Executive Summary

Overview

The Alexandria Mobility Plan (AMP), a strategic update to the 2008 Transportation Master Plan, focuses on expanding high-quality transportation choices so transportation in the city continues to serve the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors as the region grows and new technology impacts the ways we get around.

The community-driven planning process raised several priorities including reducing congestion, improving transit, cut-through traffic, and making the transportation system safer. This input informed a set of recommendations that will address these needs and improve access to safe and convenient travel choices for all Alexandria.

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Vision

Safe, seamless, and connected mobility options foster a thriving Alexandria for all.

Guiding Principles

All components of the AMP will advance the vision and guiding principles, which work together to improve transportation choices and ACCESS in Alexandria.

• Accessible
• Connected
• Convenient
• Equitable
• Safe
• Sustainable

Plan Chapters

• Transit
• Smart Mobility
• Streets
• Pedestrian and Bicycle
• Supporting Travel Options
• Curb Space and Parking

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Why update the AMP?

• Accommodate local and regional population and job growth
• Prepare for new mobility options and emerging technology
• Promote environmental responsibility
• Enhance the focus on equity

The AMP will improve access to safe and convenient travel choices.

The plan commits the City to:

• Apply an early and ongoing equity focus to all aspects of City projects, initiatives, programs, and services from conception through implementation
• Be proactive and data-driven in decision-making
• Make our transportation network flexible and adaptable to factors such as climate change, pandemics, and technological advancements
• Develop partnerships that advance shared goals to serve the community

Policies and Strategies

The AMP contains policies and strategies that seek to improve and expand access to transportation choices and key destinations throughout Alexandria. In addition to the policies and strategies listed here, the full draft plan includes specific actions that the City will take to advance the implementation of these strategies.

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Transit

Policies

A. Make transit greener and more useful: Build out a fast and reliable all-day transit network with frequent service that runs on electric buses and serves the entire city, with a focus on areas that will benefit the most Alexandrians, businesses, employees, customers, and visitors.

B. Make transit easier to use: Increase transportation choices by reducing or eliminating barriers to taking transit.

Strategies

1. Implement a citywide transit network with frequent, all-day service.
2. Build out the city's priority transitway corridors and identify improvements on congested, high-ridership corridors to reduce travel times and improve reliability.
3. Transition the City's bus fleet to fully electric, zero-emission vehicles.
4. Improve the rider experience from trip planning, to accessing the stop, riding the bus, and arriving at the destination.
5. Evaluate DASH's fare free service and continue to explore low-income WMATA fares.
6. Support a better connected regional transit network.
7. Modernize the paratransit program for the city's aging population.

Advancing Transportation Equity

The strategies in the AMP will work to review transit fare policy to ensure transit access for people of all means, use data to ensure that resources are distributed equitably, add more frequent, all-day bus service citywide (particularly in the West End), and create curb space policies to ensure greater access for persons with limited mobility.

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Smart Mobility

Policies

**A. Improve safety and efficiency: ** Use technology to manage congestion for safe and efficient city streets and protect the character of neighborhoods.

**B. Prepare for new technology: ** Plan proactively and flexibly to ensure cost-effective investment in technology that can improve travel choices.

Strategies

1. Expand smart signal technology to enable detection and real-time signal adjustments.
2. Strategically invest in partnerships to expand City data, technology, and communications capabilities.
3. Upgrade capabilities of the Traffic Management Center to better manage congestion in real-time.
4. Proactively prepare for connected and autonomous vehicles.
5. Develop a framework for pilot projects to test new modes, infrastructure, or initiatives.

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Promoting Choices

The AMP promotes choice through strategies that will:

• Make non-auto travel options more efficient and convenient so you can use them for everyday trips
• Deploy technology to enable you to make more informed travel choices based on what is fastest or easiest
• Provide new travel choices such as ferries

Reducing Congestion and Cut-Through Traffic

The strategies in the AMP will work to expand use of smart signals to improve traffic flow, mitigate impacts of cut-through traffic on local streets, promote partnerships to support continued telework and flexible work schedules, support more frequent and efficient bus service to attract ridership and reduce traffic, and much more.

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Streets

Policies

A. Protect neighborhoods from cut-through traffic: Reduce cut-through traffic burdening City neighborhoods.

B. Achieve Vision Zero: Use data to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2028.

C. Leverage smart mobility: Recognizing that driving is important in the City, use Smart Mobility to manage congestion and neighborhood safety.

Strategies

1. Implement the Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2028.

2. Develop a comprehensive program to reduce speeding and cut-through traffic on local streets.

3. Ensure new development minimizes negative impacts to the street network.

4. Work with regional, state, and private sector partners to develop tools to keep traffic on highways and reduce regional cut-through traffic.

5. Consider the use of speed cameras and other automated tools to improve safety.

6. Maintain a state of good repair for our streets using a proactive, data-driven, and equitable approach.

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Pedestrian and Bicycle

Policies

A. Prioritize safety: Focus on vulnerable street user crashes to help achieve Vision Zero.

B. Address network gaps: Complete pedestrian and bicycle networks equitably and cost-effectively.

Strategies

1. Create a safe, well-maintained, and comfortable walking and bicycling environment.
2. Build out a continuous, connected, and accessible pedestrian network that enables people of all ages and abilities to move safely and comfortably.
3. Build out a connected bicycle network of both on- and off-street facilities to benefit cyclists of all ages and abilities.
4. Upgrade or install infrastructure that increases the accessibility of City streets and public spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
5. Educate all street users about safety and traffic laws.

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Supporting Travel Options

Policies

A. Enhance choice: Make it easier for more people to choose an alternative to driving alone.

B. Promote work flexibility: Encourage continued telework and flexible schedules to reduce congestion and emissions.

C. Focus on all trips: Shift non-commute trips away from driving alone.

Strategies

1. Use information, programs, and encouragement to make it easier for residents and workers to choose options other than driving alone.

2. Use the Potomac River to expand transportation options.

3. Create mobility hubs.

4. Pursue regional approaches to reduce traffic and congestion, particularly during peak times.

Curb Space and Parking

Policies

A. Connect parking policy to City goals: Achieve broader City goals related to sustainability, congestion, and housing affordability through parking.

B. Ensure parking availability: Seek to maintain parking availability in the city’s residential and commercial districts, recognizing that some people may need to walk a short distance to their destination.

C. Promote equitable allocation of curb space: Treat all curb space as a public asset that should be allocated in an equitable manner for its highest and best use, appropriate for the specific location, time of day, and time of year.

Strategies

1. Implement a prioritization framework for making changes to curb space.

2. Consider pricing, regulation, data, and communications to manage parking availability.

3. Reconsider parking requirements in new developments.

4. Promote electric vehicle charging opportunities.

AMP Outcomes

Together, the elements of the plan will lead to tangible and measurable progress towards achieving the plan’s vision, guiding principles, and citywide goals to improve not just transportation, but also equity and quality of life.

• Increased access to high-quality transportation choices for all Alexandrians
• More and easier connections to jobs, opportunities, and community destinations
• Better overall experience traveling around the city
• Reduced number and severity of crashes
• Increase in non single-occupant vehicle travel

Equitable outcomes for all Alexandrians, especially neighborhoods and populations that have been historically underserved

How will the AMP help the City?

• Serves as a work plan for staff to improve mobility choices in the community
• Establishes metrics and targets to promote accountability
• Guides transportation decision-making
• Promotes flexibility to adapt to new ideas, technologies, and trends
• Provides a foundation for securing funding to advance existing plans and new projects

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Alexandria Mobility Plan

October 2021

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Alexandria Mobility Plan

Acknowledgments

The development of the Alexandria Mobility Plan (AMP) would not be possible without the contributions from many individuals and organizations. The City thanks you for your dedication to the AMP development process.

City of Alexandria

Alexandria City Council Mayor Justin M. Wilson Vice Mayor Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker Councilman Canek Aguirre Councilman John Taylor Chapman Councilwoman Amy B. Jackson Councilwoman Redella S. “Del” Pepper Councilman Mohamed E. “Mo” Seifeldein

City Manager’s Office City Manager Mark Jinks Deputy City Manager Emily Baker Jaqueline Tucker, Race and Social Equity Officer

Department of General Services Bill Eger

Department of Planning and Zoning Karl Moritz Jeff Farner Carrie Beach Jose C. Ayala Margaret Curran

Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Jack Browand Dana Wedeles

Department of Transportation and Environmental Services Yon Lambert Hillary Orr Christopher Ziemann Jennifer Slesinger, AMP Project Manager William Skrabak Bob Garbacz Katye North

Alex Block Christine Mayeur Alex Carroll Thomas Hamed Christie Holland Renee Moore Megan Oleynik Mark Schnauffer Ellen Eggerton Elizabeth Jones Camila Olivares Steve Sindiong Lalit Sharma Brian Dofflemyer

Office of Performance Analytics Greg Useem Matthew Williams

Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) Martin Barna Josh Baker

Department of Community and Human Services Kate Garvey Sadina Vanison

Office of Communications and Public Information Justin Thompson

Department of Information Technology Services Vanette Pledger Patrick Eze Steven Chozick James Bryant

Alexandria Fire Department Michael Cross

Alexandria Police Department Mike May

Alexandria Mobility Plan Advisory Committee

Transportation Commission: Alyia Gaskins Jeffrey Bennett, West of Quaker Lawrence Chambers, DASH Board John Goebel, Planning Commission Oscar Gonzalez, East of Quaker Casey Kane, Traffic and Parking Board Bruce Marsh, East of Quaker Melissa McMahon, Planning Commission William Pugh, Environmental Policy Commission Councilman Canek Aguirre Councilman John Taylor Chapman

Other: Debby Critchley, West End Business Association Maria Ciarrocchi, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Bill Rossello, Federation of Civic Associations Jeffrey Poole, Alexandria Commission of Persons with Disabilities

Community Champions

Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Alexandria City Public Schools Alexandria Economic Development Partnership Alexandria Housing Development Corporation Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Alive! Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Carpenter Shelter Casa Chirilagua Commission on Aging - Transportation Committee Commission on Persons with Disabilities Community Lodgings Del Ray Business Association Eisenhower Partnership Ethiopian Business Association Federation of Civic Associations Homes for America (Brent Place) Hopkins House Tenants and Workers United Volunteer Alexandria West End Business Association West End Coalition YMCA

Consultant Team

Kimley-Horn Toole Design Group NeoNiche Strategies Adam Cohen Susan Shaheen

Contents

Overview

Transit The Transit chapter focuses on making transit more customer-friendly, reliable, and efficient to better serve existing customers and attract new ones.

Smart Mobility The Smart Mobility chapter focuses on how the City can incorporate technology into the transportation network to better manage traffic.

Streets The Streets chapter seeks to identify ways to make City streets function better for all users, with the goal of making the street network more efficient and safer.

Pedestrian and Bicycle The Pedestrian and Bicycle chapter reflects the integration of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter update in 2016 into the format of the AMP, while continuing to track progress since 2016 and highlighting the remaining priorities.

Supporting Travel Options The Supporting Travel Options chapter focuses on how the City can support alternatives to driving alone through information, incentives, partnerships, and policies.

Curb Space and Parking The Curb Space and Parking chapter focuses on how the City can use parking to help achieve its goals and manage competing demands for limited curb space.

Moving Forward

Appendix I: Implementation Appendix II: Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators Appendix III-A: Civic Engagement Process Summary Appendix III-B: Civic Engagement Findings Summary

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We are excited to share the draft Alexandria Mobility Plan (AMP) with you. As a growing city with a constrained street network, we face difficult challenges when it comes to how we move. The AMP puts Alexandria in a strong position to address our transportation challenges now and into the future by focusing on choice and giving you more and better choices for getting you where you want to go. An intentional effort for consistency between the visions of related plans, such as the City Strategic Plan, City Master Plan, and Environmental Action Plan, ensures we are meaningfully working toward citywide goals to support overall livability, equity, quality of life, and mobility for the community.

