoped, (2) $169,983
for inclusion of one high‐capacity transit spur, or (3) $588,983 to include I‐280 in the study.
Background
City of Cupertino staff and various council members have participated in the Stevens
Creek Corridor working group since it was formed in August 2017. Alongside the City of
Santa Clara, City of San José, and VTA, discussion has centered on transportation and
circulation along the Stevens Creek Corridor.
On July 16, 2019 the Cupertino Council adopted Resolution No. 19‐ 089, in support of
ongoing discussions regarding a transit study of the Stevens Creek Boulevard corridor in
collaboration with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and the cities
of Santa Clara, and San José. At the July 2019 hearing Council members expressed concern
that I‐280 corridor be included to serve Cupertino’s large employment centers.
Discussion
Since the July 2019 Council meeting staff has continued discussions with neighboring
communities along Stevens Creek Blvd and VTA. Cupertino staff and council members
participated in multi‐jurisdictional meetings regarding this corridor and voiced support
to study I‐280 as part of the study. Neighboring communities were open to the study of I‐
280 within the boundaries of Cupertino, but in the end concluded that outside of
Cupertino the study should focus on Stevens Creek Blvd, as the cost to add I‐280 would
be high and the original intent was to study Stevens Creek Boulevard. The wording was
amended to include the potential to study spurs along I‐280 within Cupertino, but
elsewhere focus on Stevens Creek Blvd as the focus of the project.
The chart below show’s each jurisdictions cost contribution towards the transit study
(without the inclusion of I‐280 in Cupertino):
There are three options, one that studies the Stevens Creek corridor only, and two that
allow for more flexibility within the City of Cupertino boundary:
1. Stevens Creek Boulevard only $88,983 (Cupertino contribution)
This option is the most cost effective and has the least impact to the schedule. This
option studies Stevens Creek Boulevard only, with no changes to the scope of work.
2. One high‐capacity spur in Cupertino $169,983 (Cupertino contribution)
This option seeks to address Cupertino’s concern regarding the need to serve major
employment centers near I‐280 by identifying one high‐capacity transit spur within
Cupertino. This task would explore whether a transit spur is suitable and warranted in
the identified corridor. If not warranted, the task will identify potential alternatives for
future investigation outside of the study. The spur analysis does not include conceptual
design or community engagement. This option is estimated to delay the project start by
2‐3 months, and add 2 months to the overall length of the study.
3. Stevens Creek Boulevard & I‐280 $588,983 (Cupertino contribution)
This option includes a separate analysis of I‐280 in addition to Stevens Creek Boulevard
(in Cupertino only). This needs to be scoped to understand the full cost and schedule
implications. This option is estimated to add approximately $500,000 to the overall
project cost, 9 months to the study lead time, and 6 months to the study schedule.
*Options 2 and 3 result in a higher contribution by Cupertino to study options outside of the
Stevens Creek Blvd corridor in the City. Cupertino is responsible for all additional costs in these
two scenarios. Other participants of the study have a preference of studying Stevens Creek
Boulevard, and have included these options for Cupertino.
Timeline:
If participation in the transit study is authorized by Council, the first step would be to
execute a funding agreement with VTA as soon as possible. The start of the 12‐month
study would begin as soon as all participant cities have executed funding agreements with
VTA (study originally estimated to begin by April 2021). If Cupertino elects to move
forward with the I‐280 option this start date will be delayed by several months.
Sustainability Impact
None associated with the study. However, transit service and bicycle and pedestrian
improvements along the Stevens Creek corridor will lead to a reduction in Greenhouse
Gas Emissions, Vehicle Miles Travelled.
Cupertino General Plan
The Mobility Element of the City of Cupertino General Plan (Community Vision 2015‐
2040):
1. Supports the participation in regional transportation planning processes and
working with neighboring cities to develop programs consistent with the goals
and policies of Cupertino’s General Plan, to minimize adverse impacts on the
City’s circulation system, and to address regional transportation and land use
issues of mutual interest through Policy M‐1.1, Regional Transportation
Planning;
2. Supports right‐of‐way design and amenities consistent with local transit goals to
improve transit as a viable alternative to driving through Policy M‐4.5, Access to
Transit Services; and
Next Steps
Report Council feedback and direction back to the Stevens Creek Corridor working
group.
Fiscal Impact
Participating in the transit study without including I‐280 requires a $88,983 budget
adjustment. If Council elects to proceed with the study and include I‐280 within
Cupertino, a $588,983 budget adjustment would be necessary to proceed.
_____________________________________
Prepared by: Chris Corrao, Senior Transit & Transportation Planner
Reviewed by: David Stillman, Transportation Manager (Public Works Department)
Roger Lee, Director of Public Works
Approved for Submission by: Dianne Thompson, Assistant City Manager
Attachments:
A – Resolution No. 19‐089