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NEXTransit - What are the Policies/Programs?

NEXTransit - What are the Policies/Programs?

Let's Talk Policies and Programs! We want to know what you think is important!  

 

For the purposes of this phase of the NEXTransit planning process, policies  and programs include ways that Port Authority can achieve its values and public input themes through solutions that are not easily found on a map that impact our whole community. Providing riders with high quality public transit options requires more than providing roads and routes: the quality of service, ways to pay one’s fare, use of available and best technology, and a focus on regular and ongoing investment are needed to ensure riders have a seamless transit experience. 

 

For each of the below policies and programs, we want to know your thoughts on importance!  

 

Let's Get Started!

New Infrastructure Policy & Program Ideas 

You can provide input on one or all of the policies/programs. Simply make your selections, click submit at the bottom of this page.
 

Sidewalk Quality and Access Program

Walking is the primary way most people access transit. Unfortunately, not all streets leading to transit stops/stations have sidewalks. The issue of missing sidewalks is prevalent in suburban areas, but is not exclusive to them--denser urban areas also lack sidewalks in many locations.

This program would explore Port Authority partnering with local agencies such as Allegheny County, Southwestern Planning Commission, and municipalities to form a sidewalk construction program that prioritizes building complete pedestrian networks to transit in areas of high need, transit propensity and equity-based mobility need. While the structure of such a program is still to be determined, it is important to realize economies of scale in order to maximize the mileage of sidewalk that can be constructed per year.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a program focused on sidewalk quality and access.

Sidewalk Quality and Access Program Walking is the primary way most people access transit. Unfortunately not all streets leading to transit stops/stations have sidewalks. The issue of missing sidewalks is prevalent in suburban areas but is not exclusive to them--denser urban areas also lack sidewalks in many locations. This program would explore Port Authority partnering with local agencies such as Allegheny County Southwestern Planning Commission and municipalities to form a sidewalk construction program that prioritizes building complete pedestrian networks to transit in areas of high need transit propensity and equity-based mobility need. While the structure of such a program is still to be determined it is important to realize economies of scale in order to maximize the mileage of sidewalk that can be constructed per year. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a program focused on sidewalk quality and access.
5: very important
65%
3: important
14%
4: more important
12%
2: somewhat important
5%
1: being not important
4%
Closed to responses | 140 Responses

High Quality Bus Stops and Spacing (Stop Optimization)

This program encourages the continuation of Port Authority's efforts to consolidate bus stops on a route-by-route basis to achieve optimal spacing, add bus shelters and other amenities such as benches and signage, and improve operational efficiency.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a program focused on stop optimization and high quality bus stops and spacing

High Quality Bus Stops and Spacing (Stop Optimization) This program encourages the continuation of Port Authority s efforts to consolidate bus stops on a route-by-route basis to achieve optimal spacing add bus shelters and other amenities such as benches and signage and improve operational efficiency. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a program focused on stop optimization and high quality bus stops and spacing
5: very important
34%
3: important
24%
2: somewhat important
19%
4: more important
19%
1: being not important
4%
Closed to responses | 125 Responses

Mobility Technology Innovation

Technology advancements in mobility are developing quickly and will have a significant impact on the public transit industry long-term. Before that happens, PAAC could develop policies that address long-term operational and safety goals as new technologies are introduced to various functions of the transit system.

In order to advance safety and improve reliability, develop a program for looking for best and latest practices in the realm of vehicle technology to support these goals. This could include advancements in vehicle electrification, charging, signal prioritization, docking, platooning, communication, and other computerization methods of the future.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a policy focused on mobility technology innovation.

Mobility Technology Innovation Technology advancements in mobility are developing quickly and will have a significant impact on the public transit industry long-term. Before that happens PAAC could develop policies that address long-term operational and safety goals as new technologies are introduced to various functions of the transit system. In order to advance safety and improve reliability develop a program for looking for best and latest practices in the realm of vehicle technology to support these goals. This could include advancements in vehicle electrification charging signal prioritization docking platooning communication and other computerization methods of the future. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a policy focused on mobility technology innovation.
5: very important
31%
3: important
26%
2: somewhat important
23%
4: more important
18%
1: being not important
3%
Closed to responses | 119 Responses

Best Use Studies

This policy would direct Port Authority (PAAC) to study Infrastructure that is owned by PAAC but does not play a role in advancing the agency's mission of connecting people to life for highest/best use and infrastructure would be divested, closed, or used differently/more efficiently where possible.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a policy focused on Best Use Studies.