This plan was developed during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which dramatically changed travel patterns and the way we live our lives. The AMP recognizes that there will always be unknowns and that the City must seek to understand potential scenarios and plan for flexibility, adaptation, and resilience.

Yon Lambert, AICP Director, Department of Transportation and Environmental Services

The process to update and modernize the 2008 Transportation Master Plan led to thousands of interactions with Alexandrians from all backgrounds and neighborhoods, informing and educating us on community experiences, needs, and aspirations for the future of mobility. Overwhelmingly, we heard from you about the need to manage congestion and cut-through traffic, improve public transit, and make streets safe for all users. The AMP includes policies and strategies to mitigate the effects of regional traffic on our streets, make transit more convenient and accessible, consider all types of travelers from all parts of the community when designing our services and our streets—all in a way that promotes access and equity, getting you where you need to go safely and efficiently no matter which mode of transportation you use.

The release of the draft AMP does not mark the end of our collaboration. The advancement of the AMP, its policies, and its strategies in the years to come will require continued partnership with the community. With a shared vision and direction, we will work to meet our needs together with strategic decisions that will affect mobility in the city over the next decade.

Melissa McMahon Chair, Transportation Commission

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Setting the Stage

The Alexandria Mobility Plan (AMP) is a strategic update to the City’s 2008 Transportation Master Plan. By using the term “mobility,” this update emphasizes the importance of providing useful options to allow people to have the freedom to choose how to get around. The AMP is not a list of specific projects such as the Capital Improvement Plan or mode-specific plans¹; instead, it lays out the policies and strategies that will guide transportation decisions for the next 10 years in pursuit of enhanced quality of life, sustainability, and equity, centered around the concept of choice.

Mobility vs. Transportation

On its most basic level, transportation is the simple act of moving people or goods from one location to another. Streets, sidewalks, buses, and trains are examples of infrastructure and options that help facilitate transportation, the existence of which alone does not equal mobility.

Mobility is about freedom of movement and having access to many transportation options that work for you, as well as the quality of those options to give you the ability to get you where you need to go. To have mobility is to be able to safely and affordably get to the resources that enable a fulfilling and healthy life—jobs, school, grocery store, doctors’ office, pharmacy, daycare, community centers, parks, and more.

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Accomplishments Since 2008

The City has made great strides in realizing the vision of the 2008 Transportation Master Plan in the years since its adoption.¹

2008 Transportation Master Plan Actions and Strategies

2008 Transportation Master Plan Actions and Strategies

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1. The Route 1 Metroway between Alexandria and Arlington opened in 2014 and provides bus rapid transit (BRT)-style service with bus-only lanes along much of its route.
2. Alexandria’s Complete Streets Policy was adopted in 2011, and along with subsequent design guidelines and Vision Zero efforts, helps guide street improvements that enhance safety for all users.
3. Construction on the new Potomac Yard Metrorail Station between National Airport and Braddock Road on the Blue and Yellow lines began in 2019.

Shaping the Plan: Trends in Mobility

Several major forces are shaping how Alexandria is planning for its mobility needs now and into the next decade.

• Among the AMP’s core components is a recognition that not everyone who needs to travel in Alexandria has the same means, ability, or schedule
• Population and employment growth both locally and across the region require that the City manage demand on local streets and provide a range of options for getting around to keep Alexandria a desirable place to live, work, and visit
• Goals, targets, and actions of the Environmental Action Plan require that the City seek to minimize the carbon footprint of the transportation sector in light of the Climate Emergency declared by City Council
• Emerging technology related to monitoring traffic, new ways to get around, and data sharing provides new opportunities for addressing our mobility needs

The COVID-19 pandemic, which was a prominent influence during the bulk of the AMP planning process, is likely to have many long-term impacts to transportation and mobility, such as increased rates of telework and more trips that occur outside of the traditional morning and evening rush hour. Despite this, it will continue to be important for cities to provide a wide range of mobility options, especially to ensure equity for their essential workers who do not have the luxury of telework and more often rely on public transit and other non-motorized modes of transportation. By focusing more on all-day trip-making, this plan is preparing the City for a likely “new normal” with less drastic differences between peak and off-peak travel.

Planning for All

Alexandria is a diverse community with diverse needs

It is important that the City meet the needs of the Alexandria community, with intentional and focused attention to historically under-resourced communities to overcome existing disparities and achieve transportation equity. Of Alexandria’s citywide population:

• 16% of households have limited English proficiency
• 9% of households have no vehicle available
• 11% are aged 65 or older
• 7% identify as having a disability
• 33% are persons of color
• 10% are below the poverty line

Source: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Much of the transit network in the region—one of the major methods of combating traffic congestion—is centered around serving the commuting needs of 9-to-5 workers bound for the District of Columbia. Alexandria, however, has a significant population of workers with nontraditional work schedules who commute outside of the typical “rush hour.” Alexandria also has a sizeable population that does not have access to a car for work or nonwork trips that occur off-peak, when public transit is running less frequently or not at all.

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

A Growing Region

Alexandria plans for growth in transit-rich locations

In Alexandria and the region, residential population growth has been about 1.5% per year since 2010. This growth rate is expected to continue through 2030.

Employment in Alexandria is forecasted to increase 1% per year through 2030.

The City routinely updates its Small Area Plans for specific neighborhoods that are anticipating growth and redevelopment. These community-driven plans outline neighborhood visions and provide guidance on levels and types of development. These planning efforts result in a concentration of diverse land uses and development density that will have access to existing and planned high-capacity transit hubs and corridors such as Metrorail stations and bus rapid transit (BRT) lines. This will minimize the impact of new development on the street network, create opportunities for people to move using different travel choices, and improve connections for both drivers and non-drivers.

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Major employers are choosing Alexandria for their growth and expansion, most notably in Potomac Yard and Oakville Triangle, near both the Route 1 Metroway corridor and the Potomac Yard Metrorail station, and at the former Landmark Mall site near both the Van Dorn Metrorail station and the planned West End Transitway corridor.

Small Area Plans and Planned Development

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Transportation and the Environment

Transportation is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the region, most notably due to the use of private automobiles¹

Transitioning to an electric vehicle fleet is a major way to reduce the environmental impact of the transportation sector, particularly as the electric energy sector transitions to renewable energy. However, electric vehicles still present many of the adverse effects and risks of traditional vehicles, such as the need for costly, space-intensive, and environmentally unfriendly parking structures, traffic congestion, crashes, non-tailpipe pollution, high personal or household financial costs, and inequitable access.

42% of regional GHG emissions are from transportation and 60% of those are from passenger cars and trucks

0.5% of cars in Alexandria are electric

Alexandria residents are adopting electric vehicles at a faster rate than the national average — 5% versus 2% nationally²

The City is updating its Energy and Climate Change Action Plan during 2021-2022, which is anticipated to identify further action needed to reduce the climate impacts of transportation in the city to achieve adopted GHG mitigation targets.

The City and DASH are working to electrify their fleets and expand adoption of electric vehicles through a variety of measures identified in the Environmental Action Plan and the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Readiness Strategy.³ This plan supports those efforts by promoting enabling infrastructure, but focuses attention on improving mobility choices and safety.

The number of cars in Alexandria is growing, but at a rate that is proportional to population growth

While vehicle ownership is increasing in the city, it is on pace with overall population growth, with vehicles per capita holding steady in the past decade (0.60 cars per capita in 2019).

The percentage of zero-vehicle households has remained relatively steady since 2010 at between 9 and 10% of all households.

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U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates (2019)

With more new development near high-quality transit and improved mobility choices, more people may feel comfortable moving to Alexandria without a car or with fewer cars per household.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Technology Adoption

Advancements in technology are contributing to converging trends in mobility innovation and disruption

In the past decade, adoption of new technologies has led to significant changes in the ways people travel, navigate, and make choices. The result of these trends is an increasing demand for real-time information and on-demand services, prompting the growth of transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft, map-based and navigation mobile applications like Waze, and micromobility services liked shared bicycles and scooters. Technology also has enabled our transportation infrastructure to be more connected, responsive, and automated with such innovations as adaptive signal technology that reacts to real-time traffic conditions. Future technology, such as connected and autonomous vehicles, will require the City to prepare, respond, and manage impacts to traffic safety, roadway capacity, and general mobility.

Between 2011 and 2019, the percentage of adults in the U.S. who own a smartphone increased from 35 percent to 81 percent, with 96 percent of Americans owning a cell phone of any kind.¹

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Related Plans and Policies

The AMP does not exist in a vacuum. Many City plans, programs, and initiatives that included robust engagement efforts contain transportation-related policies and goals that have been and will continue to be kept at the forefront of AMP implementation and citywide transportation planning, with AMP guiding principles at the core. The policies and strategies developed for this plan have been designed to support and advance these related policies and goals to achieve a cohesive citywide vision for the future.

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Note: The plans shown in this example diagram are not an exhaustive list.

Related AMP Chapters

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

The Plan-Making Process

The AMP process began in mid-2019 and occurred over four main phases. Together, this process and the input of the community informed the development of the AMP.

• Phase I: Community visioning process to identify desired outcomes and help shape the guiding principles that serve as the foundation for the AMP.
• Phase II: Public outreach and engagement activities to get input on what Alexandrians value and want to prioritize in how they travel.
• Phase III: Targeted outreach and engagement to develop community-generated ideas for solutions that could achieve the goals of the AMP. Ideas were further refined through community feedback to become policies and strategies.
• Phase IV: Community review of the draft plan before finalization and formal adoption.

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In addition to overall public engagement activities, the Alexandria Mobility Plan Advisory Committee (AMPAC) provided continuous input to City staff throughout the entirety of the AMP process. AMPAC membership included representation from the Transportation Commission as well as other citywide organizations.

Sentiments heard and lessons learned during the engagement process are included throughout the plan document, and a detailed engagement summary can be found in Appendix III – Civic Engagement Summary.

How This Plan Will Be Used

The AMP will be used in a variety of ways to achieve its vision and guiding principles. First and foremost, this plan will serve as a workplan for the City to guide decision-making as it relates to transportation planning and design. With its strong ties to related City plans, targets, and policies, this plan also will help foster productive interdepartmental coordination across City agencies as strategies are advanced.

Having a strong planning document also makes Alexandria more competitive for a variety of grants and other funding sources and enables the City to advocate for legislative action at the Commonwealth government level. The purpose of the AMP is not to list all transportation projects for the next 10 years, but to establish policies and guidance that City staff will use to prioritize projects for grant applications. A well-thought-out plan and strong linkages to established guiding principles, policies, and strategies increases the City's competitiveness in these funding and legislative policy pursuits, which will be critical to advance transportation planning, policies, and strategies.

In keeping with the overarching policy of adaptability and flexibility, it is important to note that the strategies within this plan are not exhaustive. As new initiatives develop, they will be considered compatible with the AMP as long as they are consistent with AMP policies and help to achieve its targets and guiding principles.

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Plan Elements

This plan is made up of several key elements that build upon each other.

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Plan Level

• Vision What we want for Alexandria
• Guiding Principles Broad outcomes that we hope to achieve
• Key Performance Indicators Specific measures of our guiding principles
• Overarching Policies Methods to guide decision-making

Chapter Specific

• Policies Method to guide decision-making
• Strategies Specific and achievable initiative and/or project
• Actions Trackable step toward implementing a strategy
• Metrics Specific measures of our strategies

Vision

Safe, seamless, and connected mobility options foster a thriving Alexandria for all.

