The Transportation landscape is changing… today, customers are faced with more choices than ever, between scooters, cars, TNC’s (Uber, Lyft, Via, etc.), bike share and other emerging modes. In such a diverse market, transit agencies need to think proactively to not only remain competitive amongst an ever-growing variety of transportation options but to ensure an equitable mobility framework.
Cities across the country are experiencing a surge in bicycling: This presents an opportunity to develop more holistic and integrated mobility networks in conjunction with transit. Proactive planning for increases in bicycling and opportunities for integration can drive increased transit ridership while minimizing potential conflicts and providing more connections for existing customers. Transit agencies which have embraced bicycling as a complementary mode have also seen reductions in demand for vehicular parking at station facilities as automobile trips were offset by bicycling.
While these benefits are certainly key inputs for agency decision-making around intermodal connections, facilitating linkages between bikes and transit isn’t simply a question of impacts on ridership and congestion mitigation from parking. Simple, simple, efficient and safe connections with transit can provide transportation access to vulnerable populations.
Beyond an equitable, people want to live in areas with more connected mobility networks. An integrated transportation system increases regional competitiveness and spurs economic development as employers and job seekers evaluate optimal environments to thrive.
Transit is position to serve as the backbone of community transportation systems, but this requires leadership and proactive thinking about extending the reach of transit beyond fixed route service and creating seamless linkages with other mobility options.
For more information on the benefits of bicycle and transit integration and specific integrated mobilities download the guide for bicycle and Transit Integration today.
