TRANSPORTATION BEYOND TOMORROW Sustainable Transportation Master Plan

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1 TRANSPORTATION BEYOND TOMORROW 2031 Sustainable Transportation Master Plan

2 PIC Meeting Itinerary: PIC #1 Doors open 6:00 Public views boards from 6:00 6:30 Presentation 6:30-6:50 Break-out groups with facilitated discussion 6:50 7:20 Groups get back together and present 7:20 7:40 Q & A 7:40 8:00 Doors close 8:00

3 Study Participants City of Niagara Falls Niagara Region Ministry of Transportation Niagara Parks Commission Consulting Team AECOM Urban & Environmental Management

4 Sustainability and Issues The purpose of the Sustainable Transportation Study and Master Plan (STSMP) is to update and replace the existing Transportation Master Plan developed in 1998 and updated (in part) in The goal of the STSMP is: To provide a vision for a multi-modal transportation system that ensures the future growth in the City is sustainable, in the context of the Smart Growth Policies. To address operational, planning and policy issues for all modes in the context of tourism, economics, environment and the community.

5 We are Here Class EA Process

6 GOAL: Goals, Principles & Objectives Optimize the Transportation System Principle: Make the most of what exists; preserve and maximize the use of facilities and services avoid or defer the need for new infrastructure that does not support the other goals. Objectives: 1. Improve the way that the components of the transportation network, including signage and traffic signals, roundabouts, pedestrian/cycling facilities, transit priority systems, traffic management, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and intersection improvements, etc., work together to reduce delays and best use available capacity. 2. Enhance the existing transit system to efficiently move local residents throughout the network, and effectively move visitors throughout the visitor area. 3. Use transportation demand management (TDM) measures to improve the efficiency of the transportation system. 4. Fill the gaps add connections and linkages within the existing transportation system to minimize the need for more infrastructure. 5. Invest in integrated public transportation services to manage high levels of travel demand: for local residents for visitors to the community within the City and between Regional economic centres. 6. Optimize roads to accommodate all modes of travel, and expand roadways only when necessary.

7 GOAL: Principle: Objectives: Goals, Principles & Objectives Promote Transportation Choice Provide and maintain a sustainable transportation system that offers competitive choices for moving all people and goods in an integrated and seamless manner while minimizing single occupancy vehicle trips. 1. Think ahead embrace a comprehensive, long-term transportation planning approach that considers all modes and sets a priority for each mode related to the others. 2. Ensure that public transit services are planned and operated to be accessible, convenient, reliable, and comparable with other modes, including the automobile. 3. Develop safe, convenient and well-integrated bicycle and pedestrian networks and facilities that link key activity nodes within the region. 4. Continue to support new and innovative approaches to improve upon the existing transit system, and bicycling and pedestrian networks.

8 GOAL: Principle: Objectives: Goals, Principles & Objectives Foster a Strong Economy Provide a transportation system that supports the retention of existing businesses and attraction of sustainable economic activity. 1. Support the planning, design, delivery, and ongoing maintenance of a fully integrated transportation system composed of roads, walkways, bikeways, transit, and railways. 2. Implement a transit system that effectively moves visitors and related service providers throughout the visitor area to capitalize on tourism revenue and lengthen the average visitor stay within the community. 3. Work with the Provincial government and other agencies to upgrade and expand their transportation network and corridors including the provision of improved road, rail (freight), and bus/rail transit linkages/connections to the City. 4. Develop a transportation system that provides exemplary service to existing areas, promoting densification. 5. Foster partnerships between the all levels of government, the private sector, educators and other stakeholders to improve the transportation system. 6. Develop a transportation system that allows for the efficient movement of goods and people and is adaptable to accommodate changing needs.

9 GOAL: Principle: Goals, Principles & Objectives Support Sustainable Development and Growth Provide and maintain a transportation system, in both new and existing areas of the community, which supports sustainable growth and green initiatives. Objectives: 1. Develop initiatives and strategies that reduce the need to travel for both residents and visitors. 2. Ensure that the health and social benefits of an active lifestyle direct transportation planning and design decisions. Generally, priority will be given in the following order: Walking, Cycling, Public transit, Smart commute strategies, Single occupant vehicles; however, local context will influence transportation design choices (i.e. Context Sensitive Design and Complete Corridors). 3. Consider urban design, zoning and parking management strategies that support walking, cycling and transit, and minimize land consumed to support automobile travel (e.g. parking lots). 4. Support changes to the transportation system that will result in a reduction in vehicle emissions, minimize energy consumption, and limit environmental impacts (including social and heritage impacts). 5. Ensure that new development and redevelopment support greater levels of walking, cycling and transit, and that transit service is provided at an early stage in new developments. 6. Be a leader in the implementation of greenhouse gas emission and carbon reduction measures to meet the challenge of current and emerging climate change issues. 7. Foster the development of communities that support active transportation such as walking and cycling. 8. Ensure that transportation and land use decisions are consistent with the policies and direction included in the Regional Growth Management Strategy, City Official Plan, and the Provincial Growth Plan.

10 Public Survey Results Summary 409 interviews conducted (City Residents) 1.9 cars/household (Regionwide in ) 65% commute between work and home 88% of work-related commuters travel by car Seasonal congestion issues 12% of residents have used Niagara Falls Transit in the past month 60% recently used recreational trails in the City 1 in 5 residents said that tourists do not get enough attention

11 Public Survey - Conclusions Roads/Traffic is the leading local issue Use of mass transit options and active transportation are very low Cycling is a popular recreational activity; not generally a commuter travel mode Driving is second nature for short and long trips Opinions on roadway conditions are mixed (some positive/some negative comments)

12 What s Next Stay Involved Comment Sheets Let us know what you think! Continuation of Forecast Modeling PIC No. 2 January 2011 Comments, Questions or Concerns? Contact: Mr. Doug Willoughby, P.Eng, Project Manager, AECOM Ms. Marzenna Carrick, C.E.T., Manager of Transportation Engineering, City of Niagara Falls