Guiding Principles and Measuring Progress

The City will track key performance indicators (KPIs) for each guiding principle through the life of this plan to understand how Alexandria as a whole is faring with regards to the specific outcomes that this plan seeks to achieve. To holistically track outcomes that address the equitable guiding principle, all KPIs are given an “equity lens” to measure progress in a way that is consistent with the City’s ALL Alexandria resolution and ensures equitable outcomes for all Alexandrians, especially neighborhoods and populations that have been historically underserved.

More detail on how the City plans to measure progress toward these principles, as well as chapter-specific metrics, can be found in Appendix II – Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators.

Accessible Alexandria will work to make its transportation network easily accessible for users of all ages and abilities.

• Key Performance Indicator: Percent of residents in close proximity to alternatives to driving.
• Equity Lens: Percent of residents (low income, people of color, seniors, and persons with disabilities) in close proximity to alternatives to driving.

Connected Alexandria’s transportation system will take you where you want to go seamlessly by leveraging technology and integrating transportation and land use.

• Key Performance Indicator: Percent of destinations that are connected to alternatives to driving.
• Equity Lens: Percent of low-wage jobs, Title 1 schools, and public health clinics that are connected to alternatives to driving.

Convenient Alexandria will provide a transportation system with high-quality mobility options that are reliable, frequent, proximate, and comfortable.

• Key Performance Indicator: Percent of residents who say it is easy to get around.
• Equity Lens: Percent of residents (low income, people of color, seniors) who say it’s easy to get around.

Equitable Alexandria acknowledges that there are disparities in neighborhoods and populations in the city that have been historically underserved. Alexandria will be targeted, inclusive, and intentional in addressing gaps in mobility options available, their quality, and safety.

• Key Performance Indicator: All guiding principles will be measured for the city both as a whole and with an equity lens that examines how specific communities of greater need are faring with regards to the specific outcomes that this plan seeks to achieve.

Safe Alexandria will eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2028.

• Key Performance Indicator: Number of crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries.
• Equity Lens: Number of crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries within Equity Emphasis Areas.

Sustainable Alexandria will prioritize low-carbon mobility options and reduce automobile dependency.

• Key Performance Indicator: Vehicle miles traveled and percent of commuters using alternative transportation options.
• Equity Lens: Percent of residents (low income, people of color, seniors, and persons with disabilities) in close proximity to alternatives to driving.

Why measure “Proximity to Alternatives to Driving?”

Driving is currently the most used mode of travel in Alexandria because it is often the only reasonable option available. A priority of the AMP is to give people choices. Every home has access to a street, but there are still many Alexandrians without nearby sidewalks, bike lanes and trails, or frequent transit, meaning they do not have the convenient choice to walk, bike, or take transit. Having choices benefits everyone, from cleaner air, healthier lifestyles, and less congestion. Having choices means that when gas prices rise or if there is a transit shutdown, people can still get around safely and conveniently.

Overarching Policies

This plan includes the following overarching policies that will help guide the City's decision-making and implementation efforts across all chapters as it works to advance the vision, guiding principles, and strategies. While the guiding principles are about the outcomes this plan seeks to achieve, these overarching policies speak to core methods for achieving these outcomes.

Apply An Equity Focus To All City Actions

Transportation has historically worked to worsen inequality by physically dividing neighborhoods and through disinvestment in low-income and minority communities. To ensure that transportation decisions in Alexandria not only prevent repeating past mistakes, but are used as a tool to lessen inequality, the City will apply an early and ongoing equity focus to all City projects, initiatives, programs, and services from conception through implementation. The City will use a framework that ensures policy decisions advance racial and social equity for all Alexandria residents.

Make Our Transportation Network Flexible And Adaptable

The City of Alexandria will strive to accommodate unforeseen external disruptions to our city (such as extreme weather events due to climate change, pandemics, and technological advancements) by building flexibility and resiliency into decision-making. The City will consider such uncertainties at the start of all its projects and identify ways to build in flexibility and adaptability through pilot projects, flexible contract mechanisms, and by prioritizing investments that make sense in a broad array of potential future circumstances.

Be Proactive And Data-Driven

The City of Alexandria will be proactive and data-driven in decision-making and when implementing projects and initiatives that advance plans and policies. While community requests and input are an important supplement for decision-making and implementation, time and resources are best—and most equitably—used for proactive decision-making based on data. It also will be important for the City to build and expand its resources and capabilities to process new data sources as they become available into the future.

Develop Partnerships That Advance Shared Goals

The City will develop partnerships with public and private organizations to extend the capabilities of staff and programs to advance shared goals in service of the community. Partnerships of this nature could be formed with regional bodies or neighboring jurisdictions, for example, to foster collaborative data sharing and technology advancement that will improve travel safety, reliability, and mobility for Alexandrians while giving the public more useful tools to make informed travel choices.

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Transit

How the City supports improvements to bus, paratransit, and rail services by working to enhance transit options and access.

Introduction

A robust public transportation system is a key ingredient to a successful community mobility strategy. The 2020 Alexandria Transit Vision Plan has provided a road map to achieve a future frequent, all-day bus network in Alexandria. This chapter will outline transit-supportive policies and strategies that will help the City achieve the 2030 vision of making bus service more convenient, customer-friendly, reliable, and efficient and will build upon the three transitway corridors established in the 2008 Transportation Master Plan.

This chapter also considers Metrorail, intercity and commuter rail, and paratransit (transportation for persons who are unable to use traditional bus and rail service) to strengthen critical links between Alexandria and the region.

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This [2030 proposed] network provides frequent, all-day transit service to 83 percent of people and 81 percent of jobs in Alexandria.

– Alexandria Transit Vision Plan

Key Context

12 DASH bus routes, including the King Street Trolley

28 Metrobus routes[^p25-1]

700+ bus stops

4 Metrorail stations*

*Alexandria’s fifth Metrorail station, Potomac Yard, is expected to open in 2022.

12,800 average weekday DASH passengers in 2019[^p25-2]

10,100 average weekday Metrobus passengers in 2018[^p25-2]

28% of Alexandria households use public transit at least once a week[^p25-3]

This is less than in Washington, DC, and Arlington but above average for the region.

29% of low-income residents

and 22% of minority residents are within walking distance of frequent, all-day transit

89% of low-income residents and 87% of minority residents will have access to frequent, all-day transit service with full implementation of the Transit Vision Plan.[^p25-4]

1, 2. FY2026 DASH Transit Development Plan. 3. 2017-2018 Regional Travel Survey, National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. 4. Alexandria Transit Vision Plan.

17% of the Alexandria workforce is employed in sectors such as healthcare, food services, and hospitality¹

Limited midday, evening, and weekend DASH service means that many workers with non-traditional work hours or who are dependent on transit for other needs must find other options.

6 transit signal priority (TSP) corridors King Street, Duke Street, Richmond Highway, Seminary Road, Van Dorn Street, and Beauregard Street.²

3 High-capacity transitway corridors identified in the 2008 Transportation Master Plan

Route 1 Metroway with bus rapid transit-style service between Alexandria, Arlington, and the new Potomac Yard Metrorail station; West End Transitway; and Duke Street Transitway.

Planned developments such as Inova’s new hospital at Landmark and ambulatory care center at Oakville Triangle will bring an influx of off-hour employees and visitors that would benefit from an expansion of frequent, all-day transit service.

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Existing Programs, Policies, and Initiatives

DASH Bus System

The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) operates bus service on 11 routes and the King Street Trolley. DASH’s service area covers approximately 15 square miles and generally aligns with the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Alexandria, with select routes providing service along I-395 to the Pentagon during weekday peak hours. The system’s design follows a modified hub-and-spoke network design model with Old Town as the “hub,” and the major east-west arterials (King Street, Seminary Road, Duke Street, and Eisenhower Avenue) as the “spokes.” Several crosstown routes also provide connections between destinations in the West End and northern Alexandria. The map below shows what is proposed for the New DASH Network starting in September 2021¹

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DOT Paratransit

DOT is the City of Alexandria’s specialized, Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliant transportation service for Alexandria residents and visitors who are unable or find it difficult to use transit buses or rail.

Discounted Fare Programs

Previously, DASH buses were free for persons with disabilities through the DOT and MetroAccess programs and for all middle school and high school students. As of September 2021, DASH bus service is fare-free for all people using the bus in Alexandria.

Regional Coordination

Through the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board, and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, City officials and staff work with neighboring jurisdictions to coordinate and ensure that regional transportation needs are met. Alexandria and DASH staff coordinate with regional partners on topics such as regional corridor studies, seamless transit payments, and communication about regional service changes.

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Policies

The Transit chapter policies will guide the City's decision-making around investments that will enhance ease of use, improve customer-friendliness, and increase ridership of DASH and WMATA transit services.

Policy A: Make transit greener and more useful

Build out a fast and reliable all-day transit network with frequent service that runs on electric buses and serves the entire city, with a focus on areas that will benefit the most Alexandrians, businesses, employees, customers, and visitors.

Per the Transit Vision Plan, the City is prioritizing route improvements in areas that will generate more ridership and better serve transit-dependent populations. The City will continue to prioritize service enhancements and initiatives in these areas, while ensuring that there are transit options citywide.

Policy B: Make transit easier to use

Increase transportation choices by reducing or eliminating barriers to taking transit.

To increase transit ridership, the City of Alexandria will be proactive and intentional in working to make transit simpler, less expensive, and more convenient.

The City of Alexandria and DASH are in the process of analyzing the use of electric buses and have committed to having a 100% zero-emissions fleet. Recently, DASH has made significant progress towards electrification and was awarded $5.1 million for the purchase of six battery-electric buses and associated charging infrastructure in 2019, which have been placed into service. Additional improvements and upgrades at the DASH facility will continue to support the operation of the new electric buses and advancement towards full electrification.

Strategies

That support policies

1. Implement a citywide transit network with frequent, all-day service
2. Build out the city's priority transitway corridors and identify improvements on congested, high-ridership corridors to reduce travel times and improve reliability
3. Transition the City's bus fleet to fully electric, zero-emission vehicles
4. Improve the rider experience from trip planning, to accessing the stop, riding the bus, and arriving at the destination
5. Evaluate DASH's fare free service and continue to explore low-income WMATA fares
6. Support a better-connected regional transit network
7. Modernize the paratransit program for the city's aging population

Policies The City of Alexandria will...

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A: Make transit greener and more useful

B: Make transit easier to use

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Strategies

Strategy 1. Implement a citywide transit network with frequent, all-day service

Actions

• Begin implementing the New DASH Network¹ in Fiscal Year 2022
• Work with DASH’s Advisory Committee and other members of the community to regularly gain input about service changes and implementation
• Seek funding for both the operations and capital improvements necessary to incrementally implement the 2030 network and improvements recommended in the Transit Vision Plan

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Addressing the Need

To make the system more useful for everyone and to have the greatest likelihood to increase ridership, a more frequent, all-day network will be important.

