Page 4 - Wash Co First and Last Mile Background Report

TECHNICAL MEMO #1

1.0 Purpose and Background

This report summarizes the relevant baseline information needed to develop first and last mile
strategies in Washington County. Information included in this report includes plans, studies,
technical reports, applicable policy guidance and other evaluations related to travel options, active
transportation (including trails), transit, technology, population demographics and land use.

1.1 Project Purpose and Objectives

This project will result in recommendations for implementing 1) infrastructure investments to
provide safer, faster and more comfortable access to transit; and 2) opportunities to support
and integrate innovative mobility options that are coordinated, flexible, and responsive to the
land use and transportation context. Specifically this project advances Washington County’s
Transportation System Plan (TSP) objectives, which seek to improve access to and encourage
the enhancement of transit service in Washington County. This will be accomplished by the
following tasks and activities:

• Understanding the implications (costs/risks and benefits/opportunities) of new mobility
technology;
• Recommending amendments to the TSP, Road Design Standards and other policy
documents for the County to consider (e.g. major transit stop, curb space treatments,
parking and loading, etc.).
• Identifying priority locations to implement first and last mile transit access projects,
programs and partnerships, including:
o Bicycle and pedestrian improvements;
o On demand mobility solutions such as shuttle services, microtransit, ridesharing,
carsharing, bikesharing (including electric bikes and scooters), ridesourcing, and
mobility hubs;
o Inter-regional and rural transit connectivity.
• Identifying priority projects and position Washington County for future funding
opportunities.

1.2 Background

While Washington County enjoys a relatively robust transit system compared to other
suburban/rural counties, plenty of transit service, access and amenity needs remain. Transit
agencies continue to identify future network extensions and service enhancements, but
utilization remains relatively low. In order to achieve regional long-term climate and
transportation goals, a tripling in transit utilization is necessary over the next 20 years. The
easier it is to access the system, the more likely people are to use it. Many locations in
Washington County have significant barriers to accessing transit such as disconnected sidewalks,
bike facilities that are either substandard or don’t provide the level of comfort to attract a wide

FIRST AND LAST MILE
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