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Center for Urban Transportation Research | University of South Florida

Multimodal Transportation Best Practices and Model Element Training

Multimodal Planning Best Practices for Small Towns and Rural Areas

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Welcome to the Webinar Series

Kristine Williams, AICP CUTR Program Director, Planning and Corridor Management

Karen Seggerman, AICP, CNU‐A, CUTR, Senior Associate, Planning and Corridor Management

Gary Sokolow, Florida Department of Transportation, Systems Planning Office 

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Learning Objectives

• Provide guidance for local governments outside of MPO planning areas

• Outline key multimodal planning concepts and requirements in Florida

• Discuss the role of visioning and coordination in the multimodal planning process

• Provide an overview of important considerations for multimodal transportation planning in rural areas

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Multimodal Transportation Best Practices and Model Element

• Chapter 1– About

– Key concepts

• Chapter 2– Urbanized areas

• Chapter 3– Small communities and rural areas

• Chapter 4– Next steps

• Appendices

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Mobility Review Guide and Checklist

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Categories for Review

Supporting Plans and Guidelines

Multimodal Environment

Network Improvement

Operations and Safety

Implementation

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MULTIMODAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

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2011 Community Planning Act

“…plan for a multimodal transportation system that places emphasis on public transportation 

systems, where feasible.”

‐Chapter 163, F.S.

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2011 Community Planning Act

“The element shall provide for a safe, convenient multimodal transportation system, 

– coordinated with the future land use map or map series, and designed to support all elements of the comprehensive plan.” 

‐ §163.3177(6)(b) F.S.

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2011 Community Planning Act

• Each local government is to address mobility issues “… in relationship to the size and character of the local government.” 

§163.3177(6)(b) F.S.

See Appendix A of the Model Element for details.

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Requirements for Small Communities Outside of MPOs

Existing and proposed thoroughfares

Bicycle and pedestrian ways

Map of transportation system as coordinated with future land use map

Appropriate data and analysis

• LOS, needs, availability of facilities and services

• Growth trends, land use/trans interactions

• Existing and projected deficiencies

• Projected system LOS, needs, per FLU and projected future transportation system 

• How deficiencies will be corrected

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KEY CONCEPTS

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Mobility and Accessibility

Mobility

• The ability of people to make trips to satisfy their needs or desires by any combination of modes of transportation.

Accessibility

• An area‐wide measure of the ease of travel between locations within a defined geographic area.

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The Sprawl Cycle

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Think mobility versus capacity

Look beyond level of service

Priority on expanding mode choice

Lower priority on preventing future congestion

www.bozeman‐magpie.com

www.bikeleague.org

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expanding and reinforcing mode choice in cores and centers, improving walkability, and promoting a diverse mix of land uses in close proximity

relieving auto congestion in urban core areas or activity centers m

ore emphasis 

less emphasis 

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Network and AccessibilityOne‐Mile Walk in a Compact Neighborhood One‐Mile Walk in a Sprawling Suburb

www.walkscore.com

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Connectivity and Trip Length

Source: http://www.vtpi.org/landtravel.pdf

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Land Use & Accessibility Best Practices

Promote a mix of land uses downtown

Focus major generators:

• in urban cores

• in district centers 

• near major public transportation stops

Locate day‐to‐day facilities in local centers so they are accessible by walking and cycling

Accommodate housing in existing urban areas

Put retail and entertainment in the urban core first, then edge of core, then 

fringe

Innovative and flexible approaches to parking

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VISION AND COORDINATION

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Inventory regional agency and modal plans for information, such as, but not limited to:

• quality/level of service 

• crash analyses for all modes

• land use issues related to transportation system 

• access conditions on thoroughfares

• network continuity and gaps

• freight movement objectives and needs

• funding priorities and partnering opportunities (e.g., projects with committed funding)

• inconsistencies with existing local government plans 

Best Available Data Sources

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Rural Areas of Critical Economic Concern and Catalyst Sites

http://www.floridajobs.org/redi/racecmap.pdf

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Foundation for Coordination

A• Establish a future vision for planning purposes

B

• Synthesize strategic areas of importance to the community and region

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• Organize the plan around these strategic areas and include strategies and GOPs to address them

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• Link these issues to performance measures and monitor progress

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Vision Statements

•Define the desired future state

•Provide guidance and inspiration

•Should be succinct and memorable

To use transportation improvements as a catalyst to create quality “people places,” to promote the downtown experience and to make Orlando a great place to live, work, and play.”