Service during off-peak hours and weekends can be limited and present a barrier to those choosing to or needing to use transit to access jobs and opportunities.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Alexandria Transit Vision Plan

• 2030 Vision Plan Network

Environvmental Action Plan 2040

• Improve and Expand Low Carbon Options such as Transit, Bikes, and Walking

City Strategic Plan

• Multimodal Component and Goals

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Strategy 2. Build out the city’s priority transitway corridors and identify improvements on congested, high-ridership corridors to reduce travel times and improve reliability

Actions

• Collaborate with the community to develop a design for Duke Street that informs the construction of the Duke Street Transitway
• Advance the design and construction of the West End Transitway and evaluate its success to determine whether dedicated lanes or other methods to improve speed and reliability are needed
• Explore connecting Alexandria’s transitways with high-capacity transit corridors in Fairfax County to help create a more reliable and efficient regional bus network
• Extend the dedicated infrastructure for the Route 1 Metroway corridor to connect to the new Potomac Yard Metrorail station and into Arlington
• Evaluate transit signal priority, queue jumps, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, and other operational or street design improvements/pilot projects on corridors with frequent and congested bus service

A transitway (also known as a busway or bus rapid transit) is a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, frequent, comfortable, and cost-effective service. With dedicated lanes or preferential treatment on streets, a transitway can contain features similar to a light rail or metro system with greater reliability and speed, avoiding traffic-related delays that typically slow down regular bus service.

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Addressing the Need

The City is planning for future growth around the urban edges of Alexandria, which will increase demand for high-quality, high-capacity transit.

Alexandria has made progress on the three transitway corridors, but there is still work to be done.

Many people do not use the current transit system because it is often slow and unreliable.

Those who take the bus reduce the number of vehicles on the roadway, yet are stuck in the same traffic as everyone else; unlike Metrorail, which operates in its own right-of-way.

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Transitway Corridors

• Metroway (Existing)
• Duke Street Transitway (Future)
• West End Transitway (Future)

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Alexandria Transit Vision Plan

• 2030 Vision Plan Network

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Improve and Expand Low Carbon Options such as Transit, Bikes, and Walking

City Strategic Plan

• Multimodal Component and Goals

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Strategy 3. Transition the City's bus fleet to fully electric, zero-emission vehicles

Actions

• Move forward with the recommendations outlined in the DASH Zero-Emission Bus Implementation Plan to continue the transition of the City's fleet to all electric
• Make DASH an eligible direct federal grant recipient to broaden the available funding for the transition to zero-emissions buses
• Monitor emerging technology benefits and tradeoffs

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Addressing the Need

Transportation is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the region.

The City Council has declared a climate emergency and efforts like these will help support resiliency.

The City has a goal of reducing GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Alexandria Transit Vision Plan

• 2030 Vision Plan Network

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Improve and Expand Alexandria's Public Transit System

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In 2021, DASH received six battery-electric buses and fast chargers through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, as well as statewide transit capital funding to test the technology. DASH also has secured grant funding for 20 additional electric buses and to expand and upgrade its facility to accommodate this new fleet of electric buses by 2025.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 4. Improve the rider experience from trip planning, to accessing the stop, riding the bus, and arriving at the destination

Actions

• Upgrade the existing fleet and change fleet specifications on future bus orders to improve the health, safety, and comfort of drivers and passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, including driver partitions, air flow improvements, and real-time rider notifications of bus crowding levels
• Build in options for storage of large items such as strollers or groceries and enact rider policies to encourage families to use transit
• Promote real-time tracking and bus priority technology to enable easier and more reliable trip planning and vehicle tracking for customers
• Ensure all bus stops are fully accessible per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and consider opportunities to improve access to bus stops through improving sidewalk, bicycle, and ramp connections
• Expand implementation of bus stop amenities including shelters, real-time signage, seating, lighting, and natural amenities to improve comfort and safety

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Addressing the Need

The opportunity exists to enhance the transit journey—not just while riding, but during route planning, waiting at bus stops, and transferring between routes.

As indicated during Alexandria Mobility Plan focus group meetings, integrated mobile applications and/or signs with real-time information are in high demand and would give users confidence in opting for transit.

Traveling to and waiting at bus stops is often expressed as a concern, especially among elderly and female riders. Greater investment in bus stop amenities such as shelters and lighting—including sidewalks and bike lanes that connect to bus stops—will help improve the transit journey for existing and future transit riders.¹

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Alexandria Transit Vision Plan

• Capital Improvements, Bus Replacement, and Fleet Expansion

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Improve and Expand Alexandria’s Public Transit System

Smart Mobility Framework Plan

• Install Information Displays at Bus Stops

Age Friendly Plan For A Livable Community

• Provide Safe, Reliable, and Frequent Transit

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines Vision Zero Action Plan

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Transit | 17

Strategy 5. Evaluate DASH’s fare free service and continue to explore low-income WMATA fares

Actions

• Monitor outcomes of implementing free fares on DASH
• Identify funding sources for long-term sustainability of a DASH fare free program
• Explore low-income fare products for WMATA services

The Transit Ridership Incentive Program—managed by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation—is a new statewide grant program dedicated to improving transit’s regional connectivity in urban areas with a population in excess of 100,000 and reducing barriers to transit use by supporting low-income and zero-fare programming.

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Addressing the Need

For some, fares present a financial obstacle to using transit. For example, more than 30 percent of Alexandria Metrobus riders have an annual household income of less than $30,000.¹ This obstacle makes it more expensive to access regional jobs and services.

A 2020 grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to analyze different fare structures that benefit low-income riders has informed the City’s plans for changes to fare structure.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Alexandria Transit Vision Plan

• Increasing Transit Access for Low-Income Alexandrians

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Improve and Expand Alexandria’s Public Transit System

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 6. Support a better connected regional transit network

Actions

• Support the development of mobile payment and trip planning applications that are compatible between Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Virginia Railway Express (VRE), Maryland Area Rapid Commuter (MARC), and Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) services
• Collaborate with WMATA and neighboring jurisdictions to enhance connectivity to major activity centers and develop a more coordinated, useful regional transit system as part of WMATA’s Bus Transformation Project implementation and Bus Network Redesign
• Enhance connections to support future rail expansion, water transportation expansion, and future regional bus rapid transit corridors

Several ongoing initiatives are examining the possibility of making expanded commuter and intercity rail options a reality in the future. The realization of “regional” or “through-running” rail (i.e., trains from Virginia that travel to Maryland without requiring a transfer at Washington Union Station and vice versa) holds the potential to better connect Virginia with Washington, DC, Maryland, and beyond, unlocking new access to jobs and opportunities across the region.

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Addressing the Need

Demand for travel is not restricted to individual city, county, or state boundaries, especially in the Washington metropolitan region. A better-connected regional transit network will meet the need of travelers to get to more destinations across the region in a seamless, efficient, and convenient manner.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Improve and Expand Alexandria’s Public Transit System

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 7. Modernize the paratransit program for the city's aging population

Actions

• Develop more customer-friendly service that is scalable for increased demand
• Identify opportunities to improve cost-effectiveness for long-term program management for DOT Paratransit and MetroAccess services
• Explore partnerships with existing City services, neighboring jurisdictions, and on-demand service providers to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of serving the travel needs of seniors and persons with disabilities

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Addressing the Need

Paratransit programs have not changed considerably over the last 10 years.

These programs are costly and will only get more expensive as the number of elderly and disabled residents are anticipated to increase.

There are opportunities to make the programs more efficient while improving the customer experience.

Paratransit provides transportation services under the ADA to individuals with disabilities that prevent them from being able to use traditional transit routes or vehicles. DOT is the City of Alexandria’s specialized paratransit program that provides services to qualified passengers to help them get where they need to go. In an average month, the City’s DOT paratransit program provides about 5,500 rides.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Age Friendly Plan For A Livable Community

• Provide Safe, Reliable, and Frequent Transit
• Communication About Programs and Services Available to Older Alexandrians and Adults with Disabilities

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Metrics

The strategies and policies in this chapter are intended to move the needle on the following measurable metrics. Additional details on metrics, including applicable targets for future years, can be found in Appendix II - Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators.

Metric

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• The Alexandria Resident Survey reports results based on race/ethnicity, income, and age in addition to all residents.

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Smart Mobility

How the City incorporates technology into the transportation system to better manage traffic.

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Introduction

Smart mobility is a broad term that incorporates the application of technology to streets, traffic signals, vehicles, parking systems, and other transportation infrastructure to make them more efficient and safe, while providing data that can help improve long-term decision-making about where and what changes to make to our streets. In the coming decade, converging innovations and technology are likely to play a transformative role in transportation. Given the limited ability to expand the street network, smart mobility initiatives will be instrumental in improving traffic flow. Alexandria’s 2018 Smart Mobility Framework Plan describes a range of efforts that the City is taking to prepare for and incorporate technology into its transportation assets. Through these efforts, the City is working to lay the groundwork for future technology that will help better manage traffic on local streets.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Key Context

250+ traffic signals 200 of which are ‘connected’ for central monitoring and control.¹

5 corridors with transit signal priority (TSP) and emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) installed TSP and EVP allows vehicles such as buses, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles to get through traffic signals quicker, keeping buses on schedule and improving response times for emergency vehicles.²

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Existing Programs, Policies, and Initiatives

Smart Mobility Program

Alexandria’s Smart Mobility program represents an investment in the future of transportation. The City is actively creating infrastructure for future advancements, such as autonomous and connected vehicles, which will make traveling by car, bus, bike, and foot faster, more efficient, and safer than ever. While the City is laying the foundation for innovations that may be 20 years into the future, some are just 5 to 10 years away—and some, such as real-time travel information collection and technologies that help emergency vehicles reach people faster and buses stay on schedule, are already in place. To date, the City has installed more than 145,000 feet of fiber-optic cable, 27 traffic cameras, and 30 smart traffic sensors. These investments ensure that Alexandria is at the forefront of a global movement to make cities as connected, innovative, and smart as possible.

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Fiber-Optic Cable

The laying of fiber-optic cable is a key initiative of the City’s intelligent transportation system (ITS) initiative. The resulting fiber-optics network will become a conduit of real-time communications—linking traffic signals, weather stations, and other devices with the Traffic Management Center. These updates will allow the City to better manage and respond to delays and incidents, plan for special events, share critical alerts and data to better inform the public, and support new mobility technologies as they come online.

Passive Optical Networks

The City of Alexandria recently conducted a pilot project using Passive Optical Networks (PON) for traffic signal control. PON is a technology developed by cable companies to connect fiber-optic networks to homes and is much less expensive and easier to maintain than traditional signal control technology. The PON pilot was a success, and the City is deploying this technology through its ITS Integration Phase III and IV projects. Alexandria is one of the first municipalities in the country to use this technology.

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Policies

The Smart Mobility chapter policies will guide the City's decision-making around technology improvements that will make streets safer, more efficient, and prepared for the future.

Policy A: Improve safety and efficiency

Use technology to manage congestion for safe and efficient city streets and protect the character of neighborhoods.

In the past, cities have relied on physical infrastructure such as pavement markings, curbs, and signage to manage their transportation networks. As transportation moves into a new digital age, it is critical to incorporate technology and data into management practices. The City of Alexandria will apply technology to its streets, traffic signals, transit vehicles, and other transportation infrastructure to help make the best and most efficient use of our streets.

Policy B: Prepare for new technology

Plan proactively and flexibly to ensure cost-effective investment in technology that can improve travel choices.

By taking a forward-looking approach, the City of Alexandria will position itself to keep pace with rapidly advancing technology and lay the groundwork for integrating future technologies. Planning flexibly will enable the City to adapt to the latest technologies as they continue to evolve.

Strategies

That support policies

1. Expand smart signal technology to enable detection and real-time signal adjustments
2. Strategically invest in partnerships to expand city data, technology, and communications capabilities
3. Upgrade capabilities of the Traffic Management Center to better manage congestion in real-time
4. Proactively prepare for connected and autonomous vehicles
5. Develop a framework for pilot projects to test new modes, infrastructure, or initiatives

Policies

The City of Alexandria will...

