2017/07/05 Council Agenda Packet

Continue to increase the number of data suggests that three of Everett Transit's routes convey 75%of its customers,which suggests that other routes may be sidewalks and crosswalks for significantly underutilized.Everett Transit should review this safety and connectivity. data and reconfigure routes so that the system is maximized for efficiency and productivity.In addition,routes with fewer The EnvisionEverett Committee is pleased that city officials are passengers could be served by smaller buses,which would likely making strides to improve the number of sidewalks and crosswalks result in cost savings. in south Everett,Evergreen Way,Broadway,and other areas of the city that are in need of safety improvements.The committee urges RIDE SHARING:Encourage the use of Zipcars and other ride-sharing the city to continue to make this a high priority for infrastructure programs.These programs can be highly effective in reducing investment,not only to increase safety but to improve connectivity the number of vehicles on the road and are likely to increase in throughout the city.Current sidewalk planning encompasses a popularity over the next 20 years.The city should ensure that such half-mile radius around schools,but the committee suggests that innovations are broadly and assertively marketed to the public. this be extended to a one mile radius,especially in areas with busy INFRASTRUCTURE:Build infrastructure for the cars of the future. roadways and intersections. The city needs to make sure that charging stations for electric cars, Five-Year Success Measure:By 2023,new sidewalks have been for example,are readily available throughout Everett. installed,and are continuing to be built,in areas of the city that have been underserved in the past. Five-Year Success Measure:By 2023,the city has taken a number of steps to encourage a transition away from single-occupancy vehicles.These steps and programs are clearly evident,and there Take steps to increase the use of are emerging changes in the public's transportation choices. transit, electric cars, and ride-sharing. Regardless of which transit operator is in charge of the Everett Make it easier, safer and more system,the EnvisionEverett 2037 Committee has a number enjoyable to travel by bicycle. of suggestions for greater system efficiency.In addition,the committee suggests various strategies intended to encourage The EnvisionEverett 2037 Committee applauds the city's new increased transit ridership,as well as transitions to electric cars bicycle master plan,in particular the planning for more bike lanes and ride-sharing programs.Suggestions for consideration by city and trails,as well as ongoing improvements to the bicycling system officials include: throughout Everett.A number of additional steps can be taken to encourage more bicycle trips and a greater comfort with bicycling INCENTIVES:Aggressively market incentives to use transit.Potential in general. Steps for city officials to consider: new riders may be generally unaware of the benefits of using transit and of the incentives available to choose the bus over a BIKE PATHS&LANES:Increase the number of bike paths and single-occupant vehicle.Everett Transit should thoroughly evaluate roadway bicycle lanes in key areas of the city.As the city's its current ridership,determine the demographics of potential new population increases,new opportunities for biking will need to riders,and market and advertise to increase ridership. keep pace with this growth.Again,this will require proactive and consistent planning.Elevated bike paths could be a way to SAFETY:Create an atmosphere of safety.Committee members note increase the safety and enjoyment of the experience. Committee there is a perception that waiting for and riding the bus,especially members note that a"bike route"is different from a"bike lane," during nighttime hours,can be unsafe.More should be done to and that the city should increase the number and safety of bike reassure the public that safety measures are in place,and that they lanes on key city arterials.Care must be taken to ensure that can feel comfortable riding the bus. signage and stenciling is clear to both drivers and cyclists. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION:Recognize strong customer service. CONNECTIVITY:The EnvisionEverett Committee strongly urges the Drivers who perform in an exceptional manner on their routes city to increase the level of connectivity between bike lanes and should be recognized and rewarded for their service.The high trails and walking trails.This would serve as a strong incentive quality of their work should be broadly advertised to the public. to encourage more people to both walk and bike to various This will help to ensure greater familiarity and comfort with the destinations.For example,the committee is pleased that there transit system. are already bike trails through the non-industrial areas of the waterfront,and understands that similar plans are in place COMMUNICATION:Maintain strong communication with impacted for much of the new riverfront development.These types of communities.Everett Transit should continue with its program of connections should continue to be pursued,as they improve working directly with impacted communities,especially in relation livability for Everett residents and also enhance Everett's status as to route and other programmatic changes.This is another way to a recreation destination. increase overall comfort levels related to the use of transit. Five-Year Success Measure:By 2023,the city can measure a TRANSIT ROUTES:Build transit routes that are demand-based and significant increase in the number of and types of people who utilize vehicles appropriate to the size of that demand.Current have adopted the bicycle as a primary form of transportation. 20 19