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PLAN ELEMENTS <br /> 0, <br /> Transportation <br /> Summary <br /> People travel to and from downtown by many different modes — as drivers of cars *--+ <br /> or trucks, by transit buses, in carpools, by bicycle, or as pedestrians. In 2005 to--4 <br /> most employees drove by themselves to jobs in downtown. The long-term goal <br /> is to significantly reduce the number of people who drive by themselves, <br /> particularly in the peak hours. If this goal can be achieved, then we will not need <br /> to widen as many roads and we can enjoy far less air and noise pollution. <br /> Many significant street improvements have been made in the downtown area in <br /> recent years to move heavy traffic volumes and trucks more efficiently, including <br /> the Pacific Avenue and California (Everett Avenue) overpasses of the Burlington <br /> Northern Santa Fe railway tracks. Improved traffic signal timing on the Major <br /> Arterials has increased traffic flow efficiency. <br /> The heavy traffic volumes and trucks must be maintained on the peripheral <br /> arterials of Broadway, Everett, West Marine, and Pacific Avenues. A better <br /> connection from Rucker Avenue south of Pacific to West Marine View Drive <br /> should be studied to accommodate truck movements. <br /> The long-range goal is to increase the proportion of commuter trips made by <br /> transit in downtown by more than 50 percent. Bus routes and frequencies to and <br /> through the downtown core will therefore need to be increased as redevelopment <br /> occurs. High-capacity transit services also need to be planned and designed <br /> through the downtown core. <br /> Recent improvements on Hewitt and Colby Avenues and retiming traffic signals <br /> to serve pedestrian crossings better have significantly improved pedestrian <br /> accessibility in downtown. Similar improvements on residential streets and retail <br /> streets will enhance the pedestrian ambience and safety. Wider sidewalks can <br /> be achieved by using curb bulb-outs at intersections and appropriate placement <br /> of street furniture and pedestrian amenities, as well as design standards for <br /> building frontages. Improving pedestrian connections west of Rucker Avenue will <br /> EVERETT DOWNTOWN PLAN —DRAFT 6/29/2006 71 <br />