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Pace Development Guidelines |
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Pace Development Guidelines |
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pace, the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), has prepared
the Development Guidelines to encourage the coordination of real estate development and
transit service. The recommendations in this manual are designed to help municipalities and the
development community accommodate transit service in their development plans. In numerous
instances, Pace has not been able to serve locations due to street layouts and designs that do
not support bus service. By designing for public transportation in initial development plans,
Pace transit vehicles will be accommodated thereby promoting transit as a viable means of
suburban transportation. Coordinated planning not only can result in effective transit service
but may also lead to the reduction of traffic congestion and associated environmental impacts.
While adherence to these guidelines is strictly voluntary, municipalities, developers and other
interested individuals are encouraged to follow these recommendations, where appropriate. Pace
encourages municipalities and developers to take the lead in planning for public transportation
in conjunction with new development. By submitting development plans to Pace for no-cost
reviews, design options that promote a transit serviceable environment and support services
mandated by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) can be included during initial planning
phases. Transit service also can be tailored for the future users.
To be effective in reducing traffic congestion, the public and private sectors must work
together to develop programs that enhance mobility and encourage the use of alternative forms of
transportation. This document is a step in that direction. The need for coordination is
particularly important in light of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA). The availability
and use of transit service can aid in achieving mandated reductions in air pollution emissions.
The Development Guidelines present design elements that are more conducive to the
provision of effective and efficient transit service. These guidelines are designed to
facilitate mobility and enhance transit accessibility and convenience. Also provided are land
use planning considerations that effect population/employment densities, traffic patterns,
congestion, transit use and transit service capabilities.
In addition to the aforementioned design and land use planning techniques, demand management
strategies are offered and encouraged to reduce rush hour traffic congestion. These strategies
include the promotion of shared-ride programs and public transit services as well as management
policies that encourage variable work hours and establish parking controls. Together with site
design and land use measures, these guidelines can be effective in achieving reductions in
traffic congestion and enhancing mobility.
Revised: November, 1999.