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A: Improve safety and efficiency

B: Prepare for new technology

Managing Congestion: A Multifaceted Approach

The policies and strategies outlined in this chapter are part of a multifaceted approach to addressing the challenge of congestion management in Alexandria. While all strategies aimed at increasing options—particularly transit—can have a positive impact on congestion, strategies from other chapters that directly aim to reduce and manage traffic include:

• Develop a comprehensive program to reduce speeding and cut-through traffic on local streets (Streets Chapter)
• Ensure new development minimizes negative impacts to the street network (Streets Chapter)
• Work with regional, state, and private sector partners to develop tools to keep traffic on highways and reduce regional cut-through traffic (Streets Chapter)
• Pursue regional approaches to reduce traffic and congestion, particularly during peak times (Supporting Travel Options Chapter)

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategies

Strategy 1. Expand smart signal technology to enable detection and real-time signal adjustments

Actions

• Integrate transit signal priority (TSP) and emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) into more of the City’s corridors. This involves upgrading the City’s traffic signals as well as the fleet of transit and emergency vehicles with preemption equipment
• Enable the use of vehicle detection at signals for more responsive timing through adaptive signal technology. Duke Street and Van Dorn Street will be the first two corridors to be prioritized for this effort
• Improve data collection through new platforms and technologies to better understand how people use the transportation system and improve decision-making

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Addressing the Need

By installing signal technology that can respond and adapt to real-time vehicle location and movement data, the City can meet the need to manage traffic flow and move more people, transit, and emergency vehicles faster and safer while avoiding costly changes to the roadway network.

The City’s Adaptive Traffic Signal Control project aims to install smart detection equipment on traffic signals to respond to real-time conditions. This effort will optimize traffic flow, decrease delays, and reduce stops at intersections to help traffic move better on arterial streets and reduce traffic on local streets .

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Smart Mobility Framework Plan

• Install Intelligent/Adaptive and Traffic Responsive Traffic Signal Systems and Install TSP and EVP Equipment on Signals
• Install TSP and EVP Equipment on Buses and Fleet Vehicle

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Improve Data Collection and Evaluation

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Smart Mobility | 11

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 2. Strategically invest in partnerships to expand city data, technology, and communications capabilities

Actions

• Develop a template for evaluating partnership opportunities and coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions, state agencies, and private companies to improve regional collaboration and safe, protected, and transparent data sharing
• Identify potential partnerships to improve information and communication about parking availability, gain a better understanding of how the curb space on City streets is being utilized, obtain anonymized travel pattern data from private mobility operators, and collect and analyze real-time data to inform traffic management and street design
• Utilize platforms and engage in regional coalitions to make transportation data more transparent and improve decision-making

Alexandria has joined the WAZE for Cities Program, providing the City access to real-time information on incidents and slow-downs and providing drivers access to advance notice on construction, crashes, and road closures.

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Addressing the Need

Partners are often needed to help expand a city's data, technology, and communications capabilities. The key to effective partnerships is to assess how transportation needs align across partners and identify specific opportunities for addressing shared goals that benefit all parties. Potential partners can include non-profits, schools or other institutions, nearby jurisdictions, regional bodies, or private companies. Bringing parties to the table that have similar needs or a different perspective can be beneficial in solving problems.

There is an increasingly large amount of data that can be generated from public-private partnerships. Processing and understanding this data requires a shift in thinking, more data analytics capabilities and resources, and increased collaboration.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Smart Mobility Framework Plan

• Facilitate Data Exchange and Integrate Real-Time Data into Decision-Making Model

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One of the key considerations when gathering and sharing data with private partners is how to ensure the transparency and privacy of data sharing processes. People want to know what information about them is being tracked and how it is being used. Keeping data anonymous, developing data management plans and procedures with partners prior to beginning any program, and being clear and deliberate to the user of how their information may or may not be used will benefit all parties involved.

Smart Mobility | 13

Strategy 3. Upgrade capabilities of the Traffic Management Center to better manage congestion in real-time

Actions

• Equip Alexandria’s Traffic Management Center (TMC) to allow it to manage on-street traffic equipment, monitor overall system status including pavement condition during weather events, configure devices remotely, and analyze data
• Expand coverage of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and improve traffic visualizations for more efficient management of traffic incidents
• Incorporate resiliency and redundancy measures, such as a virtual backups in the event of failures

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Addressing the Need

As Alexandria grows and technology changes, the TMC will require greater capabilities to control signal timing and phasing, dispatch and track City vehicles, and monitor real-time conditions and incidents. These increased capabilities will allow the City to better manage and respond to delays and incidents, plan for special events, share critical alerts and data to better inform the public, and support new mobility technologies as they come online.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Smart Mobility Framework Plan

• Upgrade TMC, Facilitate Data Exchange, and Create Automated Interactive Maps
• Increase Coverage of CCTV
• Expand Network of Weather Sensor Stations / Pavement Sensor Technology

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Strategy 4. Proactively prepare for connected and autonomous vehicles

Actions

• Consider pilot projects to lay the groundwork for and evaluate the effectiveness of various new technologies
• Prepare for connected vehicles by developing maintenance and infrastructure plans to ensure street readiness
• Prepare for autonomous or self-driving vehicles by developing policies to manage potentially significant increases in miles driven and traffic volumes within the city, including limiting zero-passenger miles and incentivizing shared use
• Ensure that safety is a priority when testing and implementing new technologies

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Addressing the Need

Autonomous and connected vehicles have the potential to improve roadway safety, enhance mobility for persons with disabilities, and potentially reduce congestion. Vehicle technology is advancing quickly, and the City needs to be well-positioned to adapt to these changes. It is important to prepare for connected vehicle technology through strategic investments that accommodate vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications, which will help travelers find parking spaces, avoid traffic and crashes, navigate hazardous conditions, and more. Proactive policy making and monitoring will be needed to address potential for increased travel and congestion associated with the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Smart Mobility Program (20-Year Goals)

• Accommodate Self-Driving Vehicles and Connected Vehicles
• Accommodate Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communications
• Accommodate Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 5. Develop a framework for pilot projects to test new modes, infrastructure, or initiatives

Actions

• Create standards for appropriate use of pilot projects, including timeframes, public process, evaluation, and opportunities to make adjustments
  • Build upon lessons learned from the Dockless Mobility Pilot as well as national best practices from peer cities
  • Promote a framework that ensures transparency in pilot project execution

A pilot project is a small-scale, preliminary project or test that is conducted to evaluate feasibility, cost, effects, and improvements prior to the implementation of a full-scale or more expensive, resource-intensive project.

To date, transportation and smart mobility pilot projects haven taken many forms in Alexandria, such as Passive Optical Networks (PON) for traffic signal control, testing of shared bicycles and scooters (Dockless Mobility Pilot), conversion of on-street parking to sidewalk extensions (Parklet Pilot Program), and testing zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell bus technology.

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Addressing the Need

Flexible planning and a standard citywide framework are needed as new mobility options and technologies become available to ensure Alexandria is testing them with consistency, transparency, and a focus on equity.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Smart Mobility Framework Plan

• Improve Accessibility, Plan for Emerging and Future Transportation Technologies

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Adopt Permanent Regulations for Shared Mobility Devices Such as Dockless Bikes, Electric Scooters, and Other Personal Mobility Devices by Fiscal Year 2023

Vision Zero Action Plan

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Metrics

The strategies and policies in this chapter are intended to move the needle on the following measurable metrics. Additional details on metrics, including applicable targets for future years, can be found in Appendix II - Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators.

Metric

Number of intersections with smart signal technology

Percent of intersections with smart signal technology* in Equity Emphasis Areas

Positive rating of traffic flow on major streets (Resident Survey) **

Transit travel times on Duke Street, Van Dorn Street, and upper King Street

Equity Emphasis Areas were developed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments using tract-level Census data to identify communities that have significant concentrations of low-income and/or minority populations. For more information, see Appendix I - Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators.

• Intersections with “smart signal technology” include those with traffic signals that are equipped with transit signal priority, emergency vehicle preemption, and/or activated adaptive signals. ** The Alexandria Resident Survey reports results based on race/ethnicity, income, and age in addition to all residents.

20 | Smart Mobility

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Credit: Redmon Group, Inc.

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Streets

How the City designs and manages its streets.

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Introduction

The streets of Alexandria are a limited public resource that must support multiple functions and serve many types of users including people who drive, walk, take transit, bike, or ride scooters. While other chapters address walking, biking, transit, and how technology can make our streets safer and improve traffic flow (smart mobility), a major focus of this chapter is on how the City will manage streets to prioritize local travel, improve safety, reduce congestion and cut-through traffic, and ensure that all users are considered in decisions surrounding our streets. Our streets also serve valuable purposes beyond mobility including social interaction, recreation, festivals, commerce, dining, and others that contribute to vibrant life in Alexandria.

This chapter incorporates two major existing City policies that recognize that streets serve a variety of users and that all need to be accommodated safely: the Complete Streets policy and Design Guidelines—related to how we design our streets for all users—and the Vision Zero Policy and associated Vision Zero Action Plan, which takes a multifaceted, data-driven approach to eliminating serious travel-related injuries and fatalities.

This chapter does not duplicate these efforts, but attempts to advance them, while seeking to address concerns related to excessive traffic on local streets.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Key Context

37 average number of people killed or seriously injured each year using Alexandria’s streets¹

42% of traffic on arterial streets in central Alexandria is just passing through

During peak travel periods, major streets experience their greatest amount of delay resulting in driver frustration and a diversion of traffic to local streets.

560 miles of travel lanes

2,300 intersections

320 miles of sidewalks²

34% of Alexandrians have a positive view of traffic flow in the city

In the 2020 Resident Survey, respondents gave lower marks to traffic flow, car travel, overall ease of travel, public parking, and traffic enforcement compared to 2018. The rating for traffic flow is the lowest ranking since the survey began in 2016.³

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Existing Programs, Policies, and Initiatives

Several of the related City plans and programs introduced in the Overview chapter contain targets and policies that relate to streets. The goals and targets in the City Strategic Plan call for continued emphasis on multimodal street design to improve ease and safety of getting around by all modes.

The Complete Streets Policy and the Vision Zero Policy and Action Plan responded to needs identified in the 2008 Transportation Master Plan and are now integrated into the Alexandria Mobility Plan (AMP).

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

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The 2011 Complete Streets Policy directed planners, engineers, and developers to evaluate streets for safety and consider design elements and operational practices to enable safe access for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

In 2016, the Alexandria Complete Streets Design Guidelines were published. The guidelines are a resource for City departments, design professionals, and developers, and communicate expectations regarding the design of the city’s public and private streets.

Vision Zero Policy and Action Plan

Alexandria established a Vision Zero policy in 2017 with the goal of zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2028. By establishing the policy, the City recognizes that traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable through proper engineering, enforcement, evaluation, and education.

The 2018 Vision Zero Action Plan is updated every year and identifies high-crash intersections that are priorities for safety improvements. The Action Plan lists the steps the City will take to improve data collection and evaluation; enhance City processes and collaboration; build safe streets for everyone; and promote a culture of safety.

Street Maintenance

Repaving Program

City streets are resurfaced based on their physical condition. When streets are planned for resurfacing, City staff work with the community to identify priority locations to improve safety, accessibility, and mobility by making changes such as upgrading curb ramps, adding missing crosswalks, upgrading high-priority crossings, and repairing sidewalks.

Street Cleaning and Snow Removal Program

The City's street cleaning program is responsible for street sweeping, leaf collection, and snow removal. This program maintains clean and accessible streets for all street users based on seasonal changes.

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Policies

The Streets chapter policies will guide the City's decision-making around programs and improvements that will reduce and mitigate the effects of cut-through traffic, improve safety, and leverage technology on city streets.

Policy A: Protect neighborhoods from cut-through traffic

Reduce cut-through traffic burdening City neighborhoods.

