City of Regina TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN DRAFT POLICIES April 2014

Direction 3: Elevate the role of public transit

Public transit plays an important role in Regina in providing mobility across the city, serving residential neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, shopping, and other destinations. As the city grows, the role of transit in meeting the citys travel needs will need to increase, particularly for areas of the city where access is constrained by road capacity (e.g. City Centre, downtown). In addition, the changing face of Regina will increase the demand for transit with an aging population, an increase in new Canadians, and the migration of Canadians from other cities where transit use is high. How Regina grows will have an impact on transit demand, as evidenced by the desire to build more walkable, mixed-use, and transit supportive neighbourhoods in the city. Currently, transit plays a modest role in the way Regina gets around the city. In 2013, Regina Transit carried approximately 6.2-million passengers or approximately 32 rides per capita. This is lower than the average of 45 rides per capita for other Canadian cities of approximately the same size. Reginas peak period transit mode share (~3%) is also below the average of similar-sized cities, which see between 7% and 10% of trips on transit. Despite the current mode share, Regina has a high potential for transit use compared to many centres across the country. The citys vibrant office and employment environment in the downtown represents the greatest opportunity for transit growth in an area of the city that is very well served by transit. In addition, the University of Regina and SIAST are already major destinations accessed by transit. There exists great potential to increase transit use by employees in the public sector and with large local employers provided the service is attractive and incentives are available that encourage them to commute by transit. In the last few years, numerous improvements have been made to Reginas transit services. In 2009, the City completed its Transit Investment Plan and identified new service standards to set a new direction for the system. This plan led to the implementation of a revised transit network in the summer of 2013, which incorporated more express and direct routes as requested by the citizens of Regina. Improvements in routes and schedules were successful in increasing city-wide transit ridership by 13.8% within the first months of implementation. Regina Transit is also actively renewing its fleet with accessible, low-floor buses, has recently implemented smart card fare technology, and is testing the provision of real-time route information through TransitLive. The TMP seeks to elevate the role of public transit in Regina by making it more competitive and attractive to use, by ensuring it is integrated into and accessible by the community, and by developing a positive and strong identity for transit services moving forward. Policies and actions within this direction complement the overarching Growth Plan Policies presented in the OCP and support the Community Priority to create better, more active ways of getting around.

Direction 3: Elevate the role of public transit

City of Regina TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN DRAFT POLICIES April 2014

What We Heard About Transit

Transit is slow and inconvenient; it does not provide a competitive alternative to driving Existing transit riders are generally satisfied with level of service, but there could be improvements More direct and express service to key destinations can make transit more attractive Increasing awareness and improving customer information is needed Transit plays an important role as a social service, but can play a much greater role in how we move around the city Service should be expanded with more frequent service, improved weekend service, and addressing service gaps, such as to the airport Downtown is important to the transit network but there should also be other nodes and hubs across the city With an aging population and reduced mobility, accessibility on transit and investment in paratransit needs to be considered

Goal 1: Transit will be a reliable and convenient travel choice throughout Regina.
In order for transit to be an attractive travel choice it must be competitive with other modes of transportation. Currently in Regina this is a challenge; relatively short travel distances and travel times make it difficult for transit to be competitive with driving. However, as growth in the city inevitably leads to greater congestion, transit could become a more attractive option. Making transit more convenient and reliable can be accomplished across many aspects of a transit trip shortening walking distances to transit stops, reducing waiting times with more frequent service, and increasing the speed of transit trips through transit priority measures. Additionally, while it is unlikely that transit will consistently provide trips faster than vehicle use, other approaches can be taken to provide incentives for citizens to use transit through fare policies and other customer amenities.
Policies and Actions

3.1

Utilize transit coverage standards to ensure that 90% of all residents, secondary and post-secondary schools, and workplaces are within 400 metres of neighbourhood transit service and 2 kilometres of express transit service. These standards would maximize access to transit by a short walk to a neighbourhood transit route, which would then provide a short connection to express transit. These distances are based on a radial distance from the transit route; actual walking distance and other barriers should be considered when defining whether or not an area is covered by transit. Design the transit system and its routes to provide direct and timecompetitive service. Transit service will be more attractive if travel times are similar to driving.

3.2

Direction 3: Elevate the role of public transit

City of Regina TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN DRAFT POLICIES April 2014

3.3

Implement transit priority measures, such as bus-only lanes, intersection priority, and signal priority, to increase service reliability and reduce travel times. Identify and install traffic signals along transit routes at uncontrolled intersections where delays are observed. Expand transit service through increased frequencies and hours of service, including on weekends and statutory holidays. Encourage use of transit for non-commuting purposes. Adopt fare strategies that ensure transit is cost competitive with private vehicle use. The cost of a monthly transit pass should be less than the average cost of monthly parking in the City Centre and at the University of Regina/SIAST/Innovation Place.

3.4

3.5

Goal 2: The transit network will be easy-to-understand and structured around express transit.
Making the transit system easier to understand, plan a trip on, and navigate is important for encouraging transit ridership. Many citizens feel that Reginas transit route system is often confusing and hard to understand, creating a major barrier to increased use. The Transit Investment Plan and subsequent route and system changes in 2013 are providing greater clarity to the structure of the network and to individual routes. The TMP encourages continued restructuring of the transit system with the development of a clear network structure as the system grows. The system will be organized around transit nodes and express transit routes which will serve to anchor the transit network and ensure it is tightly integrated with the OCPs growth strategies.
Policies and Actions

3.6 3.7

Implement the transit network as shown in the Transit Network Map. Adopt a transit network hierarchy to provide clear structure and expectations for levels of service and coverage (

Direction 3: Elevate the role of public transit

City of Regina TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN DRAFT POLICIES April 2014

Exhibit 1): Express transit will provide fast, limited-stop service to key destinations, along urban corridors, and following major travel flows. Primary transit will serve as the base transit network that maximizes connectivity throughout the city and provides direct service between transit nodes and destinations. Neighbourhood transit will provide local service into neighbourhoods, connecting them to local destinations and to primary transit and express transit at transit nodes.

Direction 3: Elevate the role of public transit

City of Regina TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN DRAFT POLICIES April 2014

Exhibit 1. Transit level of service and coverage standards TRANSIT SERVICE TYPE Neighbourhood Transit Primary Transit SERVICE FREQUENCY Peak periods: 15 - 30 minutes Off-peak periods: 30 - 60 minutes Peak periods: 15 minutes or better Off-peak periods: 15 - 30 minutes Peak periods: 30 minutes or better Off-peak periods: 30 minutes or better AVERAGE TRANSIT STOP SPACING 200 - 400 metres

400 metres

Express Transit

800 metres

3.8

Establish transit nodes that will serve as key transfer points between routes, aligned with destinations and land use. Safe and direct walking and cycling connections to these nodes will need to be developed to improve access to transit. Support elevated transit service to areas that are identified for significant intensification within the OCP, including the City Centre and along urban corridors.

3.9

3.10 Protect and plan for long-term implementation of higher-order transit, such as bus rapid transit and light rail transit. 3.11 Work with key stakeholders to evaluate potential for long-term regional transit connections. Explore potential for park and ride at the terminus of express transit at regional gateways, for example, at the east end of Victoria Avenue and at the south end of Albert Street, to divert commuters to transit (see Direction 7 Goal 3).

Goal 3: Transit will be aligned with destinations, land uses, and growth.
Integrating transit into our neighbourhoods and connecting them to the citys destinations is a simple formula to increase the use of transit. However, transit cannot be attractive with indirect routes and inadequate service coupled with unsupportive land use patterns and built environments. Additionally, transit services must keep pace with growth; increasing population and employment requires greater investment in transit services, fleets, and facilities. Like roads, water, sewers, schools, and parks, transit is a service that should be integrated with growth. Building Regina around transit will be important to make transit more efficient, increase ridership, and set the stage for higher order transit. Increasing the intensity of development and the mix of land uses along major transit corridors and at transit nodes will increase transit potential.

Direction 3: Elevate the role of public transit

City of Regina TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN DRAFT POLICIES April 2014

Policies and Actions

3.12 Develop a plan to increase and maintain overall investment in transit on a per capita basis, comparable to levels of similar sized Canadian municipalities. Operational subsidies and investments in transit will be kept in pace with population and employment growth to ensure services meet the needs of the community. 3.13 Reinforce and expand the role of transit in downtown Regina and the City Centre as the primary means to accommodate growth in travel demand. This will include: ensuring connectivity and orientation to transit is a central consideration when planning and approving land use and development in the City Centre; and, exploring opportunities to develop a multi-modal transit hub within the City Centre.

