01-19-12 Regular, Public Hearing and Workshop Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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DRAFT JANUARY 10, 2012 provide transportation alternatives to county residents who previously did not have access to these types of services. To be eligible for receiving federal funding, local share funding and commitments are required. In 2007, the Harris County Office of Transit Services was created to design and operate a multitude of transportation services in areas of the county not served by METRO. These services include Park and Ride, fixed - route, and para- transit services. In January 2010, a fixed -route "Circulator" was created and sponsored by the Pasadena Second Century Corporation, San Jacinto College, and the Cities of South Houston, Pasadena, and La Porte. In October 2010, La Porte entered into an Interlocal Agreement with Harris County and contributed $90,000 to continue the circulator bus service for another year. In less than 15 months of operation, "Route 4" averages 2,500 hoardings a month and is growing. (see inset next page) About of a third of that ridership is attributed to younger San Jacinto College students looking for efficient, dependable alternate transportation options. These students were also the first to utilize the bike racks attached to the buses so that their mobility options pre- and post- transit ride are also increased. In addition to travelling to and from college and work, the Circulator is also used for mall shopping, doctor visits, and library visits. Despite being a relatively new service, with limited signage minimal marketing, benches or covered shelters, this alternative mobility option is being used by hundreds daily. Key Planning Considerations Key planning considerations regarding the planning needs to improve alternate modes of people mobility include: 1) Constructing or reconstructing sidewalks where they do not exist or are in poor condition (particularly adjacent to schools and public buildings), installing pedestrian amenities including crosswalks and signals, and installing street lights. 2) Working with Harris County to expand public transit opportunities to additional residents. 3) Identifying needs and innovative transportation options for accommodating an aging population and disabled residents (e.g., those using motorized wheelchairs and scooters), including appropriate transit services and parking facilities. 4) Expanding connectivity between neighborhoods and commercial and public areas through an interconnected system of sidewalks and trails. 18 Ibid. 19 La Porte By the Bay — Community Information, Harris County Bus Route Serves La Porte Citizens. 2011 20 City of La Porte website: Harris County Transit Fixed Route Bus Service: Pasadena / La Porte Corridor Video. http: / /www.ci.1a- porte.tx.us /about /transportation.asp. A CO1v1MUNITY VISION FOR LA 1'ORTE TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE