therefore does not require the preparation of an EIR. The contents of a Negative Declaration are
described in Section 15071 of the California Code.
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP)- A comprehensive process for reducing and
managing traffic volume, travel speeds, and traffic-related noise on local streets.
NEPA - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969-
NEPA is the basic national charter for protection of
the environment. It establishes policy, sets goals (in Section 101), and provides means (in Section 102)
for carrying out the policy. Section 102(2) contains “action-forcing” provisions to ensure that Federal
agencies follow the letter and spirit of the Act. For major Federal actions significantly affecting the
quality of the human environment, Section 102(2)(C) of NEPA requires Federal agencies to prepare a
detailed statement that includes the environmental impacts of the proposed action and other specified
information.
New Look Bus- See "Bus, New Look".
New Start- Federal funding granted under Section 3(i) of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the
Urban Mass Transportation Act). These discretionary funds are made available for construction of a new
fixed guideway system or extension of any existing fixed guideway system based on cost-effectiveness,
alternatives analysis results, and the degree of local financial commitment.
NHS - National Highway System- An approximately 155,000-mile network called for in the Intermodal
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act to provide an interconnected system of principal routes to serve
major travel destinations and population centers. The NHS is expected to be designated by Congress in
1995.
Nonattainment Area- An area that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated as not
meeting (i.e., not being in attainment of) one or more of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, lead, and particulate matter. An
area may be in attainment for some pollutants, but not for others. [See attainment area and National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).]
Notice of Completion- A brief notice filed with the State Office of Planning Research (OPR) by a Lead
Agency as soon as it has completed a draft EIR and is prepared to send out copies for review. The
contents of this notice are explained in Section 15085 of the California Code.
Notice of Determination- A brief notice to be filed by a public agency after it approves or determines to
carry out a project which is subject to the requirements of CEQA.
Notice of Exemption- A brief notice which may be filed by a public agency after it has decided to carry
out or approve a project and has determined that the project is exempt from CEQA as being ministerial,
categorically exempt, an emergency, or subject to another exemption from CEQA. Such a notice may
also be filed by an applicant where such a determination has been made by a public agency which must
approve the project.
Notice of Preparation- A brief notice sent by a Lead Agency to notify the Responsible Agencies, Trustee
Agencies, and involved federal agencies that the Lead Agency plans to prepare an EIR for the project.
The purpose of the notice is to solicit guidance from those agencies as to the scope and content of the
environmental information to be included in the EIR.
NTS - National Transportation System-
An intermodal system consisting of all forms
of transportation in
a unified, interconnected manner to reduce energy consumption and air pollution while promoting
economic development and supporting the Nation's preeminent position in international commerce.
The NTS includes the National Highway System (NHS), public transportation, and access to ports and
airports.
Obligation- A federal budgetary term that refers to a binding agreement that will result in an outlay; an
agreement by the federal government to pay for goods or services immediately or at some future time
when the goods or services are delivered. Also known as a "commitment."
Obligation Limitation- A federal budgetary term that refers to a limit placed in appropriations bills on
the amount of federal assistance that may be obligated during a specified time period. It does not affect
the scheduled apportionment or allocation of funds; it just controls the rate at which these funds may
be used.
Off-Peak Period- Periods of the day when travel activity is generally lower. Also called "base period."
Operating Assistance- Financial assistance for transit operating expenses (not capital costs); such aid
may originate with federal, local, or state governments.
Operating Deficit- The sum of all operating expenses minus operating revenues.
Operating Expense- Monies paid in salaries, wages, materials, supplies, and equipment in order to
maintain equipment and buildings, operate vehicles, rent equipment and facilities, and settle claims.
Operating Revenue- Monies used to fund general, day-to-day costs of running transportation systems.
For transit, costs include fuel, salaries and replacement parts; for roads, operating costs involve
maintaining pavement, roadway repairs, labor costs, etc..
Outlay- A federal budgetary term that refers to a payment made to meet an obligation; the point at
which an actual payment of money is made.
Paratransit- Comparable transportation service required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of
1990 for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route transportation systems.
Park and Ride Lot- Designated parking areas for automobile drivers who then board transit vehicles
from these locations.
Particulate Trap- A filter which removes a portion of the particulates (solids, soot, etc.) from a vehicle's
exhaust stream and generally includes a regenerative unit and associated control system to burn the
collected solids.
Passenger Miles- The total number of miles traveled by passengers on transit vehicles; determined by
multiplying the number of unlinked passenger trips times the average length of their trips.
PATH - (California) Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways- A leading research and development
program for IVHS, sponsored by Caltrans and managed by ITS-Berkeley. Research is carried out by public
and private academic institutions across the state.
Peak Period- Morning and afternoon time periods when transit riding is heaviest.
Peak Period (Rush Hours)- The period during which the maximum amount of travel occurs. It may be
specified as the morning (a.m.), or afternoon, or evening (p.m.) peak.
Peak/Base Ratio- The number of vehicles operating for passenger service during the peak period divided
by the number operated during the base period.
Pedestrian Shed- An area that is centered on a common destination. Its size is related to average
walking distances for the applicable community type.