WEC Analysis Committee/Increase public transit - alternative modes

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Contents

[edit] Overview

This is one of eight integrated design issue clusters being developed by the WEC Analysis Committee starting mid-June, 2008.

Eight draft clusters... Intensify Development, Relocate Land Uses, Increase Public Transit, Enhance Pedestrian and Bikeways, Connections to Natural Resources, Enhance Natural Resources, Natural Watershed, Transportation Network

[edit] Description

Public transit and alternative modes of travel are a key component of the WEC solution. This cluster assembles all related ideas.

[edit] Key Parameters and Rules of Thumb

  1. Gas prices are increasing significantly, with no end in sight, making the single occupancy vehicle (SOV) a less affordable option
  2. Congestion contributes slightly to lower fuel efficiency in vehicles
  3. Efficient and easy to use transit systems are an excellent way to reduce SOV use
  4. Safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities and amenities are important incentives to use of these alternative transportation methods
  5. Development of alternative transportation methods including rapid transit and bicycle/pedestrian facilities are identified as policy priorities in local and regional transportation planning documents.
  6. "The system of public transportation - the entire web of airplanes, ...trains, buses, taxis, mini-trains, carts... - can only work if all the parts are well-connected. But they usually aren't... " [1] [Pattern Language Pattern 16 - WEB OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION]
  7. MINI-BUSES (explain) [2] [Pattern Language Pattern 20]
  8. A car sharing system provides an intermediate between personal vehicle ownership and full public transit.
  9. "Bus stops must be easy to recognize, and pleasant, with enough activity around them to make people comfortable and safe." Therefore: "Build bus stops so they form tiny centers of public life..." [3] [Pattern Language Pattern 92 - BUS STOP]
  10. To plan to meet Oregon adopted greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, very large investments in low-emissions public transportation are likely to be needed.
  11. In a multiway boulevard, because of key vehicle differences, it may be feasible to accomodate light rail tracks (and light rail stops) within the "pedestrian realm", whereas buses probably need to be run within the "through-going realm". This might have important implications for total right of way width required. [Connect to other multiway boulevard info]

[edit] Key Questions

  1. What are the relative costs and benefits, in various dimensions (financial, emissions, aesthetics, etc.), potential configurations, service and usage levels, and over various time scales, of light rail transit as compared to bus rapid transit?
  2. What are the operating feasibility issues of a minibus feeder/circulator system?

[edit] Community Design Implications

  1. Large investments in effective and low-emissions public transportation are needed.
  2. Dedicated right of way is probably needed for effective rapid transit such as EmX or light rail.
  3. Surrounding land uses should be coordinated to maximize use and efficiency of rapid transit
  4. Rapid and efficient transit options to and from Veneta, including rail, should be included in the design (more detail needed)
  5. Safe and dedicated bicycle and pedestrian routes should be included in any design proposal (more detail needed)

[edit] Key Implementation Issues

  1. Are there difficult political obstacles to funding light rail in Eugene? If so, what are they?
  2. Zoning may need to be reconsidered on West 11th to include a Transit Overlay zone for future transit needs (process)

[edit] References

[edit] External Links

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