This project provided the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) with methodologies, data, analysis, and tools to develop a regional multimodal transportation plan for alternative transportation modes (i.e., transit, bicycling, and walking). A multimodal transportation plan examines the key centers and corridors in a region and ensures that a connected circulation network for all these alternative travel modes exists. With multimodal transportation improvements, a region gains more efficient and safer transportation choices for travelers.
Under this project, TTI researchers collected and analyzed the following components:
- A population sample survey for the El Paso MPO region, which included statistics on:
- Residence.
- Work/school destinations.
- Exercise.
- Biking and walking habits.
- Transit use.
- Well-being perception.
- General demographics.
- A literature review of the factors that influence active transportation (e.g., walking, biking).
- An analysis of methods to promote active transportation.
- A detailed analysis of active travel in the region.
- Data on sidewalk, transit, and bike connectivity in the region.
- The influence of international bridges.
- Relevant technology applications that aide in active transportation, such as carsharing, bikesharing, and ridesharing.
- A transportation network’s performance measures.
Heat maps like this one will help the El Paso MPO identify where multimodal infrastructure is lacking.
Researchers also assisted the El Paso MPO in holding seven open houses for public input on pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connectivity issues and opportunities. Since active travel data results in El Paso were consistent with active transportation literature reviewed, many of the active transportation models used around the world are applicable to this area.
TTI researchers developed a multimodal scoring methodology for application to a region based on the connectivity results. Using this methodology, TTI generated heat maps that identify areas in the El Paso region lacking multimodal infrastructure or connections among the various multimodal travel modes. The heat maps show the level of multimodal infrastructure though shades of red and green. The darkest red areas represent areas with the least multimodal infrastructure. Researchers used pilot projects to demonstrate the multimodal score methodology. Researchers proposed specific policy issues and recommendations for the MPO to develop, adopt, and implement as part of a multimodal plan. Researchers then developed a 10-step action plan and four-year schedule for the El Paso MPO to develop a multimodal plan.