The following piece, done by HOMES for last April’s Earth Day event, does a nice job of summarizing the proposed traffic strategies.
TRANSIT SYSTEMS
Alameda Point will be transit-oriented and designed so that residents, workers and visitors can take maximum advantage of transit options. A multi-faceted transportation strategy is proposed, with a transit hub created within the mixed-use area at the Seaplane Lagoon.
Shuttles and Bus Rapid Transit
In addition to AC Transit bus service, there will be a dedicated shuttle connecting Alameda Point to the 12th Street BART station and downtown Oakland. At the major on-site shuttle stops, car sharing, park and ride lots and bike-sharing services will be located to further reduce the need for private automobiles.
The shuttle service will eventually evolve to a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service connecting Alameda Point to the 12th Street, and later, Fruitvale BART stations. Ultimately BRT service is to include dedicated transit lanes along major thoroughfares in Alameda to enable efficient cross-island travel. Where BRT travels in lanes with automobiles, “queue jump lanes” may be provided to allow BRT vehicles to bypass automobiles.
Ferry Service
A new ferry terminal will be constructed at the multi-modal transit hub, located at Seaplane Lagoon, with frequent high-speed ferry service between Alameda and San Francisco.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Systems and Facilities
Strong pedestrian and bicycle connections throughout Alameda Point and especially to transit stops will be provided. All streets will be equipped with safe pedestrian routes. Short blocks and mid-block pedestrian passageways will invite walking. The Plan includes a ne work of bike lanes and trails. Secure bicycle parking, including bicycle lockers, and potential bicycle stations (attended bike parking, service and sales) will be provided at the ferry terminal. All schools, community centers, retail areas, public parks and workplaces will include bike racks and/or lockers.
Transit Hub and Transportation Management Coordinator
The goal of the City’s General Plan Transportation Element and the Alameda Point Community Plan is to reduce trips generated by new development. The proposed mix of jobs, housing, transit options, schools, retail and services allow residents to remain in the Area for most needs, such as childcare, school drop-off, daily errands, shopping, recreation and dining.
Non-auto travel options will be promoted in a number of ways. Assessments paid by all homeowners and businesses will entitle residents and employees to an “Eco-Pass” for access to all transit modes provided by the Project. Also, an Alameda Point Transportation Management Coordinator will be paid to assist residents, workers and employers in planning their trips, organize ride-matching and vanpool programs, administer incentive programs to increase transit usage, and the like. The Transportation Coordinator will evaluate each program to ensure maximum effectiveness and streamline transit needs of residents, workers and employers. The Specific Plan details the extensive improvements to be implemented in the first phase of build-out.
Truck Routes
New truck routes will extend along the north and east sides of the Area. These routes will serve the entire Alameda Point district. Truck routes have been selected to avoid residential areas.
Parking
Because of its concentrated mixed-use design and its infill location, Alameda Point is expected to generate less traffic and parking demand than conventional suburban developments, and the required amount of parking will be lower than for conventional development. Parking will be regularly monitored to determine the appropriate cost for parking in certain areas. Many different strategies are planned to enable sufficient parking, but to be efficient and flexible in its allocation and management.
Phasing of Transportation Improvements
The proposed land use plan for Alameda Point includes five phases of redevelopment. The Transit Demand Master Plan (TDMP), which will be developed and approved by the City prior to the first phase of development, will include a detailed implementation and operations plan for each phase of the transportation strategy. The Specific Plan details extensive implementations in Phases I through V.
