ACTION ITEM 2: STRENGTHEN CONNECTIONS
OFFER PREMIUM MOBILITY SERVICES Walnut Hills is one of Cincinnati’s most transit rich neighborhoods. This has been of great benefit to the many of those who live in the neighborhood and cannot own a private automobile by circumstance. As transportation preferences shift away from the car, it is also proving to be a marketing advantage of the neighborhood that one might live car free or car lite by choice. Walnut Hills was one of the city’s first transit-oriented developments. Transit can, again, provide the impetus for development. To achieve this, however, transit service will have to be upgraded along primary routes, such as those connecting the neighborhood to downtown and Uptown. Walnut Hills has a number of competitors to attract the transit-by-choice market. Over-the-Rhine will have the streetcar connecting it to the riverfront, Uptown enjoys MetroPlus service, and many of the neighborhoods in the city have express routes for peak times. A premium MetroPlus service that connects Xavier University to downtown along Gilbert Avenue would provide more frequent service on upgraded vehicles. This route would also better connect the neighborhood internally, helping bridge the MLK divide with frequent, limited stop service. An early investment such as this could be the precursor to increased transit investments such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or streetcar technologies in the future.
UPGRADE BUS STOPS
© MKSK 2016
METRO is also in the process of upgrading seven bus stops in the neighborhood, an effort that could potentially also offer a premium level of service for riders. This investment coupled with the service upgrade along Gilbert would provide immediate value for residents, employers and students. Principles to consider when locating and improving bus stops include: ++
Focus stop investments along Gilbert, paired with premium service offerings.
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Keeping stops to the street side of the sidewalk, preferably on a bumpout close to the arriving transit vehicle and visible from the street.
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In locations that experience regular, heavy wait times, bus stops should not be located immediately adjacent to ground floor retail, particularly outdoor dining.
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Realtime arrival and departure information.
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Pair bus stops with clearly marked crosswalks
48 | ACTION ITEMS
METROPLUS A MetroPlus route that connects Xavier to downtown along Gilbert can provide high frequency, limited stop service to the neighborhood.
The plan has recommended conceptual locations for the bus stops to complement the development activity likely to occur in the next five to ten years. More detailed locations and designs for the stops will need to be determined as part of the implementation of this plan.
SUPPORT COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES The neighborhood should also consider providing marked rideshare and mobility service pick up spots throughout the neighborhood. Partnerships with Uber and Lyft can help determine where these investments are best made. Similarly, the neighborhood should work with ZipCar to determine the feasibility of locating their service in the neighborhood. WALNUT HILLS REDEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION