SUMMARY DOCUMENT - Whitehorse

Whitehorse Transportation Demand Management (TDM) PlanSUMMARY DOCUMENT

Whitehorse Transporation Demand Management (TDM) PlanSummary DoccumentWhitehorse Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan

SUMMARY DOCUMENT*

*Refer to the full report for more detail


50%as driver

15%

6%

15%

12% as passenger

?2%

FUTURE2036

EXISTING2011

75%as driver

7%3%

5%

8% as passenger

?2%

WHAT ARE WETRYING TO ACHIEVE?The City’s goal is to reduce the “get to work as driver“ from the current 75% of trips to 50% of trips by 2036. This means, that as the population in Whitehorse grows, more people get to work by carpooling, walking, cycling, and taking the bus.

About the TDM PlanWHAT IS TRANSPORTATIONDEMAND MANAGEMENT?Transportation demand management (TDM, also called mobility management) is a general term for strategies to more efficiently use transportation resources. Rather than make roads bigger, communities increase walking, cycling, and public transit while creating disincentives to driving alone.

SIX TDM STRATEGIES FOR WHITEHORSE

1 Coordinate TDM Implementation +Promote Options

2 Improve ActiveTransportation Options

3 ImprovePublic Transit

4 Support Employees toUse Alternative Travel

5 Maximize Existing Vehicle Infrastructure +Discourage Single-Occupant Vehicles

6 Encourage SupportiveLand Use


With 15,000 new residents in the next 25 years, the City will face significant challengesif personal vehicle travel continues to be the primary travel mode.

Why MustTravel Habits Change?*

...do not meet recommended levelsof daily physical activity

91%Children/Youth

69%Adults

$8,500 $100$750 $300

Estimated Annual Cost ofPersonal Travel, by mode

Vehicle Costs

Whitehorse is home to approximately 54,000 vehicles. An increase in vehicle ownership consistent with population increase will result in 36,000 more vehicles and approximately $3.85-billion spent on vehicle purchases, maintenance, insurance, and fuel over the next 25 years.

Each new downtown parking spacecosts approximately...

$14,000

Downtown Parking Roads and on-street parking account for approximately one-third of all land in downtown Whitehorse. An estimated 2,900 additional parking spaces will be required downtown to meet parking demand at a total cost of $40-million and requiring 140 acres of land.

Public Health

Automobile dependency encourages sedentary lifestyles and obesity. Lack of physical activity is considered a “conveyor belt” to cardiovascular disease, strokes, diabetes and various cancers. Replacing vehicle trips with “active” travel modes leads to healthier lives and reduces the burden on the public health care system.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

An estimated 225,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions resulted from on-road transportation in Whitehorse in 2011. An increase in vehicle travel consistent with population increase will result in approximately 7.5-million tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted over the next 25 years, in addition to an associated reduction in air quality.

7.5-million tonnes CO2

over 25 years

Traffic Congestion

We know that building roads is not a long-term solution to solving traffic congestion. Increasing population without a corresponding shift to walking, cycling, and public transit means Whitehorse residents will spend more time sitting in traffic.

Average current commute in Whitehorse is... 13

minutes

Aging Population The population is aging and more residents are choosing to retire in Whitehorse. Walking, transit and year-round accessibility are critical to ensure healthy lifestyles for seniors as their ability to drive decreases.

*Refer to the full report for references for the information provided

Walking/Cycling Infrastructure

Investments in walking and cycling infrastructure provide a greater return on investment than investments in vehicle infrastructure (roads, parking). In addition to being cheaper than road building, sidewalks, cycling facilities and trails boost local tourism, increase adjacent property values and expand the municipal tax base.

6¢...estimated savings per km of driving

shifted to walking or cycling


WHISTLE BEND, 8 KM

12 MINUTES

30 MINUTES

90 MINUTES

TBD

PORTER CREEK, 10 KM

11 MINUTES

30 MINUTES

90 MINUTES

22 MINUTES

COPPER RIDGE, 8 KM

9 MINUTES

25 MINUTES

70 MINUTES

18 MINUTES

RIVERDALE, 2 KM

4 MINUTES

6 MINUTES

22 MINUTES

8 MINUTES

TAKHINI, 3 KM

5 MINUTES

12 MINUTES

35 MINUTES

13 MINUTES

Travel TimeKey Neighbourhoods

to Downtown(non-peak time)

DOWNTOWNWHITEHORSE


Policy /Planning

Maximize Existing InfrastructureImprove Public TransitImprove Active Transportation

City should lead the implementation of all actions and encourage all employees to follow

Install bike facilities at all City facilities, including bike parking, showers, change areas, lockers, etc

