Short Term Action items (six months to one year)

Policy

• Continue to advance the objectives of the Destination Downtown Buffalo 2002! Report
• Continue to rely on the Parking Infrastructure Task Force as a forum for identifying issues and implementing solutions. Consider re-naming the group to the Downtown Access Task Force.
• Agree to convert all one-way streets to two-way
• Encourage better energy and green design standards in all access systems

Analysis

• Determine the demand for access services and infrastructure

Implementation

General

• Develop a Downtown Access Marketing campaign including a comprehensive access map – online and hard copy.
• Consider a system for integrating parking and transit costs into commercial rents
• Continue to focus on creating an Access Fund to support Downtown transportation-related projects
• Decide on a preferred alternative for Returning Cars to Main Street and/or Pedestrian Mall Enhancements
• Coordinate/ Enhance/ Replace transportation related signage
• Address the Michigan Avenue Bridge renovation with education and signage

Parking

• Continue with proposal to construct/expand two parking ramps

Mass Transit

• Encourage the NFTA to enhance NFTA Park and Ride program, including more frequent service
• Use BCAR registration information to identify express bus users

Alternative Modes

• Increase focus on bicycle access

Medium Term Action items (one to three years)

Analysis

• Conduct transportation study on Elm-Oak Corridor for potential improvements

Implementation

General

• Convert all one-way streets to two-way
• Begin developing a comprehensive Downtown Access Plan
• Coordinate transportation efforts with the BNMC
• Finalize design and financing of preferred alternative for Returning Cars to Main Street and/or Pedestrian Mall Enhancements
• Identify and beautify Downtown gateways for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. (See Urban Design and Management)
• Consider creating one entity responsible for managing Downtown’s access system including on-and-off street parking and a shuttle or circulator bus system

Mass Transit

• Develop and implement Downtown Circulator Bus program using CNG or other alternative fuels
• Explore creating a Downtown Free Fare Bus Zone
• Improve HSBC events station
• Develop a state-of-the-art Intermodal Transportation Center
• Begin renovations of Metropolitan Transportation Center

Alternative Modes

• Consider developing a “Shared Bike Program”
• Consider developing a “Shared Car Program”

Long Term Action items (three to five years)

Implementation

• Re-open as many closed streets as possible
• Implement Urban Design/Transit and other changes to the Elm-Oak corridor
• Implement improvements/changes to Pedestrian Mall
• Complete Erie Canal Harbor infrastructure

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