Region of Waterloo Transportation Master Plan Update Public Consultation Centre See the Information Package on how to contact the Project Team and complete the Comment Sheet www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/exploring-the-region/transportation-master-plan.aspx
Moving Forward: Goals What is Moving Forward? Moving Forward is the Region of Waterloo s Transportation Master Plan. The plan identifies policies and projects to meet the Region s transportation needs and support the Region s vision. See Information Package page 1 The Region s New Transportation Vision Waterloo Region will be a prosperous, sustainable and healthy community, with viable transportation choices for people of all ages and abilities, and for the goods supporting our economy. See Information Package page 8 Optimize the Transportation System Maximize the use of existing transportation services and facilities. Neither overbuild nor underbuilt the road and transit system. Promote Transportation Choice Make walking, cycling, and transit a competitive choice for travel. Develop an seamless network integrating different modes of travel. Foster a Strong Economy Support existing businesses and attract new industry and commerce. Attract sustainable economic activity. Support Sustainable Development Supports sustainable growth in urban and rural areas. Reduce transportation contributions to climate change and air pollution. Promote a healthier environment.
The Region is Growing Waterloo Region is expected to grow by 215,000 residents and 89,000 jobs by 2041 Growth in Residents and Jobs Region is intensifying the central transit corridor (growth of 33% by 2041) Other suburban and rural areas of the region are also expected to grow Population and Employment Growth by Municipality Area Cambridge Kitchener Waterloo Townships Total Downtown Kitchener-Waterloo 2011 190,000 316,000 169,000 85,000 760,000 141,000 Population + Employment 2041 273,000 427,000 225,000 140,000 1,065,000 168,000 Growth 44% 35% 33% 65% 40% 19% Source: Region of Waterloo Moderate Forecast. Places to Grow forecasts are also under review. 3
What We ve Heard The importance of healthy choices Residents were strongly in favour of a transportation system that offered transportation choices that support a healthy lifestyle. Strong interest in choices other than cars The public has a great deal of interest in public transit, cycling and walking. However, residents are experiencing barriers such as a long travel time on transit, and safety concerns for cycling and walking. Importance of transportation to the economy Residents expressed how transportation plays a critical role in a sustainable economy. This includes both how people get to work and shopping, and also how the goods that support our economy are moved from place to place. $ The need for better network integration Residents pointed out the need for better integration across the transportation network; for example, how easy it is to walk, bike or drive to public transit. Additionally, there are gaps in the networks, such as bike lanes that end at intersections and areas that cannot be accessed by public transit. 4
Travel Trends since 1996 Inter-regional travel is growing rapidly Transit ridership grows with investment in service Walk, cycle, and transit mode shares are growing Peak hours are similar to smaller urban areas See Information Package pages 2-6 for detailed descriptions See Information Package pages 2-6 5
Behaviours, Attitudes, and Barriers A Region-wide survey asked about travel behaviour and barriers. Respondents were classified into four broad groups: Fearless and Strong: Already consider travelling by public transit, cycling and walking. Enthused and Confident: Would probably consider it. Interested but Concerned: Might consider it if barriers were addressed. No Way No How: Would not consider even if their barriers were addressed. See Information Package page 14 6
Existing and Future Traffic Conditions 2011 Traffic Conditions Several Regional corridors under pressure, in addition to Highways 401, 7, 8, and 85 2041 Traffic Conditions Significant traffic growth across Region and in trips to Guelph, Hamilton, and GTA, causing new congestion hotspots to appear across Region NOTE - General roadway traffic conditions in the busiest afternoon hour measured as traffic volume compared to roadway capacity: GOOD FAIR POOR 7
Planning Scenarios Scenario 1: Extend the 2010 Regional Transportation Master Plan to 2041 Scenario 1 extends the Region s 2010 plan to the new 2041 horizon. Examples of planned projects include: The River Road extension in south Kitchener The Active Transportation Master Plan ION Stage 2 to Cambridge Scenario 2: More Investment in Transit and Active Transportation This scenario considers more transit, walking and cycling investments over and above Scenario 1. Examples of projects include: Additional rapid transit over and above Scenario 1 All-day high-frequency transit network and more frequent off-peak transit service Better transit access to low-density areas More separated bike lanes via road dieting (taking away a lane of traffic on Regional roads) Separated Bicycle lane Scenario 3: New Mobility Scenario 3 looks at a possible future with autonomous vehicles, much greater use of car sharing, ride-sharing, on-demand public transport, and greater interconnected travel modes. 8