Administer an employee bike program that makes bikes available to all City employees

Increase the number of monthly bus passes purchased each year

Provide employee bus passes for business-related travel

Implement pilot programs, including ridematching, telecommuting, compressed work weeks, etc

Reduce work-related vehicle trips

Pursue a guaranteed ride home option for non-drivers to access in case of emergency

Offer a travel allowance for employees that may be used to cover cycling, transit or vehicle costs

Provide “cash for commuters” - employees receive up to $100/year to cover commuting costs

Expand walking/cycling infrastructure, prioritize existing gaps and routes to downtown

Review maintenance procedures (snow clearing, line painting, debris clearing, road surface repairs)

Encourage compact land use and multi-use buildings

Install wayfinding signage and interpretive panels

Develop a “complete streets” policy

Seek developer funds for walking/biking facilities

Create web-based maps, maintenance reporting, construction updates, etc

Expand walking/biking “try it” events - winter biking, walk/wheel Wednesday, Winter Walk Day, etc

Implement walking/cycling challenges, walking/biking films and discussion forums

Provide bike parking at special events

Provide bike safety courses, “Be Seen” campaign, trail etiquette promotion

Work with government to encourage walking/biking to school - “walking school bus”, cycling education

Engage community groups - Urban Cycling Coalition, Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, RPAY, BYTE (bikeshare)

Establish an “Adopt-a-Trail” program

Create a downtown business bike share program

Integrate walking/biking facilities in highway design

Develop a comprehensive public transit plan

Explore creative bus fare options

Improve bus comfort (ie. on-board wi-fi, expand bus shelters and benches, etc)

Improve the downtown bus exchange on 2nd Ave

Lobby the Yukon Gov’t to increase the fuel tax to support transit (and walking/biking)

Provide real-time bus information, interactive maps Increase advertising by 30% at bus stops and on

buses Expand targeted marketing to houses close to bus

stops

Promote transit at all special events and City travel advisories

Provide information on federal tax incentives for transit

Expand transit “try it” events - transit week, buddy passes, March break passes, etc

Work with government to increase transit ridership among high school students, expand school bus pass system

Expand group bus pass options, increase ease and expand payment options

Pursue a carshare program for Whitehorse

Encourage carpooling

Create a travel cost calculator and other web-based travel information

Promote travel challenges - challenge families to

do without a second vehicle, neighbourhood car-free challenge, etc

Identify special event carpool parking and taxi zones

Install traffic calming, reduce speed limit as possible

Restrict downtown parking - limit all-day on-street parking downtown, etc

Review traffic congestion thresholds for options to reduce infrastructure costs

Identify priority parking for carpools

Require travel plans for new developments (carpool parking, unbundled parking, etc)

Model employee/employer programs after demonstrated City successes

Create a TDM working group or partnership

Create a “travel smart” business recognition program

Work to establish a carshare service for major employers and large residential sites

Policy + Planning

City Leadership

Events + Promotion

Partnership

Summary of Recommended Actions**All actions are described in more detail in

the complete TDM Plan document

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# = more information on following pages City responsibility

Employer responsibility and City to encourage

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Coordinate TDM Implementation+ Promote Options

Promoting TDM is essential. Continual collaboration and involvement with stakeholders is important in helping residents know about alternative travel options.How will this be achieved?

TDM Coordinator

A TDM Coordinator will implement the TDM Plan, lead the City’s own TDM efforts, and build TDM partnerships.

Inform Residents

The City will develop print and online materials to better communicate travel options and improve the walking, cycling and transit experiences using the following methods:• Website• Social media• Smart phone applications• Real-time information

Encourage Others to Get Involved

The City will work with stakeholders to host exciting events to educate about active transportation and get more people walking, cycling, and skiing, as follows:

• Develop promotions that specifically target walking, cycling, transit, or carpooling

• Host “try it” events that expose residents to unfamiliar travel options

• Host annual events that build continuity

• Build habits in youth (walking school bus, cycling education in schools)

• Expand travel options at special events

Promotional efforts will be targeted to audiences where they will generate the greatest benefit.

• Promote appropriate travel options to neighbourhoods based on location

• Target residents within walking distance of bus stops and multi-use trails

• Promote non-vehicle travel options in areas of congestion and during road construction

• Promote travel options to residents/employees in new developments

Create a TDM Partnership

A TDM Partnership should be created with the City facilitating the initiative, and with representation from Whitehorse’s largest employers. The partnership may expand in time as other employers express an interest in being involved. TDM Plan display at the

Fireweed Market,July 2013

1 TIMEFRAME

Medium-term2-5 yrs

Long-term5+ yrs

Short-term2 yrs

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ImproveActive Transportation Options

More people will choose active transportation when it is safe, convenient, and accessible. The City will expand the sidewalk, cycling, and trail network and create policies and programs to encourage active transportation. How will this be achieved?

