Transportation

Opportunity Area #1 – Improve Alternatives to Driving

Travel by private automobile continues to grow as a share of the overall travel in the region. In 2019, private automobile travel grew to 94.8 percent of all commuting trips – up from 94.3 percent in 2010, and 89.8 percent in 1990.  Conversely, the share of commutes by transit continues to drop – falling to 2.0 percent in 2019, down from 2.7 percent in 2010 and 3.5 percent in 1990. This trend follows observed trends in peer metropolitan regions such as Indianapolis, Columbus, Louisville, Lexington, and Pittsburgh. Automobile use is also rising while transit use is falling as a share of overall commute trips. In fact, the share of transit trips in the OKI region only ranks behind Pittsburgh on that list of peer metros.

Policy Recommendations           

1.A All communities should be designed and built to be safely walkable with pedestrian connections between residential, commercial, civic, and recreational uses.

1.B A fully connected regional system of paved trails and bike lanes to provide a safe means of travelling by bicycle throughout the region.

1.C Continue to improve the speed, reliability, and frequency of bus service throughout the region.

1.D Use technology to improve the coordination of paratransit in the region.

1.E Provide better transit connectivity to CVG Airport and job centers.

1.F Provide improved transit centers and bus stops to increase the accessibility and comfort of the system.

1.G Work towards a coordinated regional transit system that leverages technology to provide cost-effective and user-friendly door-to-door transportation.

1.H Reduce barriers to using multiple modes to complete a trip. e.g. making it easier for cyclists to ride a bus for a portion of their trip.

1.I Improve intercity passenger rail connections.

1.J Corridors through areas with a mixture of uses should accommodate multiple modes of travel – pedestrian, biking, cars, and busses.