reconnecting america: integrating transportation systems and the communities they serve

www.reconnectingamerica.org

Integrating Transportation Systems and the Communities They Serve

Mariia Zimmerman, Reconnecting America

New York Public Transit Association, June 11, 2009

• Creating a national marketplace for TOD, working with cities, transit agencies, developers, investors + communities

• Technical assistance, research, + policy reform

• On-line Clearinghouse of TOD + Transit Best Practices

Reconnecting AmericaRemaking the Mission of Transit for Communities and the Environment

CTOD

T4America• An alliance of business, housing,

environment, development, labor, health, ageing and transportation interests for transportation investments that are economically sound, respond to markets and improve the lives of people

• Campaign Focus on the Next Federal Transportation Bill

2009: It was the Best of Times, It was the Worst of Times


• Transit increasingly being seen as legitimate tool to save the planet



•Economic competitiveness and System Efficiency• Equal Access to Improved Options• System Condition and Connectivity• Safety and Public Health• Energy Security • Environmental and Climate Protection

National Transportation Objectives in Support of Transit

AMERICANS WANT MORE TRANSPORTATION CHOICE

• 3,500 existing stations in 33 regions with “fixed-guideway” transit; • 700 additional stations being built and 15 regions with new systems;• Many regions are deciding that rather than wait for federal funding they will tax themselves to build transit • The private sector is contributing to streetcar systems, new light and heavy rail stations and new rail lines.

TRANSIT IS IN A BUILDING BOOM, CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOD

DENVER’S UNION STATION

Demand for Walkable Urbanism or TOD will Represent At Least 1/3 of the US Housing

Market by 2030

Transit Ridership at 40 Year High!Transit Ridership at 40 Year High!Transit Ridership at 40 Year High!Transit Ridership at 40 Year High!

Up 32% Since 1995

Development Industry Responds• ULI/PriceWaterhouseCoopers

“emerging trends” real estate report ranked TOD as one of the best bets for investors 4 years in a row

• Many developers re-orienting towards infill projects

• Building permits in cities growing as overall share over last decade, sometimes dramatically.


• BUT …. Same issues that have created national economic crisis threaten transit


Rising Health Care Costs


Transit Agencies Caught in AIG and Market Collapse


State and Local Budget Crisis



Rises and Volatile Price Increases in Capital and Operating Costs

United States of Transit Cuts


Transit agencies employed over 370,000 workers in 2006.

The Trillion Dollar Question: How do we pay for it all?


America at a CrossroadsAmerica at a Crossroads

And New York State!

In 2009, we have a unique opportunity for change in the next transportation cycle.

A Broke & Broken SystemDemographics

Economy Energy Concerns

Goals for the Next Federal BillGoals for the Next Federal Bill

Grow the Economy and Create Jobs

Build a World Class 21st Transportation Network

Ensure Safety & Improved Public Health Outcomes for All

Give Americans the Transportation Options They Need

Empower Local Communities to Meet National Goals

Achieve Energy Security and Restore Climate Stability

Creating Success at Local Levels

• Planning for transit and TOD needs to maximize the impact of public transit investment

• Need coordinated plan for success, so that everyone can benefit

• Need for a regional transit and land use vision that can guide long-term implementation.


Communities Supporting Transit

• Truly Affordable Housing and Access to Jobs

• Expanded Travel, Shopping and Housing Choices

• Regional Connections and Less Need to Drive

• Community Revitalization and Placemaking

• Environmental and Air Quality Improvements

Synergy between land use and transit delivers:


Value to Transportation System

• Increased Ridership and Revenue

• Regional Connections and Efficiency

• Value Creation and Financial Return

• Public Support for Expansion Projects

Synergy between transit andland use that delivers:


Regional Strategies Emerging


Denver, CO

Transit System Size Affects TOD

Performance• TOD Market Grows

• Car Ownership Declines

• Incomes Reflect Regional Profile

• Wider Array of Household Types Seek Housing Near Transit

• Higher Walk, Bike and Transit Mode Shares

• More Mid-Day Transit Trips

U Street, DCPortland’s Pearl District

Integrating with Housing Choices


• Walk to shops and services

• Access daily needs without driving

• Link trips to community uses such as schools and libraries

• Employment centers served by transit

• Destinations Matter! Bethesda, MD

Integrating with Destinations


• Transit can’t do it alone

• Walkable places are essential

• Lower Parking Standards in TOD

• Car Sharing + Shared parking

• Bike and pedestrian connections

• High quality transit service and bus connections

Integrating with Travel Options


Minneapolis, MN

• Gathering places and opportunities for interaction

• Reflect local character and community

• Provide venue for various activities

• Demonstrate positive public investment in transit and demand the same from private sector.

Creating Vibrant Public Spaces


San Francisco, CA

Fostering Community Engagement

• Outreach and meaningful involvement in planning process

• Long-term strategy and collaboration

• Clear implementation steps so everyone can see progress


We know it when we see it

• Streets

• Buildings

We know it when we see it

No “One Size Fits All” Solution


Not Your Grandfather’s Transit


Getting TOD Right: Portland’s Pearl DistrictTRANSIT

DENSE NEIGHBORHOOD

PARKS AND PLAZAS

WALKABLE STREETS


Getting TOD Right: Rosslyn-Ballston CorridorTRANSIT

CORRIDOR PLANNING

DISTINCT PLACES

BUILDING BUILDING COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY


NYC as Sustainability Leader



• Target Housing and Economic Development Incentives NJ, MA, CA, IL

• Coordinate Land Use & Transit in Planning and Funding MD, OR, FL, CA

• Capture Value for Local Use PA, CA , NC

• Early Land Acquisition for Affordable Housing New MN LAAND Program

What Can We Already Do?

Pittsburgh Map?Or other Photos


• Think big!

• Provide benefits to a full range of households.

• Form strong partnerships

• Plans and codes are not always sufficient

• Be proactive and plan for success

Creating Sustainable Communities with Transit


Integrating Transportation Systems and the Communities They Serve

Mariia Zimmerman, Reconnecting America

[email protected], 202-429-6990

reconnecting america: integrating transportation systems and the communities they serve

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