First and Last Mile
Contact: Dyami Valentine, Senior Planner | 503-846-3821
The easier it is to access public transit, the more likely people are to use it. However, navigating from their front door to the nearest transit stop and/or from transit to their final destination can be challenging. The objective of the First and Last Mile (FLM) project is to provide a vision for improving connections between transit and commuter destinations so everyone can safely access transit.
The FLM project will result in recommendations for implementing 1) infrastructure investments to provide safer, faster and more comfortable access to transit; and 2) opportunities to support and integrate innovative mobility options that are coordinated, flexible, and responsive to the land use and transportation context. Specifically this project advances Washington County’s Transportation System Plan (TSP) objectives, which seek to improve access to and encourage the enhancement of transit service in Washington County. This will be accomplished by the following tasks and activities:
- Understanding the implications (costs/risks and benefits/opportunities) of new mobility technology;
- Recommending amendments to the TSP, Road Design Standards and other policy documents for the County to consider (e.g. major transit stop, curb space treatments, parking and loading, etc.).
- Identifying priority locations to implement first and last mile transit access projects, programs and partnerships, including:
- Bicycle and pedestrian improvements;
- On demand mobility solutions such as shuttle services, microtransit, ridesharing, carsharing, bikesharing (including electric bikes and scooters), ridesourcing, and mobility hubs;
- Inter-regional and rural transit connectivity.
- Identifying priority projects and position Washington County for future funding opportunities.
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Background
Transit is a critical component of Washington County’s transportation system, reducing automobile trips, congestion, emissions and individual transportation costs. To achieve regional long-term climate and transportation goals, transit utilization will need to triple over the next twenty years.
Addressing barriers to accessing transit is critical to improving transit ridership. Disconnected sidewalks, long distances between signalized crossings, limited illumination and/or bike facilities that are substandard can create challenges for those navigating to and from transit stops and stations. There is also a lack of modern mobility options such as car-sharing, bike-sharing and on-demand shuttles.
Project Documents
Public Events
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