The intent of this point is to reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use. We have a residential project that is located just outside the service area of the local public transportation system. Our project is a destination/resort type building, and as such, visitors will frequently want to visit the various destinations served by the local public transportation system. To accommodate this without requiring that visitors rent and use a car, we plan to establish a "dial a ride" system, in which residents can call a shuttle service that will pick them up at our building, and take them to a variety of destinations, including the transit center in Park City. From this transit center, users can access 5 separate public bus lines. The dial a ride system will most likely use vans, which will transport modest group sizes, or multiple parties of small groups, but we do not anticipate the need for full size buses, or regular schedules to serve the residents. The use of full size buses on a regular schedule would likely result in the generation of more traffic and pollution than necessary. In addition to the dial a ride system, we are providing a ski lift immediately adjacent to our building to connect the building occupants with nearby Deer Valley, thereby eliminating the need to drive to the base of the ski area for a day of skiing or biking. Does this dial a ride program coupled with the local ski lift meet the intent of credit SS4.1?
The proposed actions are not sufficient for LEED credit, but there is opportunity to create an acceptable solution. As a destination/resort type building, it is expected that staff will be present, yet there is no mention of mass transit available for these workers. According to SS Credit 4.1 CIR submitted 1/8/2003 (2/4/2003 ruling), LEED will accept the establishment of a permanent private shuttle service to connect the buildings(s) and the bus routes to achieve this credit. If a shuttle is used, provide information on the distance to bus routes and to building(s), schedule and frequency of operation, and shuttle capacity. Schedule and frequency must be adequate to service employee ridership during standard commuting times for all shifts, as well as periodic service at other times that can certainly be fulfilled via the "dial-a-ride" service you are establishing for the guests. Also reference the credit ruling dated 9/20/2002.