Downtown Orlando Transportation Plan 

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Set Goals, Objectives, & Policies

Goal ‐ the long‐term end toward which programs 

or activities are ultimately directed

Objective ‐ a specific, measurable, 

intermediate end that is achievable and makes progress toward a goal

Policy ‐ the way in which programs and activities 

are conducted to achieve an identified 

goal

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Taylor County Vision

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Non-motorized Rural Town Center Corridor Plan

http://www.commerce.wa.gov/Documents/GMS‐GSCA‐Town‐Wilkeson‐Rural‐Town‐Center‐Corridor‐Plan.pdf

“…protect the rich history so evident throughout the town, increase pedestrian safety, and provide for improved parking, circulation and access to the businesses and public spaces in the town center.” 

– Town of Wilkeson, WA

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MULTIMODAL NETWORK

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Network ImprovementKey Elements

Major Roadway Network

Local Roadway Network

Transit Network

Bicycle and 

Pedestrian Network

Complete gaps and increase connections

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Functional Classification Map

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Priority Routes by Mode

Credit: ITE

City of Alameda, CA

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Complete Streets Policies & Guidelines

Credit: Michele WeisbartComplete Streets=

•Bicycle

•Pedestrian

•Vehicle

• Transit

•Appropriate Land Use mix

Source: Broward County Complete Streets Guidelines

See page 227, Appendix G of Model Element

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Complete Streets Strategies on Rural Roadways

Source: Polk County Complete Streets Corridor Studies 

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Land Use and Network Issues

original village emerging development

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Network Connectivity Policies

Connectivity Index

• e.g. Areas with a score of 1.4 are considered walkable

Maximum block length requirement

• e.g. 245‐660 feet

Maximum block perimeter standards

• e.g. 1320 feet

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Photos courtesy of City of Gainesville, FL

Improved Pedestrian Access

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Bike/Ped Planning

Update goals, objectives, and policies

Provide for supporting facilities, including bicycle parking

Prioritize links to key destinations 

Document gaps and other deficiencies

Inventory the existing system

Source: seeclickfix.com

Source: theadvocate.com

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Example Bike/Ped Network Objective and Policy

Objective: Provide direct bicycle and pedestrian connections within and between residential areas and supporting community facilities and services, such as shopping areas, employment centers, transit stops, neighborhood parks, and schools.

• Policy: Missing links in the bicycle and pedestrian network shall be identified and eliminated where feasible through the development and capital improvement process. 

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Access Management

For model policies, regulations and other Access Management resources go to:www.cutr.usf.edu/research/access_m/publicat.htm

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http://www.walklive.org/photo‐visions/

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http://www.walklive.org/photo‐visions/

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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION & LAND USE

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Integrating Transit into Small Towns

Improve regional bus networks

Intercity bus service

Circulator systems

Intermodal transit centers and hubs

From “Putting Transit to Work in Main Street America”

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Future Public Transit System Map

Polk County, FL Comprehensive Plan

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FREIGHTseefloridago.com

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Information Sources

See ITR 2‐9 on page 53 of the Model Element

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Rail

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Integrate Connections to Aviation, Rail, Ports, and Intermodal Facilities

Designate priority truck routes where high‐volume truck traffic exists or is anticipated.

Apply corridor management strategies to improve truck operations and throughput. 

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Freight Activity Centers

Polk County Freight Activity Centers and Truck Routes

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Set Future Q/LOS Standards, Performance Measures, and Benchmarks

roadway level of service

public transportation quality of service

bicycle and pedestrian quality of service or performance standards

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Please let us know if you use the model element.

Thank you!

Kristine Williams kwilliams@cutr.usf.edu

Karen Seggermanseggerman@cutr.usf.edu