TRANSPORTATION

Public Transit Office / Transit Planning / Transit 2020

Transit 2020

Ed Coven, State Transit Manager

 

The Vision

Florida's Choice: User-friendly transit and transit-friendly development

 

Introduction

 

Transit 2020 is a statewide strategic plan that will help guide the development of  transit in Florida over the next 20 years. It is a conception of the future, proposing the direction for transit in Florida into the 21st Century.

 

Developed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in collaboration with state and local government agencies, transit providers, community leaders and the general public, Transit 2020 articulates a common vision of the future of public transit in Florida's urban areas.

 

As the transit element of the Florida Transportation Plan, Transit 2020 will help provide the policy framework that links Florida's transportation goals and objectives with FDOT's annual budget and 5-year work program.

 

The primary purpose of Transit 2020 is to support the development of a transit system that provides Floridians and visitors with an effective, efficient and customer-friendly transit service in a transit-friendly environment. The plan reexamines the role of transit in the context of a changing transportation environment. Through an analysis of the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats to Florida's transit industry, it defines the industry's emerging core values, mission and vision.

 

It should be noted that because the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD) is primarily responsible for paratransit planning in Florida, the scope of Transit 2020 is limited to those services provided by Florida's 20 fixed-route urban transit systems.

 

This document summarizes the key issues, goals, objectives, strategies and tasks developed with information gathered over the past 18 months from members of District and Statewide Transit Strategic Plan Advisory Committees, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, a statewide transit survey, FDOT staff, research and analysis by the project team, and comments from the general public. It also includes a summary implementation program and guiding principles for Transit 2020.

 

The three key issue areas are: transit service, funding and planning/policy. For each issue, a goal and a set of objectives, strategies and tasks have been identified to set the priority direction for transit in Florida as we move into the 21st Century.Context and Vision

 

Florida's exceptional natural environment and strong economic growth continue to make it a very attractive place to live and work and one of the world's leaders in tourism. Between 1990 and 1997, Florida's population grew by about 14 percent to 14.7 million, making it the fourth most populous state in the nation. This rapid growth and development has placed tremendous pressures on Florida's transportation system. Heavy volumes of traffic in most of the state's urbanized areas have created excessive congestion. Increasing suburbanization of population and employment has resulted in greater automobile use. Given the continuing dispersal of jobs and residents, roadway congestion is likely to worsen. In some metropolitan areas, transportation systems are expected to become increasingly saturated, even with implementation of roadway improvements defined in current long-range transportation plans.

 

In view of the above trends in Florida's growth and development, members of the Transit Strategic Plan Advisory Committee recognized that land use patterns have great implications for transit effectiveness and resoundingly approved the following vision for transit in Florida:

Florida's Choice: User-friendly transit and transit-friendly development

 

It is a vision of a Florida in which transportation and land use planning are coordinated; customer-oriented transit services provide seamless intermodal travel; and residents and visitors view transit as a realistic and viable alternative to the personal automobile. Above all, it is a vision of the quality of life in Florida.

 

Goal 1: Transit Service

 

Implement a transit system that improves and expands travel choices for Floridians and visitors.

 

Issue: 

 

The level of transit service for most Floridians is inadequate and will worsen given current trends.

 

Background:

 

Existing levels of transit service make it unattractive as an alternative travel mode for most Floridians except for those who do not have other means of travel. Existing transit services can fairly be characterized as marginal due to limited service hours, infrequent service, and lack of service to many employment centers, commerce, education and recreation, particularly in the suburbs. The average transit headway in Florida is one hour and the average daily span of service is 13 hours. Florida's revenue miles per square mile (a measure of service supply) is 23 percent lower than the national average.

The Department is committed to expanding travel choices for Floridians and visitors.  Transportation needs into the 21st Century cannot be met with highways alone. Improved public transportation is crucial to expanding travel choices.
 

Objective 1.1: Improved Core Service

 

Achieve the quantity and quality of local transit (core) service sufficient to increase transit ridership in Florida at twice the average rate of population growth through 2020.

 

Strategies:

 

1.1.1 Increase the frequency of transit service in transit supportive areas.

 

1.1.2 Increase the number of hours per day and days per week that transit service is available to Floridians and visitors.

 

1.1.3 Improve overall service quality, including reducing the amount of time it takes to complete a trip, creating pleasant waiting areas, staying on schedule, increasing comfort, maintaining safety, and improving customer information. 

 

Objective 1.2: Regional Service

 

Develop and expand regional transportation service in corridors where the number of inter-county trips exceeds established thresholds.

 

Strategies:

 

1.2.1 Encourage the development of regional transit services where there is a high level of travel between population centers.

 

1.2.2 Coordinate regional and local transit planning processes.

 

1.2.3 Involve private sector transportation operators as regional service providers and/or as local feeder service providers.   

 

Objective 1.3: Market Expansion

 

Expand the transit market to include a greater percentage of riders who have a choice between transit and auto for their trips.