The City will pursue a multifaceted approach to reduce neighborhood cut-through traffic that burdens Alexandrians who live on, work on, or use local city streets. Through this pursuit, the City will work to balance the needs of local traffic and regional connectivity.

Policy B: Achieve Vision Zero

Use data to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2028.

An average of 37 people in Alexandria are killed or seriously injured each year using the City's streets.¹ These injuries and deaths are preventable. The City will prioritize the use of data—particularly crash, crash risk, and traffic safety data—in decision-making to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities. A proactive, data-driven approach will provide transparency and equity when developing priorities, processes, and making decisions.

Policy C: Leverage smart mobility

Recognizing that driving is important in the City, use smart mobility to manage congestion and neighborhood safety.

Through the application of Alexandria's Smart Mobility Framework Plan, the City will apply technology to streets and leverage data to better manage traffic, enhance safety, and increase its understanding of how the street network functions to improve quality of life in Alexandria.

Strategies

That support policies

1. Implement the Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2028
2. Develop a comprehensive program to reduce speeding and cut-through traffic on local streets
3. Ensure new development minimizes negative impacts to the street network
4. Work with regional, state, and private sector partners to develop tools to keep traffic on highways and reduce regional cut-through traffic
5. Consider the use of speed cameras and other automated tools to improve safety
6. Maintain a state of good repair for our streets using a proactive, data-driven, and equitable approach

Policies

The City of Alexandria will...

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategies

Strategy 1. Implement the Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2028

Actions

• Develop annual work plan priorities for promoting a culture of safety, building safer streets, improving data collection, and enhancing City processes and collaboration
• Prioritize high crash intersections and corridors for improvements, especially those in Equity Emphasis Areas
• Evaluate crash data for each project to enhance data-driven decision-making
• Apply national best practices as appropriate

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Addressing the Need

Between 2016 and 2020, 21 people were killed and 144 people were seriously injured while traveling on Alexandria’s streets.

In addition to the life-altering impacts of these crashes, the perceived danger of being involved in a crash keeps many people from walking and biking, which limits the City’s ability to achieve a wide range of goals including reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

61% of respondents would ride bikes more and 57% would walk more if they felt safer from traffic.¹

More broadly, crashes contribute to travel delays and negatively affect the reliability of the transportation system.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Age Friendly Plan for a Livable Community

• Safe Walking, Biking, and Driving

Environmental Action Plan 2040

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Build Safe Streets for Everyone

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

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Strategy 2. Develop a comprehensive program to reduce speeding and cut-through traffic on local streets

Actions

• Outline procedures for addressing and monitoring cut-through traffic, traffic congestion, and speeding
• Develop criteria and list of data needs tailored to each traffic issue
• Identify specific design solutions appropriate for the street type and location to encourage regional traffic to stay on major thoroughfares

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Addressing the Need

Congestion and cut-through traffic are significant issues in Alexandria. During outreach conducted in the summer and fall of 2019, 71 percent of respondents cited congestion as the biggest challenge for the future of mobility in Alexandria.

Forty-two percent of traffic in central Alexandria consists of trips that start and end outside of Alexandria.¹ Less regional traffic on local streets may improve safety and the quality of life for residents and can help local traffic move more efficiently.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

City Strategic Plan

• Ease of Getting to Places

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

Smart Mobility Framework Plan

• Traffic Management

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Build Safe Streets for Everyone

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 3. Ensure new development minimizes negative impacts to the street network

Actions

• Update guidance for developers to better reflect City goals through traffic impact studies and best practices from around the country
• Require improved data collection and reporting after implementation
• Ensure proper consideration of all users through improved methods for measuring service levels for all modes and safety impacts on our transportation network
• Encourage study methodologies and mitigation measures such as transportation demand management programs and street design changes that place higher priority on local trips rather than regional trips to help reduce cut-through traffic

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Addressing the Need

New developments have the potential to improve the areas around them, bringing more transit and safer intersections. However, they also have the potential to add more traffic and congestion.

Current traffic study practices for new developments focus on vehicle delay (expressed by “Level of Service”) but fail to fully consider impacts on other street users.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Age Friendly Plan for a Livable Community

• Safe Walking, Biking, and Driving

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Reduce VMT, Green Building

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Enhance City Processes and Collaboration
• Build Safe Streets for Everyone

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Strategy 4. Work with regional, state, and private sector partners to develop tools to keep traffic on highways and reduce regional cut-through traffic

Actions

• Coordinate with other jurisdictions and regional bodies to evaluate pricing strategies and other policies that promote highway travel versus travel on local streets
• Explore signal timing as a tool to keep regional traffic on highways
• Utilize variable messaging systems to use real-time travel comparisons to promote high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes

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Addressing the Need

Congestion and cut-through traffic are significant issues in Alexandria and many jurisdictions in the region. During outreach conducted in the summer and fall of 2019, 71 percent of respondents cited congestion as the biggest challenge for the future of mobility in Alexandria.

Forty-two percent of traffic in central Alexandria consists of trips that start and end outside of Alexandria.¹ Coordination of efforts and resources with regional, state, and private sector partners is needed to address regional cut-through traffic.

Alexandria’s transportation network is linked to a complex regional network with multiple jurisdictions, transit operators, and statewide entities, making close coordination critical.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Smart Mobility Framework Plan

• Optimize Traffic Flow, Improve Travel Times, Reduce Congestion

City Strategic Plan

• Distinctive and Vibrant Neighborhoods, Multimodal Transportation

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 5. Consider the use of speed cameras and other automated tools to improve safety

Actions

• Consider speed cameras in school zones, enabled in 2020
• If data demonstrates a safety benefit with the use of automated enforcement tools, explore legislative measures to expand the City's ability to place speed cameras in areas where they can most improve safety
• Partner with the Alexandria Police Department to enforce traffic laws to protect vulnerable street users and promote equity

Automated Enforcement Using Cameras. Legislation passed in the summer of 2020 allows state and local police in Virginia to use speed cameras near highway construction zones and school zones. Alexandria is currently studying where to implement speed cameras.

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Addressing the Need

Decades of unequal transportation investments and exclusionist planning policies mean that vulnerable populations are more likely to live on or near poorly designed roadways where crashes are more likely to occur, increasing their likelihood of being involved in a crash.

Human bias in traffic enforcement has resulted in the deaths of Black, Indigenous, and people of color during routine traffic stops. There is a need to balance these safety disparities with a better understanding of human bias in enforcement. Automated enforcement is one strategy to help reduce this human bias.

In 2020, the League of American Bicyclists and Safe Routes Partnership, two prominent organizations in the field of traffic safety, removed “enforcement” from their program frameworks. The League found that “enforcement as a stand-alone traffic safety tactic is not particularly effective in achieving long-term safety outcomes,” and supports the use of alternatives to police-led traffic enforcement. Automated enforcement is one alternative, along with street design improvements and educational diversion programs.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

City Strategic Plan

• Inclusive City, Safe and Resilient Community

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Improve Data Collection and Evaluation, Promote a Culture of Safety

ALL Alexandria

• Target equitable enforcement efforts

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Streets | 19

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 6. Maintain a state of good repair for our streets using a proactive, data-driven, and equitable approach

Actions

• Seek to maintain our transportation assets to achieve a state of good repair in a cost-effective and minimally disruptive manner by coordinating utility work, fiber installation, and other street improvements when possible
• Use state and federal required methodologies based on pavement and bridge condition to ensure continued funding and equitable distribution of resources
• When local funding is available for additional service requests, ensure they are distributed evenly throughout the city

State of good repair refers to the maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation of assets. City staff identify priority locations to improve safety, accessibility, and mobility by making changes such as repaving roads, upgrading curb ramps, adding missing crosswalks, and repairing sidewalks.

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Addressing the Need

Streets that are not maintained can be safety hazards, barriers for persons with disabilities, or cause more long-standing damage. It is important to avoid skewing repairs to just where there are requests, but incorporating where data shows it is required. Continuous repair and rehabilitation of city streets and infrastructure will increase safety and accessibility while benefiting the user experience along city streets.

The City of Alexandria’s Street Maintenance and Repair program aims to repair roads, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and pavement areas in the public right-of-way. The City, with financial support from the Virginia Department of Transportation State of Good Repair program, manages its pavement by regularly assessing condition, analyzing budget needs, performing routine maintenance, and undertaking minor and major paving projects.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

ALL Alexandria

City Strategic Plan

• Multimodal Transportation
• Distinctive and Vibrant Neighborhoods

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Improve Data Collection and Evaluation
• Build Safe Streets for Everyone

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Streets | 21

Metrics

The strategies and policies in this chapter are intended to move the needle on the following measurable metrics. Additional details on metrics, including applicable targets for future years, can be found in Appendix II - Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators.

Metric

Number of fatal and serious crashes

Average Pavement Condition Rating (Pavement Condition Index)

Percent of Transportation Management Plans evaluated that meet mode split targets

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Pedestrian and Bicycle

How the City is making it easier and safer to walk and bike.

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Introduction

Previous investments in sidewalks, on-street bike lanes, trails, and education and encouragement programs have made Alexandria one of a few communities in the region to be recognized as both a Silver-level Walk- and Bicycle-Friendly Community.¹² Implementing the policies and strategies in this chapter will help the City achieve Gold-level certification and improve the travel experience for everyone in Alexandria.

This chapter incorporates the Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter update in 2016 and subsequent policies and initiatives called for in that effort, namely Vision Zero and the Complete Streets Policy. These policies will continue to shape how the City makes it easier and safer for people walking and biking.

Key Context

59% of trips in Alexandria are less than 3 miles Short trips like these are amenable to biking, walking, or transit when safe, convenient, and accessible routes are provided.³

5% of Alexandria residents walk or bike to work This is higher than the statewide average of 3%, and higher than Arlington’s 4%; however, it is lower than Washington, DC’s 18%.⁴

Walking is the third most used travel mode on a typical weekday after personal car use and travel by Metrorail.⁵ “Safe and comfortable places to walk and bike” was one of the top four priorities cited during public engagement in fall 2019.⁶

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3. 2017-2018 Regional Travel Survey, National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
4. American Community Survey 2019 5-Year Estimates
5. 2017-2018 Regional Travel Survey, National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
6. Alexandria Mobility Plan Priority Feedback, 2020

Over 50% Alexandria residents that walked or biked for transportation in the past month An even greater percentage walked, ran, or biked for recreation or fitness.⁷

Perceptions of walking vary by community. Public comments indicated that Old Town “revolves around walking,” while in Arlandria the City “does not do much to support walking.”

320 miles of sidewalks

21 miles of on-street bike lanes

23 miles of paved trails

The paved trails provide full separation for motor vehicles and serve transportation and recreational purposes for a wide range of users of all ages and abilities.

37 Capital Bikeshare stations in 2021 with plans to add several more in the next few years.

52 pedestrian-involved crashes in 2020⁸

10 bicycle-involved crashes in 2020⁸

Safety for people walking and bicycling needs improvement.

7. Alexandria Resident Transportation Needs Assessment Survey, 2017.
8. Vision Zero Performance Dashboard.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Existing Programs, Policies, and Initiatives

Complete Streets

Alexandria's Complete Streets Program works to implement the City's priority pedestrian and bicycle projects as identified in the 2008 Transportation Master Plan and Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter update in 2016 and in accordance with the Vision Zero policy and Action Plan.

Repaving Program

City streets are resurfaced based on their condition rating. When streets are resurfaced, City staff identify areas where planned portions of the pedestrian and bicycle network also can be implemented by upgrading curb ramps, adding missing crosswalks, installing bike lanes, repairing sidewalks, and more to improve conditions for users of all ages and abilities.