3.14 Orient and locate higher intensity land uses at transit nodes and along express transit and primary transit corridors. 3.15 Proactively protect for, and extend, express transit into growth areas, as warranted, and connect new destinations to transit nodes. 3.16 Ensure that new neighbourhoods and development projects are designed to maximize the coverage and efficiency of neighbourhood transit and connectivity to primary transit and express transit. Regina Transit will review concept plans to achieve these objectives and ensure routes and transit stop locations are satisfactory for the operation of transit and connectivity to surround land use. 3.17 Align land use densities in new and existing neighbourhoods to meet minimum densities for neighbourhood transit service and target higher densities along primary transit and express transit corridors. Suggested density targets, based on best practices for transitoriented development, are presented in Exhibit 2.
Exhibit 2. Suggested density targets for transit service TRANSIT SERVICE TYPE Neighbourhood Transit (service every 20 to 30 minutes) Primary Transit and Express Transit (service every 5 to 15 minutes) Rapid transit (Bus Rapid Transit / Light Rail Transit) SUGGESTED DENSITY 22 units per hectare / 50 residents and jobs combined 37 to 45 units per hectare / 80 to 100 residents and jobs combined 72 units per hectare / 160 residents and jobs combined

3.18 Explore partnerships and programs with developers to provide transit service at the earliest opportunity in new neighbourhoods, such as through sponsored or subsidized services. 3.19 Establish and retrofit pedestrian connections from nearby destinations, residences, and workplaces to transit stops with associated maintenance procedures to ensure all-season access.

Direction 3: Elevate the role of public transit

City of Regina TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN DRAFT POLICIES April 2014

3.20 Develop a continuous process of transit planning and service improvements to respond to changes in travel demand and change in land uses, with the target of completing a major service review every five years. 3.21 Extend transit service to all major employment and residential areas in the City that currently do not have transit service.

Goal 4: Transit will be universally accessible and complemented by paratransit.

Transit is especially important for citizens in Regina with disabilities and reduced mobility. With an aging population, mobility challenges and needs are anticipated to increase. Transit will play a key role in meeting these mobility needs. Continued progress to creating a fully accessible transit system including accessible vehicles, transit stops, and customer service will be essential. The important role of paratransit services in Regina must also be reinforced to complement the transit system for those who are unable to use conventional transit.
Policies and Actions

3.22 Integrate accessibility as part of the overall transit planning process to identify needs and action plans on an ongoing basis. Elements to be considered include: fleet accessibility; customer amenities and services; and, accessible transit stops and connecting paths.

3.23 Continue engagement with the Citys Accessibility Advisory Committee to identify and address transit accessibility issues. 3.24 Complete the conversion of the transit fleet to be fully accessible by end of 2014. 3.25 Complete an audit of all transit stops to review necessary upgrades for accessibility and proactively work to prioritize and implement identified improvements. 3.26 Maintain the paratransit system to meet the needs of individuals unable to use the conventional transit system. 3.27 Complete a paratransit service plan to identify future needs and required actions and funding implications.

Goal 5: Transit will have a strong and positive identity reflected by a high-quality customer experience.
Regina Transits brand must reflect the positive and essential role it plays in meeting the citys mobility needs. Eliminating the stigma of transit as solely a social service is needed not only to increase the attractiveness of transit for all citizens but to build support for continued and increased investment. This identity must reflect the benefits and value transit provides to residents, businesses, the environment, and the overall sustainability of Regina. A renewed identity and

Direction 3: Elevate the role of public transit

City of Regina TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN DRAFT POLICIES April 2014

brand for Regina Transit will be supported by a high-quality customer experience including trip planning resources, transit stops, fleet vehicles, and access to destinations.
Policies and Actions

3.28 Develop a unique brand and identity for Regina Transit that is positive and reflects the sustainability and future role of transit in the community. 3.29 Use education and promotional campaigns to increase the awareness of transit services, their benefits, and the value to the community. Develop targeted campaigns directed to market segments more likely to take transit, including: newcomers to Canada, including providing information in multiple languages and integrating with newcomer programs; new residents; students; and, seniors.

3.30 Evaluate and adopt on-board and off-board technologies to enhance the quality and availability of customer information and amenities. These may include: real-time service information in advance of the trip and at transit stops; and, amenities such as on-board vehicle stop announcements and wireless internet.

3.31 Develop a toolkit of transit stop amenities, including seating, shelters, garbage receptacles, and customer information. Establish warrants for these amenities and set conditions for further enhancements, such as heated shelters, at major transit stops. 3.32 Continue to improve and increase accessibility of customer service and trip planning tools. Regularly update the transit route and schedule data that is available on the Citys Open Data portal. 3.33 Maximize multi-modal opportunities with transit, such as bicycle parking at transit nodes and transit stops. 3.34 Evaluate the potential for the use of loyalty or discount programs to encourage the use of transit. Develop partnerships and explore the implementation of employer-sponsored transit passes and universal bus basses (U-Passes) at the citys post-secondary institutions. 3.35 Utilize the information gathered through the R-Card, Regina Transits smart fare card, to gain a better understanding of travel patterns, customer needs, and opportunities to encourage ridership. 3.36 Re-invest advertising and ridership revenue from transit towards improvements in transit infrastructure and services.

Direction 3: Elevate the role of public transit