Scenario Evaluation Goals & Attributes Criteria Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Efficiency of road and transit networks Efficiency of transportation demand Quality of active transportation options Quality of public transit options Goal 1: OPTIMIZE THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Roads are neither overbuilt nor underbuilt to meet demand 3 2 Transit vehicles carry more passengers People choose sustainable modes 3 4 People make shorter trips Goal 1 Score out of 10 6 6 Goal 2: PROMOTE TRAVEL CHOICE More people live near highquality cycling facilities Regional roads include reserved space for cyclists Regional roads offer physical separation of pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles More people live near frequent transit service More transit service is offered Transit trips are faster 4 5 3 4 Goal 2 Score out of 10 7 9 Scenario 1: Extend the 2010 Regional Transportation Master Plan to 2041 Scenario 2: More Investment in Transit and Active Transportation Scenario 3: New Mobility Goals & Attributes Criteria Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Economic competitiveness Costs of transportation Impacts on climate, air, land and water Impacts on public health and safety Overall resilience Goal 3: FOSTER A STRONG ECONOMY Goods and services move with less delay Employers have better access to labour market by transit Intercity travel improvements support growth in regional investment, employment and population Waterloo Region is more attractive to prospective residents and workers 3 2 The total social benefits of transportation are higher User costs are lower Government capital costs are 3 1 lower Government operating costs are lower Goal 3 Score out of 10 6 3 Goal 4: SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Less space is occupied by hard surfaces Lower use of motor vehicles reduces emissions and noise More travel by active modes prevents chronic disease More travel by active modes reduces death from all causes Travel is safer The system can withstand disruptions related to energy supply, security, and extreme weather associated with climate change 3 3 3 4 3 3 Goal 4 Score out of 15 9 10 Findings Scenario 1 performs well urban Regional roads are neither overbuilt nor underbuilt. Transit and active transportation investments continue to grow mode share. Scenario 2 has slightly more congestion, diverts traffic onto City and Township roads, and is much more expensive. However it provides health benefits and encourages more cycling and walking. Scenario 3 was not assessed using evaluation criteria as it has major uncertainties in terms of technology adoption and impacts both positive and negative. Scenario 1 is close to meeting objectives. Build on Scenario 1 by deferring low-performing road projects, and by adding the best transit and active transportation projects from Scenario 2. Identify risks, opportunities, and policy directions from Scenario 3 9
Recommendations - Barriers It would take too long to get between destinations Distance between destinations: Can be addressed by more compact land use Directness of the route: Improvements to walking, cycling and public transit can make routes more direct. The speed of that travel mode: Measures such as transit priority can reduce delays. Safety concerns Can be mitigated through improved designs, including bike lanes and multi-use trails that are physically separated from traffic to enhance user comfort. Better driver and cyclist education can also improve safety. Does not meet my schedule needs Investment in an all-day frequent transit network can help to address this barrier by expanding the hours of service. Requires too many connections to get to my destination Addressing the directness of transit routes, or exploring first/last mile connections from transit stops, can help to address this barrier by reducing the number of transfers. 10
Recommendations - Roads Build a Transportation Network that Supports all Modes of Travel 1. Complete projects in progress (ION, Active Transportation Master Plan, King Street, Fountain Street) to provide a foundation for a multi-modal focus moving forward. 2. Slow implementation of some road widening. Projects should continue to be driven by development and congestion. 3. Review Regional Corridor Design Guidelines to support urban intensification, enhance safety, encourage reduced traffic speeds, and accommodate all modes. 4. Support reduced or eliminated parking rate minimums in area municipal zoning bylaws. 5. Undertake a goods movement strategy. 6. Proactively manage transportation demand by funding transportation demand management through capital projects and development charges, to facilitate reducing the need for travel or the shifting of trips to different times, routes or modes. Source: Google 11
Road Network 2018 to 2041 Road System Expansion to 2041 12
Recommendations - Transit Develop a Frequent Transit Network 1. Extend ION to Cambridge (ION Stage 2). 2. Implement a frequent transit network that provides high quality 10-minute or better service all day by 2041. 3. Identify additional corridors for future rapid transit. 4. Continue to encourage land use intensification along the ION line. Source: Google 5. Include transit priority measures in capital budgets to maintain or improve timecompetitiveness with cars. 6. Investigate smaller scale, more flexible transit to provide service to underserved areas. Source: Google UBER Innisfil, Ontario has partnered with Uber and subsidizes a portion of the fare Transit Priority Measures Transit Signal Priority Queue Jump Lanes Bus/Transit Lanes Source: ACTransit.org 13
