Houston\'s mass transit system does not currently include "commuter rail, light rail, or subway stations." However, it is based on a large and established network of Park & Ride locations which function just like commuter rail (not like a regular bus stop). People can walk, drive, or get dropped off at a Park & Ride near their home, then take the Metro line directly to various other Park & Rides or Transit Centers and then connect to regular bus service throughout the city. Like rail, the Park & Rides are arranged along the various transit corridors throughout the city (N, NW, W, etc.), and there is regularly scheduled service throughout the day. Park & Ride buses drive in designated lanes on the freeways, only stopping at other Park & Ride locations and Transit Centers (not at typical bus stops), so they really do function like a rail line with tires. We have found Park & Rides to be functionally equivalent to a commuter rail station in this city, and believe they are consistent with the intent of the credit. Does a project located within 1/2 mile of a Park & Ride meet credit equivalency of SS4.1?
Park & Ride locations for buses are not equivalent to commuter rail stations. Although bus mass transit as described in the inquiry "function like a rail line with tires", LEED recognizes that the environmental impacts of these two different transportation modes differ significantly. One quantifiable measure of this difference is illustrated in the Transportation Energy Data Book: Edition 22, published by the U.S Department of Energy and prepared by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which can be referenced at http://www-cta.ornl.gov/cta/data/Index.html. According to 2000 data from this reference, transit buses in the U.S. consumed an average of 4,775 btus per passenger mile, while commuter rail consumed 2,759. There is still opportunity for the project to achieve this credit by providing a shuttle bus to a place where there is direct access to rail or two or more bus lines. 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. Also reference the credit ruling dated 9/20/2002. Applicable Internationally.