Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainableTransportationTransportation Sustainable transportation generally refers to enhancing alternatives to the automobile -- transit, bicycling, walking and rail -- to reduce pollution, conserve energy and decrease traffic congestion. It also implies attention to environmentally friendly infrastructure, alternative fuels and new transportation technologies. More and more communities around the country are incorporating these concepts into their transportation networks with increased support from state and federal funding. We see evidence of this in Oshkosh. The transit system is receiving four new hybrid buses. Buses are now fitted with bike racks. The new Butte des Morts bridge and overpasses on Highway 41 will have pedestrian and bicycle access. Energy efficient measures for the transit facility were among those included in the city's Energy Efficiency Community Development Block Grant application. For growing communities, transportation is an important issue and the City of Oshkosh plays a critical role in guiding its direction. Objective: To enhance mobility alternatives to the automobile; design safe, efficient and environmentally sound transportation infrastructure; and connect to other local and regional networks. Public Transit Service improvements. Continue to support and improve local bus service. Update the community's Transit Development Program on a five -year basis to reflect changing population, land use and economic conditions. Continue to incorporate transit into the development review process. Focus on improving traveler information, comfort and convenience to attract local and visiting general public as well as the transit dependent. Continue to meet and try to exceed service within a quarter mile of all areas of the city. Explore other expansion options, such as van - pooling and shuttle type service. Provide incentives for city employees and local businesses to use transit. Design marketing programs to attract the general public. Capital improvements. Continue to replace older buses in the fleet with energy efficient vehicles. Provide bus shelters at all possible locations. Improve the existing transit station and plaza; coordinate plaza design with surrounding streetscaping and street furniture. Replace mechanical systems in public transit facilities with energy efficient models. Explore sustainable options when making repairs or remodeling facilities Regional Transit Authorities. Support statewide efforts to permit transit agencies to create their own funding authorities to improve mass transit options. Intercity Bus Service. Support efforts to expand intercity bus service that links our area to other areas throughout the state. Rail Transportation Freight Rail. Promote and maintain efficient freight rail to serve the Oshkosh area. Every ton - mile of freight that moves by rail instead of truck reduces greenhouse gas emissions by two - thirds or more. Maintain a rail transportation system that protects the rail corridor and reduces the number of conflict points. Coordinate spur lines with industrial park sites. Coordinate with Canadian National Railway and Wisconsin & Southern Railroad on their right -of -way needs for future expansion along existing rail lines. Passenger Rail. Encourage establishment of passenger rail service in the Oshkosh area. Monitor implementation of WDOT's Midwest High Speed Rail Initiative promoting reopening of a train line between Green Bay and Milwaukee through Appleton, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Planning. Complete the Oshkosh Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan in 2010. Have it adopted by the City Council. Ensure inclusion of an implementation schedule and assignment of a dedicated city committee to oversee implementation. This plan has had extensive public input and incorporates a broad range of policies affecting bike routes, bike parking, pedestrian ways, connectivity with transit and trails, funding, education and intergovernmental cooperation. Riverwalk. Place a high priority on completion of the Riverwalk. Construct the segment from the amphitheatre to Main Street in 2010. Walkable Neighborhoods. Assess neighborhoods for their walkability by determining what goods and services are within an easy and safe walk to allow residents and employees to meet their needs on a regular basis. Recommend improvements where there are deficiencies. Review zoning policies for their potential to allow mixed -use and compact development. Safe Routes to School. Promote participation in this program that encourages walking and biking to school. Streets and Highways Sustainable streets. Create a streetscape that serves a riders and automobiles. Incorporate elements of green streets: LED street lighting, landscaping, wider terracf pedestrian type amenities. Explore porous and other n design that may reduce stormwater impacts or increas have to be tom up in the short term. Consider polluted street cleaning. Develop an erosion control ordinance projects. ge of users — pedestrian, bicyclists, transit ign when reconstructing or building new arrower pavements, biodegradable paint and r types of construction materials and road - :lasting quality of a street so it does not -off issues related to snow removal and enforce compliance during road construction Traffic signals. Synchronize traffic signals with speed limits to avoid unnecessary stops and idling of cars. Consider roundabouts where feasible. Parking facilities. Consider porous or pervious materials when rebuilding or developing parking facilities provided they compare favorably with longevity standards of traditional materials. Incorporate landscaping for aesthetics and stormwater control, LED lighting, bike racks and other items that conserve energy and protect the environment. Promote parking policies that discourage automobile trips. Trip reduction programs. Employ integrated land use planning and sprawl reduction policies to make destinations more pedestrian, bicycle and transit friendly. Encourage rideshare programs and telecommuting. Continue to evaluate and provide new locations for Park and Ride lots. Fossil fuel infrastructure alternatives. Consider provision of storage and access to bio- diesel or other alternative fuels for city vehicles. Explore incentives for businesses to provide access to alternative fuels, especially bio- diesel and its future fuel cousins. Explore the feasibility of adding infrastructure for future electric fueling /plug -in stations.