Expand Bike Trip-End Facilities

These include bike storage, as well as access to shower, change room, and locker facilities.

• Enforce the bike parking requirements in the new developments and review as required

• Indicate bike parking options on cycling route maps

• Lead by example - Include end-of-trip facilities at City buildings for staff

• Encourage employers to provide showers, change rooms + lockers for employees

• Review bike parking standards to address new bike dimensions (ie. fat bikes)

Develop a Trails +Active Transportation Plan

A trails and active transportation plan will envision Whitehorse’s sidewalk, bike, and trail network in 25 years and identify the infrastructure investments and policies needed to achieve that vision.

Improve Priority Routes between Neighbourhoods + Downtown

Inventory existing cycling and walking routes and invest in upgrades including pothole filling, accessibility, resurfacing, lighting, and missing route connections

Identify and plan to address missing routes within/between neighbourhoods to complete the network

Review Maintenance Practices

Annually, review and publish maintenance practices on the priority active transportation routes and adjacent bus stops, including the following:• Winter trail and road up-keep (snow removal,

sanding)• Road paint in the spring• Year-round removal of obstructions• Sweeping and clearing grit + broken glass

Engage Community Groups

The City will coordinate with community groups when planning and designing public infrastructure, particularly to ensure a “complete streets” approach to road design.

Secure downtown bike parking provides commuters the opportunity to safely lock their

bike without fear of theft or vandalism

2 TIMEFRAME

Medium-term2-5 yrs

Long-term5+ yrs

Short-term2 yrs

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Two Mile Hill is an example of a `priority`route leading to downtown


ImprovePublic Transit

Public transit is an affordable alternative to single-occupant vehicle travel. The City will increase transit ridership by ensuring it is a safe, convenient, and efficient alternative. How will this be achieved?

Create a Long-Term Transit Plan

Public transit will be important in moving people to and from work. A transit plan will envision what Whitehorse’s transit system will look like in 25 years and describe the service, fare programs, and infrastructure needed to achieve that vision.

Improve the Bus Experience

Investments in transit infrastructure will enhance the bus experience, particularly during winter.

Downtown ExchangePassenger amenities will be expanded at the main exchange on 2nd Avenue (at Steele St / Wood St) to include shelters, benches, expanded bike parking, real-time route information, and signage. Bus shelters will be designed to be vandalism and graffiti resistant.

Bus StopsBus stops will be improved to ensure they are accessible, safe, sheltered, and well lit. High passenger locations will be prioritized.

Expand Transit Pass Programs

Promoting new transit pass options and offering larger discounts for bulk ridership can increase ridership and make transit more appealing to a broader audience. The following options are being considered:

• General programs that reward residents that purchase a transit pass, such as discounts at local businesses, access to City facilities (ie. recreation centre) with expired passes, and increasing awareness of the federal transit tax incentive.

• Promote employee bus pass program that provides discounts when a minimum number of employees obtain passes and gives the option for employers to subsidize employee transit passes.

• Develop programs that are included in future land development such as developer subsidies on resident transit use or developer contributions to the overall transit system.

• Continue dialogue to better align bus schedule with school times

9%of Whitehorse bus stops

have a shelter

Bus stop investments will ensure shelters, benches, and pedestrian access are

provided, similar to this recently improved bus stop in Copper Ridge

3 TIMEFRAME

Medium-term2-5 yrs

Long-term5+ yrs

Short-term2 yrs

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Support all Employeesto Use Alternative Travel

Commuters are a critical audience to target with TDM. Employees need incentives and support to change their travel behaviour. How will this be achieved?

Make Alternative Modes More Attractive Than Driving to Work

Direct incentives may be provided for employees to use alternative modes, as follows:

• Employee travel allowance may be provided for downtown parking, bus fare, or bike equipment

• Businesses may reimburse bike or bus business trips, as they would for vehicle trips

• A “cash for commuters” fund offers a financial reward for each day an employee walks, bikes, takes the bus, or carpools

• Create a “Green Business” program to recognize businesses with low vehicle commuting rates

• Employees that did not drive may be eligible for random prize draws

Create aGuaranteed Ride Home Program

A guaranteed ride home program is one example of how to address barriers to active transportation. It helps non-driving commuters get home quickly and conveniently in case of family emergency, unexpected overtime, or other unforeseen events. Transportation is typically by free or reimbursable taxi or car rental.

The City will encourage employers to provide guaranteed rides home for their employees by developing a template for identifying who is eligible, what trips are eligible, how many rides are permitted, and general guidelines for using the program.