Best Use Study graphic
2: somewhat important
29%
3: important
29%
5: very important
19%
4: more important
16%
1: being not important
7%
Closed to responses | 112 Responses

Parking Management Program

Parking is an inefficient and costly use of land. Even when used for park and ride facilities, the net benefit of additional riders may be offset not only by the cost of maintenance for the facility, but also the opportunity cost of what the highest/best use of the site could be. This program would evaluate short term and long term options for parking facilities.

A short term option may consider pricing based on what the market will bear. A long term may consider if a facility(ies) should be integrated into joint development sites that produce revenue and additional ridership.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a program focused on Parking Management Program.

Parking Management Program Parking is an inefficient and costly use of land. Even when used for park and ride facilities the net benefit of additional riders may be offset not only by the cost of maintenance for the facility but also the opportunity cost of what the highest/best use of the site could be. This program would evaluate short term and long term options for parking facilities. A short term option may consider pricing based on what the market will bear. A long term may consider if a facility(ies) should be integrated into joint development sites that produce revenue and additional ridership. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a program focused on Parking Management Program.
5: very important
26%
3: important
25%
2: somewhat important
22%
4: more important
18%
1: being not important
9%
Closed to responses | 111 Responses

Vehicle Design and Amenities

On-board amenities and vehicle layouts make transit more accessible, comfortable, or convenient while still maintaining rider safety, capacity and ease of movement within the vehicle. Additions could include spaces for strollers and carts, more storage space, or better accommodations for wheelchairs.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a program focused on Vehicle Design and Amenities.

Vehicle Design and Amenities On-board amenities and vehicle layouts make transit more accessible comfortable or convenient while still maintaining rider safety capacity and ease of movement within the vehicle. Additions could include spaces for strollers and carts more storage space or better accommodations for wheelchairs. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a program focused on Vehicle Design and Amenities.
3: important
26%
5: very important
26%
2: somewhat important
23%
4: more important
13%
1: being not important
12%
Closed to responses | 113 Responses

In regards to the Vehicle Design and Amenities policy, please select all of the amenities that are important to you.

In regards to the Vehicle Design and Amenities policy please select all of the amenities that are important to you.
More flexible space
55%
More space for carts/goods (groceries, etc)
52%
More storage space (luggage, backpacks, etc.)
51%
More space for strollers
38%
More space for standees/fewer seats
22%
Other
11%
Closed to responses | 93 Responses

Vehicle Electrification / Fuel Diversification

A diverse vehicle fleet may use alternative fuel sources such as battery electricity, fuel cells, or natural gas as technologies advance and become more affordable. These technologies have the benefit of reducing localized air pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and/or can help make communities along transit routes more livable via reduced noise and vibration.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a policy focused on Vehicle Electrification / Fuel Diversification.

Vehicle Electrification / Fuel Diversification A diverse vehicle fleet may use alternative fuel sources such as battery electricity fuel cells or natural gas as technologies advance and become more affordable. These technologies have the benefit of reducing localized air pollution reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or can help make communities along transit routes more livable via reduced noise and vibration. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a policy focused on Vehicle Electrification / Fuel Diversification.
5: very important
50%
3: important
19%
4: more important
15%
2: somewhat important
10%
1: being not important
6%
Closed to responses | 111 Responses

ADA System Access

Port Authority's goal is 100% system accessibility to all stations, shelters, and hubs under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This policy/program would evaluate and program upgrades and potentially downgrades where ADA compliance is not achievable to move towards full system accessibility regardless of ability

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a policy/program focused on ADA System Access.

ADA Compliance
5: very important
66%
4: more important
16%
3: important
12%
2: somewhat important
4%
1: being not important
2%
Closed to responses | 110 Responses

System-wide Signage / Wayfinding

As the first and most common interaction riders have with the transit system, clear and consistent signage is important for network legibility. This program would ensure a broad system is developed that incorporates branding, ease of understanding, and simplicity throughout the service area.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a program focused on Systemwide Signage / Wayfinding.

System-wide Signage / Wayfinding As the first and most common interaction riders have with the transit system clear and consistent signage is important for network legibility. This program would ensure a broad system is developed that incorporates branding ease of understanding and simplicity throughout the service area. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a program focused on Systemwide Signage / Wayfinding.
5: very important
56%
3: important
18%
4: more important
16%
2: somewhat important
6%
1: being not important
4%
Closed to responses | 111 Responses

New Non-Infrastructure Policy & Program Ideas

You can provide input on one or all of the policies/programs. Simply make your selections and scroll to the bottom of the page then choose submit. 

