2.1.1 Encourage community partners to engage London Transit Commission through the Get On Board program to educate Londoners on how to use the bus system (current initiative)(year 1 to 3) -Current Get On Board initiative: Existing LTC program to help make LTC accessible, informative, and encourage use of public transit
2.1.2 Improve London Transit Commission communication strategies to consider older adult and multi-language needs (route information, signage, web site etc.) (Year 2 and 3) Related to Communication and Information 7.1.2 and 7.1.3, Coordinate efforts around access to information within the community and Identify what information older adults are looking for and how they prefer to access information
2.1.3 Develop a comprehensive document and raise awareness of the transportation supports available to older adults in the community (current initiative) (Year 1) Related to Communication and Information 7.1.2 and 7.1.3, Coordinate efforts around access to information within the community and Identify what information older adults are looking for and how they prefer to access information - Co-chair provided committee with copy of London & Area Information brochure from the Seniors Community Association for review and possible incorporation into Spectrum magazine
2.2.1 Work with the London Transit Commission to hold yearly Town Hall meetings (in different locations around the city) to discuss various transit topics and hear feedback from residents (Year 1 to 3) LTC started holding town hall meetings in 2012
2.2.2 Encourage older adult representation on the Accessible Public Transit Service Advisory Committee (Year 1 to 3) Done Recruit an older adult representative from APTSAC -B.Q., a member of this committee, is co-chair of APTSAC.
2.4.3 Develop education and training programs for all drivers (public transportation and taxi drivers etc). on how to be sensitive to older adult needs (ex. general needs of an aging population, disability, mental health etc.) and how to handle those with support needs) (Year 1 to 3) wor -Training to deal with passengers with disabilities and mobility aids, as well as older passengers is already provided by LTC. -Committee must engage taxi licencing group to develop training for taxi industry (assuming that it isn t already provided).
2.5.1 Improve pedestrian safety at crossings by installing countdowns and longer cross times in areas where large numbers of older adults live or access services (current initiative)(year 1 to 3) AODA does not require pedestrian countdown signals. However, pedestrian countdown signals are being installed at all traffic signal rebuilds and also at select high priority locations. Pedestrian crossing times are being increased by using a slower walking pace in the traffic signal timing calculations. -Discussion at committee that CoL has already taken steps to improve safety: installation of countdown timers, tactile surfaces at sidewalk approaches, etc.
2.5.2 Petition the Province to change traffic laws that will allow the City to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety at roundabouts (current initiative) (Year 1) The City of London was one of a group of municipalities who have participated in the creation of a draft Ontario Traffic Manual Book 15 with the Ministry of. The Manual is titled Pedestrian Crossing Facilities and is focussed on pedestrian safety. Group efforts have been undertaken to lobby the provincial Minister of to modify the Highway Traffic Act to improve pedestrian safety and enhance safety. This would expand pedestrian rights so they are in line with provincial legislation in other Canadian provinces and provide municipalities with additional tools for pedestrian crossings.
2.5.3 Increase, improve and maintain bike lanes and bike paths throughout the city (current initiative) (year 1 to 3) The installation of bike infrastructure in London is guided by London s Bicycle Master Plan. Bike lanes are installed annually with most road widenings and also stand-alone bike lane projects. The current funding of stand-alone bike lanes projects is $110,000 per year and an increase to this amount will be considered by Council in the 2014 and future budgets. 9 kilometres of bike lanes were installed in 2013. City staff have recently been requested to review the feasibility for a more advisory committee focussed on cycling. Staff are currently reviewing alternatives and are planning to report back to Council.
2.5.4 Investigate and implement a car sharing program (year 3) Car sharing is a third party business opportunity that is appearing in numerous cities. Currently City staff is aware of a small program that has been established at a London student apartment building.
2.5.5 Investigate and implement a bike sharing program (year 2) A bike sharing program is a partnership that has been reviewed by Environmental Services. It is a third party business opportunity that the City will support. The purple bikes program at Western University is an example of a current program.
2.5.6 Provide more bicycle parking with lockups downtown and in other areas of the city (Year 1) Bike racks have been installed at several business areas by the City s Environmental Services Department.
2.5.7 Investigate effectiveness of current traffic calming measures and identify specific sites for future traffic calming (Year 2) City Planning & Design receives many traffic calming requests. A policy to receive community input and achieve support was approved in early 2013. An annual program valued at $125,000 exists. Associated with this is a 10-year listing of prioritized locations. Council recently requested that the annual budget be increased slightly to reduce the wait time. The performance of installed measures are regularly reviewed.
2.6.1 Investigate and implement priority parking for seniors (locations and time limits) (also Age Friendly Business) (Year 2) Outdoor Spaces and Buildings 1.8 Investigate Age-Friendly Business practices Further investigation can be undertaken in Year 2 to explore opportunities. This would be a private lot consideration-based initiative because enforcement would not be possible due to a lack of associated legislation. Technological challenges would also exist at parking meters. AODA requires 5% of parking stalls be accessible.
2.6.2 Advocate malls and hospitals to set aside parking spaces for seniors only parking (Year 1)
2.6.4 Consider longer maximum times on downtown parking meters (Year 1) This has been previously studied. Parking meters are intended for short-term use to maximize efficiency of the parking system and promote business and downtown viability. Off-street lots provide longer parking durations.