City of Niagara Falls Strategic Transit Master Plan Ridership Growth Strategy
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Transportation
Project value$200,000
Project Type
Plan
Sub Sector
Public Transit
Grant amount$100,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
City of Niagara Falls, ON
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
94,415
Project timeline
2008 - 2011
Project number
9730
Description
Niagara Falls will develop a Transit Master Plan that includes short-, medium- and long-term strategies to improve public transit services and increase ridership. The city will oversee management of the project while enlisting a qualified consultant to develop the final document. The initial stages of the project will involve a survey of public and commercial stakeholders to assess both the current system and the desired characteristics of the new one. Following this, the city will work to establish a policy framework, service standards and a schedule for instituting the new services. A key component of this process will be the involvement of neighbouring communities in an integrated transit strategy. The project will also identify the infrastructure, staffing and financial requirements of the proposed transit system. Throughout this process the city will hold meetings with residents and community stakeholders to gather their input. The upgraded transit system will reduce traffic congestion throughout the city and lessen demand for parking at tourist destinations, relieving pressure on natural areas and green spaces. The plan’s targeted 25 per cent increase in transit ridership will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent annually.
Applicant
City of Niagara Falls, ON