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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWorkshop- Transportation and Mobility Revised TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY Sustainable transportation generally refers to enhancing alternatives to the automobile— public transit, bicycling, walking and rail —to reduce pollution, conserve energy and decrease traffic congestion.. Objective: (Enhance mobility alternatives to the automobile; design safe,efficient and environmentally sound transportation iinfirastiructuire; and connect to otheir Ilocall and iregionall networks. Public Transit Service Improvements. 1. The system currently provides over a million rides annually and operates within walking distance of about 90 percent of the city. 2. The community's Transit Development Program is on it's second revision to reflect changing population, land use and economic conditions. 3. To help focus on improving traveler information, comfort and convenience to attract local and visiting general public as well as the transit dependent, a data gathering system has been in use for over a year with the goal of improving customer service. 4. Other improvements that are planned include electronic fee collection and a app for phones that will allow bus locations to be tracked by the customer in real time. 5. Explore other service options, such as van-pooling and shuttle type service. 6. Provide incentives and flexibility for city employees and local businesses to use transit. 7. Design marketing programs to attract the general public, such as fare capping. 8. Explore route alternatives for the Intercity Bus service to increase utilization. Capital Improvements. 1. In addition to the hybrid busses in service, seven new clean diesel busses were added to the fleet in June 2018 with three more scheduled to be added in 2019 to replace the ten 2003 models removed from service in 2018. 2. Bus shelters are being added at the rate of about 1-2 per year to new locations throughout the city. 3. Improvements to the existing downtown transit station and plaza by coordinating plaza design with surrounding streetscaping and street furniture to create a multi modal facility is being planned. Regional Transit Authorities. Support statewide efforts to permit transit agencies to create their own funding authorities to improve mass transit options. Rail Transportation Freight Rail. 1. On June 13,2018 two spur lines served by Wisconsin and Southern opened in the Southwest Industrial park connecting local businesses to the national rail system. 2. Every ton-mile of freight moving by rail instead of truck reduces greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds or more. 3. Coordinate with Canadian National Railway and Wisconsin & Southern Railroad on their right-of-way needs to maintain a rail transportation system that protects a rail corridor and reduces the number of conflict points. Passenger Rail. 1. Encourage establishment of passenger rail service in the Oshkosh area by promoting reopening of a train line between Green Bay and Milwaukee through Appleton, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Planning. 1.The Oshkosh Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan was completed in 2012 and adopted by the City Council. 2.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. 3.The Pedestrian and Bicycling Advisory Committee was established to oversee implementation of the plan. Riverwalk. 1. The Tribal Heritage trail over the Hy 41 bridge connects the Wiouwash trail to the riverwalk on both sides of the Fox river. 2. On the southern side of the river the trail will continue along the former Municipal Golf course to Rainbow Park. 3. The Boatworks Redevelopment project loop between the Wisconsin Street bridge and the Oregon Street is open and is scheduled be finished in the fall of 2018. 4. Three sections of the downtown loop remain to be completed; the Dockside tavern to Main Street, Main Street to Pioneer Island, and Rainbow park to the Senior Center. Walkable Neighborhoods. 1. 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, and recommend improvements where there are deficiencies. 2. Review zoning policies for their potential to allow mixed-use and compact development. 3. Projects such as the sawdust district development adjacent to the newly opened riverwalk exemplify this. 4. Encourage strict enforcement of speeding and other traffic laws to ensure streets are safe for all travelers—autos, pedestrians and bicyclists Streets and Highways Street Design and Maintenance. 1. Continue to promote and build infrastructure to serve a range of users—pedestrian, bicyclists, transit riders and automobiles. 2. Incorporate elements of green design when reconstructing or building new streets, e.g., LED street lighting, landscaping, native vegetation, wider terraces, narrower pavements, biodegradable paint and pedestrian amenities. 3. Explore newer types of construction material such as permeable pavers and road design to reduce stormwater impacts or increase the lasting quality of a street. 4. Continue an aggressive street cleaning program to protect water quality, maintain pavement, and reduce the burden on the sewer system. 5. Address polluted run-off issues related to salt usage and other methods of snow and ice removal. 6. Develop a local erosion control ordinance and continue to enforce state-required erosion control practices during street construction. Traffic Signals. 1. Synchronize traffic signals with speed limits to avoid unnecessary stops and idling of cars. 2. Fifteen roundabouts have been installed in the city to date. Parking Facilities. 1. Consider bio-filters and other sustainability practices when rebuilding or developing parking facilities provided they compare favorably with longevity standards of traditional materials. 2. Consider pervious paving materials where clay subsoil does not inhibit drainage. 3. Incorporate landscaping for aesthetics and stormwater control, LED lighting, bike racks and other items to conserve energy and protect the environment. 4. Promote parking policies to encourage more efficient use of facilities. Trip Reduction Programs. 1. Employ integrated land use planning and sprawl reduction policies to make destinations more pedestrian, bicycle and transit friendly. 2. Encourage rideshare programs and telecommuting. 3. There are four Park and Ride lots near the city and encourage new locations. Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Alternatives. 1. Eight EV charging stations have been installed in and within 10 miles of the city, with more being planned. 2. Explore incentives for businesses to provide access to EV charging stations and alternative fuels, especially bio-diesel and its future fuel cousins.