Municipal Urban Designers Roundtable –

May 27, 2011Joshua Engel-Yan, Strategic Policy and Systems Planning

A bold plan

1 A fast, frequent and expanded regional rapid transit network

2 High-order transit connectivity to the Pearson Airport District from all directions

3 An expanded Union Station -

the heart of the GTHA’s transportation system.

4 A complete walking and cycling network with bike-sharing programs

5 An information system for travellers, where and when they need it

6 A region-wide integrated transit fare system

8 A comprehensive strategy for goods movement

9 An Investment Strategy to provide stable and predictable funding

7 A system of interconnected mobility hubs

9 Big Moves

What is a mobility hub?

It’s more than just a transit station…

Identifying mobility hubs in

The Big Move

1. Strategic importance:–

Urban Growth Centres–

International gateways: Pearson Airport/Union Station

OR2. Key regional interchanges (2 or more rapid transit lines)

with–

With high level of forecasted transit ridership(4,500 or more boardings

+ alightings

by 2031)–

High development potential (10,000 residents and jobs combined within 800m by 2031)

All hubs have the potential to attract and accommodate new growth

and transform the regional urban structure

51 mobility hubs across the GTHA

The Big Move identifies

51 mobility hubs located at key intersections of

the regional rapid transit network

The role of Metrolinx

–

Lead design and implementation for key hubs

–

Partnership with municipalities

–

Provide advice and guidance on hub concept

–

Mobility hub analysis and policy development

–

Expand the range of and ways of providing customer services

–

Innovation in operations

–

Other

Purpose of the Mobility Hub Guidelines

1.Clearly communicate the mobility hub concept

2.Provide guidance for mobility hub and station planning and development across GTHA

3.Guide Metrolinx in planning efforts, infrastructure design, and facilities in mobility hubs and stations

Primary audience: Metrolinx/GO Transit, municipalities, transit agencies, developers, consultants, provincial ministries, community organizations, and other public agencies

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SUCCESSFUL MOBILITY HUBS BALANCE THE TENSION BETWEEN:

TRANSPORTATION FUNCTIONNeed for quick and efficient movement

PLACEMAKING FUNCTIONDesirable and interesting destination

&

Mobility hub objectives

Mobility hub guidelines

1.6 Clearly marked and protected access for pedestrians and cyclists at station areas…

2.3 A network of complete streets…2.4 An attractive pedestrian environment...2.5 Cycling-supportive streets and communities…3.1 High-quality station architecture and public realm…

3.3 Provide a high level of customer amenity…4.6 Minimize surface parking and integrate parking with surrounding

development and structures…5.1 A mix of uses to provide a high-quality urban environment…6.1 Attractive and comfortable public realm…9.5 Design competitions and design review panels…

Urban design plays a strong role

2.4 Provide an attractive pedestrian environment with a high level of priority, safety, and amenities.

Guideline Example:

3.1 Encourage high-quality station architecture and public realm that are sensitive to the surrounding built context and community vision.

Guideline Example:

6.1 Create an attractive and comfortable public realm with a strong sense of place in order to support a walkable

station area and promote the use of transit.

Guideline Example:

Dundas West – Bloor Mobility Hub Study

Dundas West – Bloor &

the

mobility hub objectives

Mobility hub planning area

Existing design issues

Existing entrance to GO platformsBloor St. W.

Pert

h A

ve.

Existing design issues

Existing design issues

Draft recommendations

Draft recommendations

Draft recommendations

Direct connections

Bloor Street West frontage

Bloor Street West frontage

A comprehensive site plan based on the Bloor-Dundas Avenue Study and including:

•

A variety of built form, new public streets, a public park, smaller open spaces, and new pedestrian connections.

•

An alternative option with a relocated field to allow space for

an additional connection to Bloor Street West and additional street

related development. Options to make the field publicly accessible should be explored.

Improvements to The Crossways façade, including:•

The encouragement of active at-grade uses, such as spill-out retail or cafés.

•

Consistently spaced street trees, landscaping, furniture, public art, etc

Bloor Street West frontage

Existing conditions Phase 1 - 2015

Phasing strategy

Phase 2 Phase 3 - 2031

Moving forward

Metrolinx will use the Mobility Hub Guidelines to:

–

Establish objectives/scope of work for Metrolinx-led mobility hub and station planning and investments

–

Lever Metrolinx investments to achieve the hub concept

–

Provide a framework for reviewing third party plans and proposals for mobility hubs

–

Demonstrate Metrolinx’s

commitment to championing transit supportive growth and creating a system of connected mobility hubs (i.e. Big Move #7)

Moving forward

−

Apply the Mobility Hub Guidelines to planning and design of major transit investments

−

Conversion of Mobility Hub Guidelines to an interactive web version

−

Outreach to stakeholders

−

Mobility Hub Guidelines Brochure

www.metrolinx.com/mobilityhubs

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Questions?

?

Mobility hubs typology