Safe Routes to School

Alexandria City Public Schools employs a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinator to facilitate safety programs and organize walking and biking events at all elementary and middle schools. Additionally, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services has a dedicated SRTS infrastructure planning and construction program as part of the Complete Streets Program.

Multi-Use Trails

Alexandria's trail system features more than20 miles of paved, off-street, multi-use trails throughout the city, offering safe and enjoyable connections to key destinations for users of all ages and abilities. The City continues to expand the trail network by adding new trails and extending existing trails.

Bicycle Parking

The City of Alexandria is working to increase the number of both short- and long-term bicycle parking spaces. Bicycle parking is usually installed at the request of citizens or businesses. Additionally, the City requires bicycle parking as new development occurs in the city.

Shared Mobility

Capital Bikeshare, the regional bikeshare program, is expanding rapidly into the City of Alexandria. With 37 stations in Alexandria and more on the way, Capital Bikeshare is a convenient way of traveling by bike that can be used by residents and visitors alike. The City also has launched a pilot program to allow private companies to operate shared, dockless bicycles and scooters available for rent.

Walking and bicycling infrastructure benefit more than just those who walk or bike. For example, new mobility options, such as bikeshare or scooters, benefit from bicycle infrastructure on the road. Sidewalks that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible—have smooth surfaces, adequate width, and curb ramps on all corners—help not only those using mobility devices such as wheelchairs, but also those using strollers and wheeled luggage.

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Policies

The Pedestrian and Bicycle chapter policies will guide the City's decision-making around building out a citywide network of safe and connected sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails.

Policy A: Prioritize Safety

Focus on vulnerable street user crashes to help achieve Vision Zero.

The City will focus on crashes involving vulnerable street users, including those who walk and bike, as a means of achieving Vision Zero.

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Policy B: Address Network Gaps

Complete pedestrian and bicycle networks equitably and cost-effectively.

The City will complete the bicycle and pedestrian networks by pursuing funding for priority projects, accelerating work in underserved areas, and taking advantage of opportunities to make improvements through the repaving program.

1. Create a safe, well-maintained, and comfortable walking and bicycling environment
2. Build out a continuous, connected, and accessible pedestrian network that enables people of all ages and abilities to move safely and comfortably
3. Build out a connected bicycle network of both on- and off-street facilities to benefit cyclists of all ages and abilities
4. Upgrade or install infrastructure that increases the accessibility of City streets and public spaces for people of all ages and abilities
5. Educate all street users about safety and traffic laws

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A: Prioritize safety

B: Address network gaps

Strategies

Strategy 1. Create a safe, well-maintained, and comfortable walking and bicycling environment

Actions

• Improve signage and wayfinding for people biking and walking
• Invest in ongoing maintenance and repair of the pedestrian and bicycle network
• Conduct construction inspections, address priority lighting deficiencies, and ensure timely snow plowing to ensure infrastructure is accessible at all times
• Prioritize safe access to transit, schools, senior centers, recreation centers, and improvements at high-crash locations

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Addressing the Need

There is an increasing demand for safe and comfortable walking and bicycling facilities, as reflected in the Resident Transportation Needs survey the City conducts every two years. In 2016, 51 percent of the respondents indicated they would walk or bike more if there were more off-street walking, biking, or multi-use paths. In 2018, this increased to 66 percent of respondents.¹

The safety of people walking and biking is a serious concern. From 2016 to 2019, pedestrian-involved crashes accounted for 30 percent of the serious injury and fatal crashes in the City of Alexandria. Nine pedestrians were killed and eight bicyclists were seriously injured during the same time frame.²

Electric shared bikes were introduced in Alexandria in 2019, and can help overcome a primary barrier to biking in the city—its hilly topography. The increasing popularity of e-bikes, both shared and personal, is likely help grow the number of cyclists in Alexandria, making improved facilities even more essential.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Age Friendly Plan For A Livable Community

• Pedestrian-Safe Streets

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Prioritize Low-Carbon Mobility Options
• Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Build Safe Streets for Everyone

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

• Accommodate All Modes of Travel

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 2. Build out a continuous, connected, and accessible pedestrian network that enables people of all ages and abilities to move safely and comfortably

Actions

• Make existing sidewalks and intersections safer and more comfortable, with a focus on high-crash locations per the Vision Zero Action Plan
• Continue addressing priority sidewalks to ensure sidewalks are present on both sides of all major streets and on at least one side of all other streets
• Reduce conflicts between modes by implementing treatments consistent with national best practices that are context appropriate, including increasing the number and quality of off-street connections and intersection improvements
• Improve off-street pedestrian access through neighborhoods, new developments, and across major barriers such as freeways or rail corridors

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Addressing the Need

While nearly all Alexandria residents have easy access to sidewalks in their neighborhoods, 10 percent live within 330 feet of a sidewalk gap. There are sidewalk gaps present within 330 feet of three Alexandria City Public Schools.

Sidewalks are essential for transit access and can support a number of commercial and social activities as well, such as outdoor dining and sidewalk vendors.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Age Friendly Plan For A Livable Community

• Pedestrian-Safe Streets

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Prioritize Low-Carbon Mobility Options
• Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Build Safe Streets for Everyone

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

• Accommodate All Modes of Travel

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Pedestrian and Bicycle | 13

Strategy 3. Build out a connected bicycle network of both on- and off-street facilities and shared mobility devices to benefit riders of all ages and abilities

Actions

• Expand bikeshare and availability of parking for bikes and micromobility devices such as shared/electric bikes and scooters
• Study building upon the planned network of bicycle routes to develop a citywide network of low-stress bicycle routes that are appealing to adults and children who are interested in riding but concerned about safety
• Integrate the off-street trail system with the on-street bicycle network by providing wayfinding and well-designed transitions at trail access points
• Build out the planned bicycle network with both on- and off-street facilities to provide safe connections within and between neighborhoods and to key destinations

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Addressing the Need

Currently, 54 percent of the population lives within 1/8 mile of a bike lane or paved trail; however, the network of these types of facilities is not continuous.

For those wanting to bike to work, 62 percent of jobs in the city are within 1/8 mile of a bike lane or paved trail.

To improve the bike network for people of all ages and abilities, the City must build more off-street trails and on-street bike lanes with more separation from motor vehicles. There also is a lack of public bike parking in many commercial, mixed-use, and higher-density residential areas. These facilities also can be used by scooters and other types of micromobility vehicles.

Shared micromobility (Capital Bikeshare, Lime, Bird, etc.) provides users with on-demand access to bicycles, mopeds, and/or scooters at a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations. More people also are purchasing their own small mobility devices to use on a regular basis, increasing the demand for safe places to ride. About two-thirds of Alexandrians indicated that they would walk and/or bike more if there were more off-street multi-use paths or trails.¹

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Prioritize Low-Carbon Mobility Options
• Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Build Safe Streets for Everyone

Age Friendly Plan For A Livable Community

• Safe Walking, Biking, and Driving

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

• Accommodate All Modes of Travel

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Strategy 4. Upgrade or install infrastructure that increases the accessibility of City streets and public spaces for people of all ages and abilities

Actions

• When repaving streets, upgrade corners and add high-visibility crosswalks where appropriate with accessible, directional ramps that meet, to the maximum extent possible, current ADA standards
• Upgrade or install new audible pedestrian signal push buttons at existing and new pedestrian signals to enhance access and safety for persons with disabilities
• Address tripping hazards on sidewalks and pedestrian areas as quickly as possible through routine maintenance projects and in response to service requests
• Prioritize safe and accessible access to transit stops, schools, and parks
• Install appropriate street lighting for those walking and bicycling, with consideration to areas with more people of color or low income residents

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Addressing the Need

According to the U.S. Census, 11 percent of Alexandria’s population is aged 65 and older, 5 percent of the population under the age of 65 lives with a disability, and 17 percent of the population under the age of 16 lives with a disability.¹ Providing safe, comfortable, and accessible walking and biking routes is particularly important for members of these groups and others who may not or cannot drive a personal vehicle. These routes provide opportunities for physical activity and independent travel.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Age Friendly Plan For A Livable Community

• Safe Walking, Biking, and Driving

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

• Accommodate All Modes of Travel
• Health and Safety for All Users

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Build Safe Streets for Everyone

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Strategy 5. Educate all street users about safety and traffic laws

Actions

• Initiate targeted outreach that aims to increase adult and youth knowledge of safe walking, biking, and driving behaviors and traffic laws related to pedestrian, bicycle, and scooter travel
• Educate public and private sector design professionals, city groups, and the public who are involved with Alexandria’s transportation system on Complete Streets principles and design
• Pursue partnerships to expand the reach of education, outreach, and promotional efforts with GO Alex, the Alexandria Policy Department, Alexandria City Public Schools, MWCOG’s Street Smart Safety Campaign, local advocacy groups, and others

Existing education programs commonly focus on a single mode (for example, driver's ed or a "learn to ride" bicycle safety class) and may not fully address how different modes should interact on the street. Virginia law states that drivers must give at least 3 feet of space when passing a person riding a bike. If there is not 3 feet of passing space in the shared travel lane, the driver must change lanes to pass. This can be hard to judge, and bicyclists may often need to ride close to the middle of the lane to avoid opening car doors and other obstacles.

One way to address these challenges is through better education for all road users. Frustrated by low attendance at adult bike safety classes, the City of Fort Collins, Colorado rebranded their class for drivers and saw attendance triple in the first year. The 90-minute Bicycle-Friendly Driver class covers:

• Why sharing the road is the safest alternative for both drivers and bicyclists
• What's legal and what's not legal, for both drivers and bicyclists
• Common crashes and how to avoid them
• Why bicyclists "take the lane" and what motorists should do in response
• How to navigate bicycle-related infrastructure such as sharrows, bike boxes, and green lanes

Addressing the Need

This strategy builds upon Vision Zero recommendations to reduce speed limits, educate all street users on their rights and responsibilities, and create a shared culture of safety to reduce the disproportionate impacts of crashes on pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable street users.

An average of 37 people in Alexandria are killed or seriously injured each year using the City's streets.¹

When pedestrians and bicyclists are involved in crashes, the crashes are more likely to be serious—34 percent of bicyclist or pedestrian crashes are serious versus just 6 percent of all crashes.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Vision Zero Action Plan

• Promote a Culture of Safety

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

• Accommodate All Modes of Travel

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Metrics

The strategies and policies in this chapter are intended to move the needle on the following measurable metrics. Additional details on metrics, including applicable targets for future years, can be found in Appendix II - Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators.

Metric

• The Alexandria Resident Survey reports results based on race/ethnicity, income, and age in addition to all residents.

Advancing Pedestrian and Bicycle Priority Projects

Pedestrian and bicycle projects were identified in the 2016 Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter update to the 2008 Transportation Master Plan. The project maps and lists have been updated to reflect the progress made since 2016; completed projects have been removed and replaced by the next highest prioritization score. Prioritization results are based on a data-driven analysis of demand, safety, connectivity, and geography. For the full methodology, please refer to the 2016 Bicycle and Pedestrian Chapter update. Project maps are included on the following pages, and project lists can be found here.

The City will continue to pursue funding from grants and through the City's budget process and implement pedestrian and bicycle projects through routine street resurfacing, as part of larger capital investments, and in coordination with developers and redevelopment. Therefore, the order of the projects does not necessarily reflect the order in which they will be implemented.

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Pedestrian Priority Projects

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• Tier 1 Priority Sidewalk Gap
• Tier 2 Priority Sidewalk Gap
• Tier 3 Priority Sidewalk Gap
• Tier 4 Priority Sidewalk Gap

Remaining sidewalk gaps as of 2021 and their relative priority identified in the [Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter update in 2016](http://Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter update in 2016).

