CARMEL

MULTIMODAL SYSTEM PLAN

BENEFITS

download 12-page summary (pdf)

Travel Benefits
Reduced travel time, reduced vehicle miles traveled, reduced localized traffic congestion, improved level of service (LOS), improved operational transit efficiency, increased bicycle use and improved pedestrian accessibility and safety.

Social Benefits
Transportation alternatives for low-income, elderly, and youth populations, safe routes to schools, healthier lifestyles, 24 hour/7 day activity, revitalized and accessible public space, and increased social interaction.

Environmental Benefits
Improved air quality, reduced storm water runoff by reducing pavement, improved water quality by utilizing green infrastructure, decreased reliance on oil, and reduction in energy consumption.

Economic Benefits
Increased housing choice near multimodal routes and stops, accessible development opportunities, increased taxable values and property values, TIF and bond options to leverage private funds for infrastructure development, spurred entrepreneurial interest, reduced disincentives to property investments, and efficient use of scarce resources.

Place Benefits
Neighborhood and business nodes become centers for schools, libraries, local shopping, local dining, and increased housing choice. The public places and right-of-way of districts evolve into aesthetic urban spaces that become unique places based on local heritage and culture, creating community.

Smart Growth
Smart transportation systems support smart growth by encouraging less dependence on the personal automobile and allowing a community to grow in an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible way.

Neighborhood Organizing Element
A pedestrian system provides a physical infrastructure and open space network that encourages social interaction.

Improved Mobility
Multimodal transportation systems create independence and transportation options for those who can not drive, or those that choose not to drive.

Safe Routes to School (SR2S)
If children walk to school, they become familiar with their neighborhoods and a healthy lifestyle is instilled as a way-of-life. Newly passed federal legislation creates a funding source for SR2S efforts.

Links to Public Gathering Places
Multimodal transportation systems connect districts with central nodes (concentrated, mixed-use areas), provide a stage for public activities, and create community.

Healthy Lifestyles
The Center for Disease Control has determined that automobile-reliant communities have led to epidemic levels of obesity and diabetes. Walkable and bikeable communities reverse that trend.

Reduce Gridlock, Reinforce Districts
Progressive communities realize that the way to alleviate rush hour gridlock is not to build more roads, but to reduce the number of vehicles on the street. By developing connected sidewalks and bicycle facilities, effective transit, and unique community places, people will change their driving habits in favor of an active lifestyle.
 

Links to:

Multimodal System Goals

Multimodal System Benefits

Multimodal System Maps

Multimodal System Recommendations

Multimodal System Transit Phasing Recommendations

College Avenue Regional Transit Vision