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Yukon College students boarding the no.5 bus.

TIMEFRAME

Medium-term2-5 yrs

Long-term5+ yrs

Short-term2 yrs

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Explore Alternative Work Arrangements

Perhaps the most effective option is reducing the travel need through alternative work arrangements, as follows:

• Teleworking allows an employee to work outside their usual work place

• Remote access/video conferencing is used in place of in-person meetings

• Proximate commuting allows employees to shift to work sites that are closest to their home

• Compressed work weeks occur when an employee works longer days and takes scheduled days off

• Flexible work schedule afford flexibility to avoid peak traffic congestion periods c e

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Maximize Existing Vehicle Infrastructure + Discourage Single-Occupant Vehicles

Congestion is an integral part of TDM and, without congestion, no amount of TDM investment will result in the desired shift to walking, cycling, transit, and carpooling. The City will continue to accommodate vehicles, but prioritize opportunities for shared vehicle travel and more fuel efficient vehicles. How will this be achieved?

Pursue a Carshare

Car sharing involves individuals who purchase membership into a fleet of shared vehicles and pay a time- and distance-based fee each time they use a vehicle. Car sharing is becoming increasingly popular among individuals without a vehicle to conduct large shopping trips or weekend getaway, as well as single-vehicle households on days where both parents require a vehicle.

Is Whitehorse too small for a carshare system? Maybe not, the City of Nelson has one: www.carsharecoop.ca

Congestion Thresholds

Congestion plays a critical role in TDM and is a trigger for residents to choose alternative ways of getting around, and for cities to evaluate the built environment and make changes. Contrary to what most think, road widening does not decrease congestion, but rather, encourages more automobile travel and discourages walking, biking, or transit use.

Manage Parking

The 2011 Whitehorse Downtown Parking Management Plan identifies options to manage supply, pricing, and convenience of on- and off-street parking, as follows:

• Discontinue monthly parking passes in favour of daily passes to encourage walking, cycling, and transit on a daily basis

• Alter on-street time restrictions to limit all-day parking on high-demand downtown streets

• Offer reduced rates in peripheral parking areas to reduce demand in central areas

• Identify priority parking spaces for carpool/vanpool, “micro” vehicles, and electric vehicles

The Downtown Parking Management Plan can be viewed online at:www.whitehorse.ca/index.aspx?page=222

Calm Traffic

Traffic can be calmed through “traffic calming” and “road diet” projects that reduce traffic and vehicle speeds and discourage short-cutting, while maintaining access and traffic flow.

Common traffic calming devices include atraffic circle (top) and curb extensions (bottom)

5 TIMEFRAME

Medium-term2-5 yrs

Long-term5+ yrs

Short-term2 yrs

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Encourage SupportiveLand Use

Land use and transportation go hand-in-hand. Correctly planned land use enhances the attractiveness, convenience, and safety of alternative travel modes, while not compromising vehicle efficiency. The City encourages land development that facilitates sustainable travel by future occupants. How will this be achieved?

Sustainable Transportation Checklist

A checklist provides guidance to developers on encouraging walking, cycling, and transit through site design.

Regulate TDM

The City will explore options to regulate TDM through the zoning bylaw. The following options are being considered:

• Bike trip-end facilities may be required, including showers, change rooms, and lockers

• Parking supply may be reduced where a site’s location is expected to result in a high rate of walking, cycling, or transit

• Electric vehicle charge stations may be required or the capacity for future charge stations

Create “Complete Streets”

A “complete street” is designed for all ages, abilities and travel modes. On complete streets, safe and comfortable access for pedestrians, bicycles, bus riders and the mobility-impaired is not an afterthought, but is integrated from the start.

The following steps may be considered to ensure complete streets are developed in Whitehorse:

• A complete streets policy confirms the City’s intent to plan, design, operate and maintain streets safe for all ages and abilities

• Complete streets guidelines describe desirable complete street elements for new and retrofit road projects

• A complete streets pilot project could demonstrate how a complete streets approach results in a more inclusive road facility

An example of a complete street “before + after” is shown below where the original street included two travel lanes in either direction (left) and was altered to include one travel lane in each direction with a center left turn lane and bike lanes (right). This is a common “road diet” and similar to the changes to 4th Avenue in 2007.

Unbundle Parking

Typically multi-family units are sold with at least one parking spot, or are “bundled“. This can result in excessive parking. Separating units from parking allows more flexibility and efficiency in parking land use.

6 TIMEFRAME

Medium-term2-5 yrs

Long-term5+ yrs

Short-term2 yrs

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SUMMARY DOCUMENT - Whitehorse