Description
Providing first and last mile infrastructure improves access to transit and makes it a more attractive mode of transportation. First and last mile infrastructure can include closing gaps in sidewalks and bicycle facilities or even subsidizing access through the use of TNCs such as Uber and Lyft.
Implementation Details
- Prioritize infrastructure improvements that close gaps to transit hubs or high quality transit services.
- Partner with TNCs to provide subsidies or promo codes for short rides to and from Marin Transit stops, prioritizing service to employment hubs and community colleges such as College of Marin, especially during off-peak or nighttime hours.
- Launch pilot programs in areas with limited active transportation infrastructure, to improve first/last mile connectivity.
- Implement geofenced pick-up/drop-off zones at high-ridership transit centers to streamline transfers and reduce conflicts with other modes.
- Use survey and ridership data to adapt incentive structure and eligibility criteria for low-income residents, youth, and seniors.
Mitigation Potential
This measure encourages a shift to transit by closing gaps in accessibility and improving connectivity. While no direct quantification methods are known at this time, this strategy is closely related to improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities. These linked strategies may be used as a proxy for quantification though may underestimate the VMT benefit of the strategy as transit trips are typically longer than active transportation trips.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Providing improved transit access through bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure increases the safety and ease of access for transit dependent persons. Subsidizing TNC (Transportation Network Company) services for first/last mile trips can fill mobility gaps for low-income residents, seniors, and persons with disabilities who live far from transit stops. Equity-focused design should ensure fare discounts apply to accessible ride options and prioritize service to historically underserved areas. Data privacy and multilingual app access should be considered to avoid technological exclusion.
Funding Sources
Funding sources include the Regional Active Transportation Program (Metropolitan Transportation Commission ), and the Statewide Active Transportation Program (California Transportation Commission).
Implemented in TAM Area
Current TDM Implementation
SMART implements first-last mile solutions around their stations, partnering with bikeshare programs like Redwood Bikeshare, improving signage and wayfinding for multimodal transportation, and reimbursing emergency rides home. The SMART Connect shuttle and Marin Transit bus service provide first-last mile connections to Larkspur Ferry Terminal. On the planning side, first-last mile gaps and opportunities are being identified for nine transit station locations in the Marin County Mobility Hub Plan.
TDM Benefit Locations
First-last mile improvements will enhance connectivity between transit, residential, and commercial areas. Areas where this TDM measure could be especially beneficial include Novato in the Hamilton/Billing Circle area, on the Tiburon peninsula, around ferry terminals and SMART station areas, and generally in the east-west direction, which has less connectivity than north-south travel.