Why The First and Final Mile Matters
The first and final miles of a transit trip is often the hardest miles to complete, especially in suburban communities that were originally designed for cars. Limited connections and long walking distances are just a couple of factors that can prove difficult to reach a final destination or to leave from your neighborhood. The US 36 First and Final Mile Study was developed to address how the northwest metro region can overcome the first and final mile and reduce barriers to riding transit. By addressing the First and Final Mile issue, our study and resulting efforts are connecting commuters, residents, and visitors to their destinations safely, efficiently, and SOV free.
Study Overview
The First and Final Mile Study focuses on the ease-of-use and travel-safety concerns related to the first and final miles of a commute and provides solutions on how to make travel options in the northwest metro region safe, accessible and attractive. The study’s main objective was to identify solutions to better connect transit riders to the six US 36 RTD stations and surrounding activity centers. By addressing the First and Final Mile issue, our study and resulting efforts are connecting commuters, residents, and visitors to their destinations safely, efficiently, and SOV free.
Resources
Northwest Bicycle and Pedestrian Accessibility Study
First and Final Mile Study Recommendations
2015 RTD Bike Parking Accessibility Plan
Ten Corridor-Wide Recommendations:
- Bike-n-Ride shelters. Learn more about Bike-n-Ride bike shelters in the northwest metro region and plans for additional shelters to be built by clicking here.
- Branded wayfinding signs for all communities along the US 36 corridor and at the Westminster Station. Currently, wayfinding signage is being installed throughout the region, making it easier for residents, employees, and tourists to navigate our region.
- EcoPasses for individuals and businesses within close proximity to one of the six US 36 RTD stations. Commuting Solutions has been actively working with our partners and employers throughout the northwest metro region to help increase EcoPasses distributed in our region.
- Private carshare and taxi services at each US 36 RTD stations.
- B-cycle or Zagster membership. Currently, memberships to bike share program are valid in Denver, Boulder, Westminster, Longmont and coming soon to communities throughout the northwest metro region.
- Transit-supportive land use policies.
- First and Final Mile mobile app, providing cycling, transit, walking, and taxi information to help riders reach their destination.
- Real-time US 36 bus tracker. Commuting Solutions recently partnered with Boulder County to share information about Transit, a smartphone app that allows users to track their bus in real time. Learn more by clicking here.
- Bikeshare services at each station, including B-cycle, stationless bikeshare and/or bike libraries.
- Secure scooter parking.
We are Making Progress!
Addressing the first and final mile is an ongoing issue that Commuting Solutions is leading the way to advocate and secure funding for, to ensure that US 36 employees, residents and visitors have access to a safe and connected transit system.