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

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DRAFT JANUARY 10, 2012 detailed analysis to determine where additional connections can be made to maximize access to the already established trail system. 3) Continue to budget, or pursue additional outside funding, to construct the remaining trail segments as identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Implementation Plan. Due to the significant costs of initial construction, maintenance of the existing trail system should be a priority and should be adequately funded in the annual operating budget. Additional grant funding should also be pursued from such sources as federal, state, private entities. 4) To facilitate the increased availability of using a bicycle as an alternate form of mobility over time, amend the development regulations to add provisions for requiring bicycle racks at office and retail establishments exceeding 15,000 square feet and business employing more than 10 persons. I !'A . Further - the Harris County increase usage as an alternate mode of mobility for the citizens of , Pwte. Actions and Initiatives 1) At a minimum, continue to budget $90,000 to cover the City's portion of the costs to maintain and operate the Route 4 circulator bus service. As ridership increases, pursue grant funding or other funding sources to further invest in amenities for those bus stops located within the City limits. Implementation should be prioritized on the average number of hoardings per day at the stop. The amenities should include all- weather shelters (for protection from rain and other elements), benches (for seating), trash cans (for maintaining cleanliness), concrete or paved connections to the curb (for disabled users), appropriate signage (for fare and route information), monitors for real -time information on the arrival of buses, public art, lighting, and advertisements (potentially to offset the costs of installing and maintaining each bus stop). 2) Coordinate with the Harris County Office of Transit Services (and other partners) to implement an online (and mobile app), real - time transit information system using GPS technology to notify passengers when the arrival of the next bus will occur. Studies have shown that this can increase ridership. 3) Consider coordinating with the Harris County Office of Transit Services (and other partners) to initiate and implement a Summer Youth Pass Program, where high school -aged children are given unlimited access to buses (for a nominal fee) during the summer months so that it provides the City's youth with increased access to a range of activities along the bus route and provides greater independence to the youth while their parents are at work. Coordination with the La Porte Independent School District (ISD) A CO1v1MUNITY VISION FOR LA 1'ORTE TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE