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KTMP Background (Phases I And II)

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NEWSLETTERS

Keep informed by reading newsletters prepared for various stages of the project.

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NEWSLETTER THREE

[2002-06-01] The third newsletter from the KTMP study team explains how they arrived at the three scenarios now being considered.

[ PDF 374KB]

BACKGROUND REPORT

Transportation Master Plan Study Background Report.
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In the fall of 2001, a series of focus groups were held across the City. Participants, at these public meetings, were asked to share with us their hopes, aspirations and vision for Kingston's transportation system in 2021.

Numerous questionnaires were completed and emails and written submissions were received.

Residents rose to the challenge, suggesting many important and far-reaching changes and improvements to all aspects of the transportation in Kingston.

The following summarizes the community's vision under several themes and topics. Detailed summaries of the comments received are available on the City's web site.

A. PERCEPTION AND REALITY

  • the TAC principles, that have been adopted by the City of Kingston as the foundation for this study, should be reflected in the Master Plan that is ultimately produced
  • to have a multi-modal, integrated transportation system for the whole of the new City of Kingston, people's perceptions must change
  • for example, residents must perceive that:
    • walking is the preferred mode for short trips (to the corner store, to the neighbourhood park or school)
    • cycling as a viable mode of transportation for many and can be used to commute to work, to shop, etc. just like automobiles
    • transit is the better means of commuting to work and for other types of trips - quicker, cheaper and more pleasant than by car
    • the downtown is a place for people and not cars
    • visitors and residents can easily use air, train and bus service for intercity travel and make an easy transition to transit or taxi for intracity travel
    • the priority of users of the transportation system needs to be adjusted with less emphasis on the automobile and more emphasis on pedestrians, cyclists and transit users if better "modal balance" is to be achieved
  • changing perceptions requires a concerted educational effort
  • the City must demonstrate leadership in its decision-making on policy and planning, financing and development of infrastructure
  • the City must establish supportive urban growth and design policies
  • City Hall, community groups and individuals must champion this change in attitude
  • champions can use examples of other cities that have succeeded and how good their transportation systems are
  • change will take time so the effort must be sustained
  • only then can a different transportation system be realized in Kingston.

B. CITY-WIDE SYSTEM

  • must seek to apply policy and planning on a city-wide basis
  • integrate with urban growth management
  • integrate rural and urban needs
  • recognize link between urban design of newly developing areas and traffic movement to the downtown
  • create an effective system of arterial roads
  • better manage the flow of highway traffic through the City

C. MODAL INTEGRATION

  • greatest efficiencies will be gained from integration of modes for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors
  • integration is good for the environment
  • effective use of many modes enhances quality of lif

D. ENVIRONMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

  • residents highly value their quality of life and recognize the threat posed by automobiles and pollution
  • to what extent are residents prepared to use disincentives to automobile use (i.e., higher parking fees; less priority on the roads and streets) as well as incentives for use of other travel modes (i.e., free shuttle bus service in downtown) must still be determined
  • computer technology can greatly enhance traffic management and benefit the environment

E. THE ECONOMY

  • those concerned with economic growth are, perhaps, most aware of the importance of all modes of transportation for movement of both goods and persons
  • need to maintain our assets - airport, water transport, rail and intercity bus service and highway connections
  • modal integration is key to success
  • see transit as very important to this modal integration but MUST address poor quality of the system
  • downtown must be a people place with fewer cars parked in the area and travelling through the downtown
  • again, transit is a key to success; also cycling and pedestrian movement
  • need to focus on partnerships with downtown businesses, tourism sector and major employers/institutions to better serve travel needs - all with a view to reducing cars in the downtown

F. CYCLING

  • need a safe, efficient and "purposeful" system
  • a city-wide system (many suggestions for network offered; see session notes and mapping)
  • combination of dedicated paths and shared traffic routes accommodating commuting and recreational purposes
  • cycling is a viable mode of travel that is respected by all
  • cycling is well integrated into transportation system with linkages to transit, parking, arterials, highways and rail
  • cycling is part of City's policy, standards and requirements for urban design and infrastructure planning
  • cycling is properly financed on a sustained basis
  • many suggestions for design and safety made (see session notes)
  • tourism potential recognized
  • environmental value recognized
  • ability to alleviate some of downtown traffic problems recognized

G. TRANSIT

  • transit must be a vital part of Kingston's transportation system for day-to-day use and for special events and visitor use
  • to be realized, it must be the best buy and the best trip (cheaper, faster, safer, more enjoyable)
  • better integrated with other modes
  • linked to key origins and destinations: downtown shuttle bus linked to peripheral parking lots; routing from airport, bus/rail stations to downtown; to/from shopping centres, major employment centres, health and educational facilities, etc.
  • match vehicles to users/route
  • many specific recommendations were made (see session notes)
  • improve accessibility to regular transit system for special needs users
  • enhance Access Bus system
  • this is a people business and must be planned for on this basis
  • better integration with other modes needed
  • plan for increasing user demands as population ages
  • safety concerns are numerous
  • many specific recommendations were made (see session notes)

H. DOWNTOWN

  • this is a people place and people take precedence over automobiles
  • take all necessary actions to reduce the number of cars in the downtown: shuttle bus service from peripheral parking lots; reroute through traffic; better serve pedestrians, cyclists and transit users
  • increase attractiveness of pedestrian movement, cycling, transit use
  • business/employer support must be in place
  • must apply financial "sticks and carrots" to realize this change

I. PEDESTRIANS

  • need to value the pedestrian mode of travel - healthy and good for the environment
  • plan for it and finance it
  • needs to be safe (see session notes)
  • downtown should be a place for walking
  • more attention to: sidewalks; pathways; interaction of pedestrians and vehicles (see session notes)

J. ROAD SYSTEM

  • the road system continues to be vitally important and must growth and change over time to serve community needs
  • the road system must serve all modes of travel with automobiles not having the dominance currently experienced
  • system must accommodate multi-modal traffic and must be integrated with key components of the system - airport and rail station, ferries, 401 and other highways, transit, etc.
  • want a system that moves traffic efficiently around the City and re-routes thru traffic away from the downtown
  • currently there are many complaints about the road system, especially the arterial network - congestion, 'incomplete routes', on street parking and poor modal sharing of routes, etc.
  • east/west routes are of particular concern - can a route north of the downtown be completed that can take traffic over the Cataraqui River and act as a by-pass of the downtown for thru traffic?
  • also concerns with north/south routes (role of Sir John A; Division as main route to downtown; extension of Centennial Drive seen as controversial - environmental impacts, won't solve traffic problems)

16/01/02

 

This page last modified: September 3, 2009, at 12:29 p.m.