Strategies:

 

1.3.1 Provide and aggressively promote premium services, such as express bus or rail, to attract more riders who have a choice.

 

1.3.2 Provide incentives for transit use, such as service that can compare reasonably well with the auto in terms of cost, comfort, and convenience.

 

1.3.3 Engage the private sector and large employers in the development of premium services and support facilities, including joint development of major transit terminals and stations, and employee transportation programs. 

 

Objective 1.4:  Mix of Modes

 

Provide an effective and efficient mix of transit modes and transfer facilities to achieve seamless intermodal travel.

Strategies:

 

1.4.1 Encourage local transit agencies to consider all types of transit service (shuttle buses, vanpools, local bus, express bus, rail transit, people movers, commuter rail, water ferry) when planning new, restructured, or expanded transit services.

 

1.4.2 Make it easy to transfer from one type of service to another via service and facility design and with simplified fare payment methods.

 

1.4.3 Provide funding and design guidelines for stations and terminals used by more than one type of transportation service, i.e., a facility used by buses, trains, airplanes or passenger ships. 

          

Goal 2: Transit Funding

 

Sustain and expand investment in public transportation from all existing and potential public and private funding sources.

Issue:

 

Current transit funding levels are inadequate to fund existing as well as expanded capital, maintenance and operating programs; several funding sources lack stability and flexibility.

 

Background:

 

Existing transit funding levels from all sources are inadequate. A recent study by the University of South Florida indicated a shortfall of $9 billion (over 20 years) in 12 of the 25 local long-range plans. The remaining long-range plans did not distinguish shortfalls between modes. Existing funding streams may not be sufficient to maintain current service. As discussed earlier, current service is far short of what is needed. Existing funding levels are not sufficient to provide expanded capital, maintenance, and operating programs that will be required to improve overall service quantity and quality.

 

In addition to the general insufficiency, some existing funding sources lack stability and flexibility. The lack of stability makes it difficult for transit agencies to plan service, even in the short run.

 

Objective 2.1: Adequate Funding

 

Achieve adequate and stable funding levels to meet transit needs for service preservation, operating and capital expansion, and technological innovation.

 

Strategies:

 

2.1.1 Establish a statewide hierarchy of transit service types to help various levels of government to better focus their resources.

 

2.1.2 Explore local and statewide dedicated funding for transit.

 

2.1.3 Use state financial incentives to promote the adoption of available local government revenue options for transit.

   

Objective 2.2:  Flexible Funding

 

Utilize flexible funding opportunities for transit.

 

Strategies:

 

2.2.1 Ensure that FDOT Work Program flexible funding categories accurately reflect eligible uses, and deter preassignment by mode.

 

2.2.2 Develop better long term (5-10 year) assessments of priorities and needs to improve transit's effectiveness in the state and local planning and resource allocation processes.

 

2.2.3 Allocate transportation funds based on needs and priorities identified through the Department and MPO planning processes. 
 

Objective 2.3: Creative Funding

 

Use creative and innovative funding strategies.

 

Strategies:

 

2.3.1 Attract private investment in support of transit.

 

2.3.2 Increase directly generated transit funds by improving revenue collection and the use of innovative finance techniques.

 

2.3.3 Promote developer contributions to transit as a means of achieving local government transportation concurrency. 

 

Goal 3: Transit Planning and Policy 

 

Develop, promote and encourage transit supportive policies, institutional arrangements and practices. 

 

Issue:

 

Existing policies and institutional arrangements and practices sometimes hinder or fail to promote the achievement of transit objectives.

 

Background:

 

Transit performance is ultimately affected by a number of planning and policy related factors including land use, institutional practices and public perception. Current land use and urban design patterns characterized by sprawling low density developments are not conducive to efficient transit operations. To improve its performance, transit needs to be better integrated into the transportation and land use planning process. The institutional roles and responsibilities of Florida's major transit partners are sometimes fuzzy and overlapping, creating the potential for "passing the buck" and duplication of effort. Furthermore, poor coordination among transit partners results in a dissipation of effort and lack of clear and coherent public communication on the benefits of transit to the community. As a result, the public is often unaware of available transit services and the potential benefits of transit. Lacking information on transit and its benefits, the public withholds its political support for transit.  

 

The success of transit in Florida ultimately requires the coordinated effort of all levels of government working with the public to promote transit as a public good. 

 

Objective 3.1:  Transit-Oriented Development

 

Promote land use planning and urban design practices that facilitate transit service and access.

 

Strategies:

 

3.1.1 Incorporate transit-supportive strategies and standards in state and local plans, and proactively promote implementation of these standards.

 

3.1.2 Strengthen the ability of transit agencies to effectively review and influence the transit accessibility of proposed developments.

 

3.1.3 Use transit as a land development tool to focus development and enhance the environment.

 

3.1.4 Revise state and local transportation design guidelines and manuals to incorporate transit and pedestrian oriented design standards.

