Summary: This project-a new 92,000 SF Public Elementary School-was sited with primary consideration given to transportation issues, including the proximity of a public bus line, a commuter rail station and consolidation of schools to make a desegregation plan effective, including a more efficient school bus transportation system. Can the combination of these three public transportation strategies - commuter rail station 5/8 of a mile from project, public bus line (that serves the commuter rail line) with a stop at the project, and public school busing - be considered equivalent for the credit? Backround: This project was sited to as part of the School District\'s complete rebuilding program, which included a state-funded desegregation plan. This school location was considered crucial to the master plan as it provided a central location for a consolidation of two existing schools. As part of the site-planning and green-building planning process, public transportation was an important consideration. There is an MBTA (the major metropolitan area transportation system) commuter rail line bordering the site, with a stop 5/8th of a mile from the school. An MBTA bus line runs along the street in front of the school, serving both the school and the commuter rail station. A bus stop was located at the school site as a part of the school construction project. In addition, the school system operates a school bus system, which is the major transportation method for the students, dramatically reducing the number of private cars used for transporting students to and from school. Please consider that the intent of this credit has been met with an equivalent combination of public transportation access.
The situation described in your narrative is acceptable for credit achievement as per credit ruling 2/5/04 and others. Since the bus line that serves the school also serves a metro rail station that is only slightly outside the 0.5 mile radius, the bus line can count both as a shuttle to the rail station and a stand alone mode of commuting to the school. The student buses are not counted in this credit, as they are not accessible by the staff. Be prepared to provide documentation on the frequency of the bus line in your LEED submittal to demonstrate that it reasonably coordinates with the commuter train schedule to serve commuting times and transfers. Applicable Internationally.