Priority Transit Network 2041 14
Recommendations - Active Transportation The Region s 2014 Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) provides a strong basis for the delivery of the active transportation network and supporting strategies The Transportation Master Plan Update builds on the ATMP with the following strategies: DELIVERY POLICY & PROGRAMS NETWORK Paved Shoulders Update the Active Transportation Master Plan and identify opportunities to upgrade facilities (separated bike lanes or multi-use trails), cross major barriers such as highways and rivers, and enhance network connections. Enhance walk and bike access to transit, and integrate active transportation with city facilities and destinations Through Travelwise, emphasize safe, active travel for children and youth travelling to and from school and other locations. Continue to engage with other sectors to emphasize safety in design and monitoring, such as working with police to determine opportunities/needs for enforcement including automated speed enforcement (ASE) in school zones. Bike Lanes & Buffered Bike Lanes Cycle Tracks Establish a dedicated budget to fill gaps in the active transportation network Define and measure the health benefits for people travelling in and around Waterloo Region. 15 Multi-use Paths & Trails
2041 Cycling Network Cambridge This map depicts the ultimate (long-term 2041) cycling network on Regional roads Routes that were previously proposed as bike lanes will be reviewed to identify opportunities to upgrade the facility to a separated cycling facility 16
Recommendations - Supporting Strategies Enhance Inter-Regional Connections - GO Rail, Bus, and Highways Support and promote GO Rail and GO Bus improvements to enhance connections with the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and other destinations (Guelph, London, Brantford). Work with the Ministry of Transportation and support managed lanes on Provincial highways, such as dedicated high-occupancy vehicle lanes, high-occupancy toll lanes, or truck lanes. Support goods movement with a balanced plan that maintains service levels and accessibility while maximizing safety and accommodating all modes in Regional corridors. Kitchener GO Station photo by JustSomePics HOV Lanes Source: Google 17
Recommendations - New Mobility Position the Region for New Mobility Integrate mobility services with public transit, such as a through a shared payment platform that would enable users to buy mobility on a variety of different modes. In areas of the Region with limited or no public transit, consider subsidized ride-hailing through transportation network companies such as Uber, Lyft, or conventional taxis. Regulate the supply of ride-hailing providers, such as through a registration program. Examine on-demand and dynamically routed public transit service that would enable transit services to modify their routes based on demand. Investigate road user charging and other policies, such as parking cost, to help manage demand, reduce traffic congestion and provide an additional source of revenue. Plan for a driverless ride-hailing pilot program. Potential benefits of a well-managed adoption of new technology 18
Capital and Operating Costs Roads Road Capital Costs ($M) 2018 2031 2032 2041 Beyond 2041* 2010 RTMP $310 $370 $180* Projects Deferred ($40) ($140) - Total Capital Costs by Period $270 $230 $180* New Projects (Timing to be Determined) $60 - Total Road Capital Costs $560 $180* Road Operating Costs ($M) 2018 2031 2032 2041 Current Planned $650 $500 Additional Costs $20 $40 Total Operating Costs by Period $670** $540** Total Road Operating Costs $1,210 *Beyond the horizon of this plan; provided for information only ** Rounded Transit Transit Capital Costs ($M) 2018 2031 2032 2041 Bus Fleet Growth $80 $140 New Transit Garage - $120 Transit Priority $7.0 $5.0 Ancillary Costs $40 $6.0 Total Capital Costs by Period $130 $270 Total Transit Capital Costs $400 Transit Operating Costs ($M) 2018 2031 2032 2041 Direct Operating Costs $1,580 $1,630 Fare Revenues ($620) ($640) Total Operating Costs by Period $960 $990 Total Transit Operating Costs $1,950 Active Transportation Active Transportation Capital Costs ($M) 2018 2031 2032 2041 Network Expansion $100 $40 Facility Upgrade $20 $10 Total Capital Costs by Period $120 $50 Total AT Capital Cost $170 *AT Operating costs included with Roads 19
Key Features of the New Plan ION Stage 2 with service into downtown Cambridge will be implemented Initial planning will begin for ION Stage 3 (to be implemented around 2041) The candidate routes are 1) Highland Road Charles Street Victoria Street and 2) Erb Street University Avenue. The bus network will be expanded more bus routes to fill gaps in service and provide service to growth areas. A core grid network with 10-minute headways will be developed. New funding for transit priority to improve travel times and reliability includes transit signal priority, queue jump lanes, and bus lanes Enhances the walking and cycling network with new and better facilities including separated bike lanes, and road diets. Some road projects have been deferred to future years, potentially saving the Region money or allowing funds to go towards other projects Source: Google Source: Google 20