 

3.1.5 Incorporate easements for future transit projects into the FDOT and local right-of-way acquisition processes. 

 

Objective 3.2: Improved Institutional Performance

 

Foster institutional arrangements, practices and cultures that establish clearly defined roles, promote staff teamwork, encourage partnership with transit providers, and support a results-oriented management approach.

 

Strategies:

 

3.2.1 Evaluate and redefine, where appropriate, the responsibilities and structures of all agencies involved in transit.

 

3.2.2 Use fiscal and other incentives to promote the development of transit-supportive institutional arrangements.

 

3.2.3 Coordinate FDOT planning with other transportation related initiatives, such as ongoing efforts to better integrate land use and transportation planning, economic development, and the transportation aspects of welfare reform. 

 

Objective 3.3: Better Multi-Modal Planning

 

Develop a multi-modal transportation planning process that addresses the wide range of policy issues involved in making sound, long-range transportation investment decisions, including technological innovation and the environmental and economic benefits of transit.

 

Strategies:

 

3.3.1 Develop a comprehensive and reliable planning model for short-term transit demand analysis.

 

3.3.2 Research, identify and support opportunities to apply advanced technology to help improve transit performance.

 

3.3.3 Organize programs to share knowledge on multi-modal planning and assist transit providers and local governments in the development of effective strategies for implementing multi-modal systems.

 

3.3.4 Develop strategies and standards to better integrate transit, pedestrian and bike modes into the state and local multi-modal planning process. 

 

Objective 3.4: Improved Transit Image

 

Establish broad-based public and political support of transit as a mobility choice and enhancement to Floridians' quality of life.

 

Strategies:

 

3.4.1 Provide a wide range of public information services designed to make transit more accessible and easier to use.

 

3.4.2 Implement a broad-based public awareness campaign designed to capture public attention, inform them of the benefits of transit, improve transit's image, and generate political support.

 

3.4.3 Involve specialized interest groups, such as environmental advocacy organizations, in public awareness efforts to broaden public and political support for transit. 

Implementing Transit 2020

 

The Statewide Transit Strategic Plan Advisory Committee (SWTSPAC) recommended the following guiding principles as being critical to the successful implementation of Transit 2020:

• Implementation of Transit 2020 should be collaborative and coordinated, with FDOT taking the lead.
• Retain present or reconstituted Transit Strategic Plan Advisory Committees to advise and assist FDOT in the implementation of Transit 2020.
• Give highest priority to the "critical" tasks identified by the SWTSPAC for each goal area.
• Develop a functional classification of transit services as the linchpin of the plan.
• Emphasize the dissemination and sharing of information on "best practice" examples from within and outside the transit industry.
• Monitor, review and update.

A complete list of tasks, time frames, responsible parties, measures of accomplishment, and priorities are contained in the full Transit 2020 document. Eighty-five specific (85) tasks were identified in connection with the strategies for implementing Transit 2020. Of those, the SWTSPAC identified about 25 as critical to the success of the plan. The following activity areas summarize the initial implementation steps that will be undertaken by the Department.

 

Consultant Tasks included in the FDOT Transit Office 1998/1999 Work Program:

• Include additional land use planning elements in Transportation Demand Management training program: July, 1998.
• Execute a contract to develop a functional classification of transit service types: April, 1999
• Execute a contract to analyze regional travel flows: May, 1999.

 Tasks Best Accomplished in Transit Development Plans (TDPs):

• TDP Rule Revision to be initiated in September 1998.
• Better assess and document 5-10 year needs and priorities.
• Assess barriers to ease of use; i.e. insufficient phone lines, hard to read schedules.
• Survey potential for van or shuttle routes from suburban areas to work centers.
• Explore opportunities for regional information centers where the public can obtain information on all transit services in the region.

Tasks Characterized as FDOT Staff Work:

• Explore dedicating new state revenues to transit.
• Coordinate transit funding programs with other Public Transportation Office programs to encourage joint use.
• Convening discussions on regional service and planning issues.
• Revising various policies to support strategies.
• Tie funding to best practices where feasible.

Acknowledgment

 

The Florida Department of Transportation extends its appreciation to the many Floridians who contributed their time and effort to the successful development of Transit 2020. There is no doubt that the overall quality and content of Transit 2020 has been greatly enhanced by the diligent and dedicated participation of these Floridians in the public meetings, stakeholder interviews, focus groups and survey. The very effective citizen participation in the development of Transit 2020 makes it truly a transit plan for Florida by Floridians.

 

We extend special thanks to the men and women who guided the development of the plan through their service on the District and Statewide Advisory Committees. These Floridians included elected officials, the general public and representatives of diverse organizations such as local government, metropolitan planning organizations, regional planning councils, transit agencies, 1000 Friends of Florida, The Urban League, Florida Transportation Builders Association, Floridians for Better Transportation, Florida Association of Counties, Florida League of Cities, State Agencies, etc. They were able to build consensus on a wide variety of issues affecting transit and come up with sound recommendations and a 2020 vision for transit in Florida.