Fare Purchase Expansion

This program, which is already underway, would include Port Authority continuing to expanding retail locations and adding ticket vending machines in a targeted manner throughout the system to improve the experience for all riders, with a special focus on un- and underbanked customers who must currently use cash to ride.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a program focused on Fare Purchase Expansion.

Fare Purchase Expansion This program which is already underway would include Port Authority continuing to expanding retail locations and adding ticket vending machines in a targeted manner throughout the system to improve the experience for all riders with a special focus on un- and underbanked customers who must currently use cash to ride. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a program focused on Fare Purchase Expansion.
5: very important
58%
3: important
16%
4: more important
14%
2: somewhat important
10%
1: being not important
2%
Closed to responses | 108 Responses

Carbon Neutral Agency and/or Offsetting Electricity Purchases

As the region experiences high levels of air pollution and our globe continues to experience pressure from climate change, Port Authority would strive to decarbonize the agency in targeted ways to reduce its impact on the environment. This includes vehicle fuel diversification (another program on this list) as well as broader efforts at decarbonization, such as purchasing renewable energy power or offsets to mitigate effects from increased electricity use, which is mainly coal-powered in our region.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a policy focused on making Port Authority a Carbon Neutral Agency and/or Offsetting Electricity Purchases.

Carbon Neutral Agency and/or Offsetting Electricity Purchases As the region experiences high levels of air pollution and our globe continues to experience pressure from climate change Port Authority would strive to decarbonize the agency in targeted ways to reduce its impact on the environment. This includes vehicle fuel diversification (another program on this list) as well as broader efforts at decarbonization such as purchasing renewable energy power or offsets to mitigate effects from increased electricity use which is mainly coal-powered in our region. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a policy focused on making Port Authority a Carbon Neutral Agency and/or Offsetting Electricity Purchases.
5: very important
46%
3: important
24%
4: more important
16%
1: not important
10%
2: somewhat important
5%
Closed to responses | 105 Responses

Affordable Fare Policies

Either as part of the Port Authority current fare study or as a follow-up task, Port Authority would evaluate the implementation of policies that support affordability in the fare structure for transit in this region. This could include policies that support free transfers, time-based passes, fare capping, or a low-income fare for populations that qualify. These policies also support network changes based around transit hubs that may allow for higher frequency services.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have policies focused on making Affordable Fare Policies.

Affordable Fare Policies Either as part of the Port Authority current fare study or as a follow-up task Port Authority would evaluate the implementation of policies that support affordability in the fare structure for transit in this region. This could include policies that support free transfers time-based passes fare capping or a low-income fare for populations that qualify. These policies also support network changes based around transit hubs that may allow for higher frequency services. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have policies focused on making Affordable Fare Policies.
5: very important
66%
3: important
12%
4: more important
12%
1: not important
6%
2: somewhat important
4%
Closed to responses | 108 Responses

Bus Network Study

Port Authority would conduct a full analysis and redesign of the bus network that would align transit routes and resources with a focus on the values in this plan. This could include more specific network goals such as a 24 hour network, and would include a thorough public process to account for community priorities that weigh the value of network coverage vs. frequency.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a Bus Network Study.

Bus Network Study Port Authority would conduct a full analysis and redesign of the bus network that would align transit routes and resources with a focus on the values in this plan. This could include more specific network goals such as a 24 hour network and would include a thorough public process to account for community priorities that weigh the value of network coverage vs. frequency. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a Bus Network Study.
5: very important
58%
4: more important
16%
3: important
15%
1: not important
6%
2: somewhat important
6%
Closed to responses | 109 Responses

Joint Development and Affordable Housing on Port Authority property

As Port Authority's Transit Oriented Communities program evolves, this policy would follow existing program guidelines to continue to advance joint development on Authority owned property near stations, and ensure that future developments are prioritized for impact on community affordability in joint development efforts.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think it is to have a policy focused on making Joint Development and Affordable Housing on Port Authority property.

Joint Development and Affordable Housing on Port Authority property As Port Authority s Transit Oriented Communities program evolves this policy would follow existing program guidelines to continue to advance joint development on Authority owned property near stations and ensure that future developments are prioritized for impact on community affordability in joint development efforts. On a scale of 1 to 5 how important do you think it is to have a policy focused on making Joint Development and Affordable Housing on Port Authority property.
5: very important
41%
3: important
22%
4: more important
17%
2: somewhat important
15%
1: not important
6%
Closed to responses | 102 Responses

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