Description
Increases to transit frequency decrease the time users have to wait, which can improve the reliability and competitiveness of public transportation relative to driving.
Implementation Details
- Continue collaboration between Marin and Sonoma County.
- Incorporate and connect other means of mobility such as microtransit, ridesharing vehicles, and park and rides to existing transit hubs.
- Expand services frequency on higher ridership routes such as local Marin Transit routes serving the Canal neighborhood, downtown San Rafael, and Novato.
- Install supportive infrastructure such as new bus shelters, ADA-compliant stops, and real-time signage at priority locations.
Mitigation Potential
Improving transit service frequency decreases the wait time for riders and makes transit more convenient encouraging people to rely less on private vehicles. The impact on VMT will vary on the methods of improvement.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-26. Increase Transit Service Frequency, pg. 187-192 for VMT reduction quantification.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Transit frequency increases should prioritize areas with high concentrations of transit-dependent populations, including low-income residents, seniors, and essential workers. Late-night and weekend service is critical for shift workers. Equity goals should include underserved areas and ensuring accessible transit for riders with disabilities through ADA-compliant infrastructure and real-time info tools.
Funding Sources
Requires significant funding. Funding sources include the Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Grants and the Low or No Emissions Bus Grants (Federal Transit Administration), the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program – Sustainable Communities – Competitive and Technical (Caltrans), and the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (California Department of Housing and Community Development).
Implemented in TAM Area
Current TDM Implementation
Recent service frequency increases in Marin are being driven by the Marin-Sonoma Coordinated Service Plan (MASCOTS). SMART, Golden Gate Transit, and Marin Transit are all currently undergoing or recently made service frequency increases.
TDM Benefit Locations
While the entire county can benefit from increased service frequency, this TDM measure will be especially impactful on highly traveled transit corridors during peak hours. Increasing frequency for the US-101 corridor, San Rafael, Southern Marin, SMART commuter trips will increase transit ridership and desirability. Future MASCOTS recommendations should guide this TDM measure implementation.