Bicycle Priority Projects

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Information contained in this document is for planning purposes. Further analysis and engineering design are necessary prior to implementing any recommended bicycle facilities, including selecting the specific facility type and design for Enhanced Bicycle Facilities. Learn more about facility type definitions on page 49 of the- Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter update in 2016.

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Supporting Travel Options

How the City encourages alternatives to driving alone.

Introduction

This chapter focuses on how the City can support alternatives to driving alone through information, incentives, partnerships, and policies to reduce congestion on our streets and make our transportation system more sustainable. These practices—often called Transportation Demand Management (TDM)—are not about forcing people out of their cars, but rather making a variety of transportation options (i.e. transit, carpool, telework, cycling, and walking) easy, accessible, and convenient to give more travel choices to more people.

The development of this chapter was called for in the Environmental Action Plan (EAP) 2040 to improve the City's existing programs that support travel and mobility options to help achieve EAP and City Strategic Plan goals for reducing vehicle miles traveled in the city and increasing the share of biking, walking, and transit trips.

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By FY2023, develop a stand-alone Transportation Demand Management Chapter in the Alexandria Mobility Plan (formerly the Transportation Master Plan) to promote low-carbon modes of transportation.

— Short-Term Action 7.2.1, Environmental Action Plan 2040

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Key Context

74% of trips in Alexandria are non-work trips¹

59% of trips in Alexandria are less than 3 miles¹

46% of commute trips in Alexandria are single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips¹

36% of carbon emissions in Alexandria are produced by transportation, making transportation the second- largest emissions-producing sector²

Weekday Trips in Alexandria ⬚ figure

Source: 2017-2018 Regional Travel Survey, National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Existing Programs, Policies, and Initiatives

GO Alex

The City’s GO Alex program provides residents, commuters, and employers with resources to help promote mobility options through:

• Developing employer-specific plans and resources
• Assisting in rideshare matching
• Promoting regional incentives to try different transportation options
• Providing travel tools and information across Alexandria

The policies and strategies in this chapter aim to support GO Alex by improving and expanding the reach of its programming to make more people more aware of Alexandria’s wide range of travel choices it offers such as bus service, commuter and intercity rail, bikeshare, micromobility, paratransit, and more.

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Transportation Management Plans

A transportation management plan (TMP) is a site-specific plan to encourage residents and employees to take public transportation, walk, bike, or share a ride as opposed to driving alone to reduce rush hour congestion. Developers of new buildings are required to submit a TMP that outlines how they will reduce drive-alone trips and report back to the City.

In 2021, there are approximately 65 active TMPs in the city. TMPs help achieve efficient and sustainable use of transportation facilities by providing bikeshare memberships, transit passes, and information to residents and workers.

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Policies

The Supporting Travel Options chapter policies will guide the City's decision-making around increasing availability and encouraging use of flexible and sustainable travel options for all types of trips.

Policy A: Enhance choice

Make it easier for more people to choose an alternative to driving alone.

The City of Alexandria will apply evidenced-based practices that have been demonstrated to be the most effective at reducing drive-alone travel to reduce congestion, improve public health, and make the city more sustainable.

Policy B: Promote work flexibility

Encourage continued telework and flexible schedules to reduce congestion and emissions.

Teleworking and modified work schedules can help shift travel times and alleviate traffic congestion during peak periods. The City of Alexandria will work to encourage broader telework and flexible schedule practices among employers to reduce demand on the transportation network during peak periods.

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Policy C: Focus on all trips

Shift non-commute trips away from driving alone.

Outreach and education regarding travel options is traditionally focused on commute-to-work trips, despite that fact that non-commute trips make up three quarters of all trips in Alexandria. The City of Alexandria will work to better understand how to expand mobility options for all travelers, whether they are traveling for school, errands, shopping, recreation, tourism, or other resons. Reducing dependence on driving not only helps manage congestion, but also promotes a healthier and safer Alexandria. With the potential for long-term shifts in travel and commuting patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, considering all types of trips is important.

Strategies

That support policies

Supporting Travel Options | 9

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategies

Strategy 1. Use information, programs, and encouragement to make it easier for residents and workers to choose options other than driving alone

Actions

• Identify an expanded set of community influencers (such as religious leaders, school principals, and athletic organizations), in addition to employers and residential property managers, to help encourage alternatives to driving alone
• Update the Transportation Management Plan program so new developments can better reduce and track congestion
• Develop a travel training and commuter assistance program to provide hands-on experience on taking a new (to you) way of traveling
• Expand use of real-time information to promote travel choices

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Addressing the Need

Only 20 percent of Alexandrians are aware of GO Alex, the City's program that works to encourage the use of public transit, ridesharing, bicycling, and walking as money- and time-saving alternatives that also are more environmentally-friendly.¹ To increase the use of the variety of travel options available in Alexandria, it is important that people know about the program.

It is important that information on travel options—such as transit, bikeshare, car share, and rideshare—is available in one place so travelers can make informed decisions about which they choose.

Improved guidelines for developers can produce more and better-quality data on how new developments are impacting travel patterns and promoting multimodal options.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Reduce Automobile Dependency and Educate Individuals and Employers on Mobility Options Other Than Single-Occupancy Driving
• Increase the Share of All Trips Taken by Public Transit, Walking, and Biking by at Least 15 Percent by 2023

City Strategic Plan

• Increase the Percentage of Commuters Using Alternative Transportation Options

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Travel training refers to the practice of teaching people to travel independently on different modes of transportation, such as public transit. Travel training programs are intended to encourage behavior changes by giving people a level of comfort with and understanding of travel options that are new to them. These programs can be offered in a group setting or one-on-one and also can be specialized for seniors or people who have cognitive or physical mobility challenges.

Supporting Travel Options | 11

Strategy 2. Use the Potomac River to expand transportation options

Actions

• Partner with other jurisdictions, agencies, and private partners to determine the best ways to utilize the Potomac River as a transportation option
• Explore and evaluate new water transportation routes and services for commute and trips, errands, or entertainment
• Identify opportunities to integrate with other modes of transportation

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Addressing the Need

There is a need to provide enhanced transportation options and transit connections, especially those that do not impact the city’s constrained street network, to make progress toward key environmental priorities such as reducing vehicle miles traveled.

As noted during Alexandria Mobility Plan focus group meetings, the Potomac River is an underutilized transportation resource in the region and using it for new travel options could be an effective means of providing alternatives to driving and alleviating congestion.

During the WMATA Platform Improvement Project in the summer of 2019 that shut down Metrorail service in Alexandria, the Potomac Riverboat Company began offering new morning commuter service from Old Town Alexandria to The Wharf in Washington, DC. This new ferry travel option was well received among those who opted for it and did not cause increased traffic or parking challenges at the waterfront. This strategy will explore ways to build upon the success of that experiment.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 3. Create mobility hubs

Actions

• Identify optimal locations for mobility hubs in strategic locations around the city. These mobility hubs will differ in size and scope based on location type and may incorporate elements to improve navigation for all users of the site through wayfinding and other features
• Incorporate charging infrastructure for carshare vehicles, personal vehicles, and micromobility devices (electric bikes, scooters, etc.)
• Focus on traditionally underserved communities and strategic locations to address first- and last-mile travel needs citywide

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Addressing the Need

There is a need to better serve the city—especially areas with more limited transit service—with smaller-scale and more cost-effective travel options that offer alternatives to driving for getting to transit hubs or other short trips. Mobility hubs also provide convenient choices for which modes to use depending on the length and purpose of your trips

A mobility hub is a location that brings multiple modes of transportation together in one physical location and are often clustered near high-frequency transit stations such as a Metrorail station. Typical mobility hub components can support short trips and/or first- and last-mile journeys and include bicycle and scooter parking, electric vehicle chargers, carshare vehicles, and pedestrian wayfinding signage.

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Advancing City Plans and Goals

Smart Mobility Framework Plan

• Improve and Expand Mobility on Demand as a Means to Improve Accessibility
• Plan for Emerging and Future Transportation Technologies

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Adopt Permanent Regulations for Shared Mobility Devices such as Dockless Bikes, Electric Scooters, and Other Personal Mobility Devices by Fiscal Year 2023

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Supporting Travel Options | 15

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategy 4. Pursue regional approaches to reduce traffic and congestion, particularly during peak times

Actions

• Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and regional entities to explore unifying local TDM programs into a more comprehensive regional effort
• Advocate for policies that will help manage congestion, such as telework incentives or a regional congestion pricing program
• Continue to support regional transportation initiatives, including Commuter Connections, and targeted TDM initiatives of a regional scale, such as the Northern Virginia Regional Multi-Modal Mobility Program (R3MP)

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Addressing the Need

Vehicle miles traveled (VMT)—a measure of how much people are driving—in Alexandria was reduced by 12 percent between 2010 and 2018¹ mostly due to travel on local streets. However, regional travel has not changed significantly and represents an equal proportion of VMT on City streets. With Alexandria generally bordered on two sides by I-395 and I-495, City streets can be used as cut-through or alternative routes, especially during congested periods. It is important that Alexandria continues to coordinate with regional partners to pursue efforts that will manage transportation demand to further decrease VMT and, thereby, reduce congestion and carbon emissions.

The Northern Virginia Regional Multi-Modal Mobility Program (RM3P) leverages “the collaborative use of real-time data by Virginia’s public and private sectors to improve travel safety, reliability, and mobility and to give the public the tools to make more informed travel choices.” The program includes elements such as data-exchange programs, commuter parking information systems, dynamic incentivization, artificial intelligence-based decision support system, and a multi-modal analytical planner. The program advances the use of technology to support jurisdictions and cities to achieve their goals of increasing modal splits and a more dynamic, safe, and efficient transportation system.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Reduce Automobile Dependency and Educate Individuals and Employers on Mobility Options Other Than Single-Occupancy Driving

City Strategic Plan

• Increase the Percentage of Commuters Using Alternative Transportation Options

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Metrics

The strategies and policies in this chapter are intended to move the needle on the following measurable metrics. Additional details on metrics, including applicable targets for future years, can be found in Appendix II - Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators.

Metric

Number of community influencers involved with GO Alex

Percent of people taking non-single occupancy vehicles to work (mode share)

Weekday person hours of delay

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Credit: Hover Solutions for Visit Alexandria

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Curb Space and Parking

How the City regulates parking and manages curb use.

Introduction

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This chapter is focused on how the City will manage competing demands for curb space and efficiently use parking to help achieve City goals. Over the past several years, Alexandria has seen an increase in e-commerce deliveries, rideshare use, and scooter and bikeshare use, all of which have unique demands for space along the curb. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the City saw increased interest in allowing retail uses and outdoor dining along the curb, which may continue into the future. The evolving nature of the curb and broader mobility trends prompt a need for the City to rethink how it allocates this resource and effectively manages demand to maintain order on our streets and ensure that various needs are being met.

To manage curb space, the City also must consider effective management of off-street parking. The policies and strategies set forth in this chapter will help guide the management of curb space and parking resources and concurrently support the City's commitment to sustainability and quality of life.

Key Context

126 unique on-street paid parking zones with space for more than 1,400 vehicles across the City These zones are largely concentrated in Old Town. Street parking generally costs less than parking garages, which disincentives garage use and puts a great strain on street parking.

16 publicly accessible garages and 6 parking lots available for paid parking in Old Town These facilities range in cost, typically featuring flat and hourly rates that cost more than metered street parking.

58% Alexandrians that have a positive experience with “Availability of parking near my home.”¹

52% Alexandrians that have a positive experience with “Availability of on-street and garage parking.” Ratings for traffic flow, travel by car, overall ease of travel, and public parking among Alexandrians decreased in 2020 compared to 2018.¹

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Existing Programs, Policies, and Initiatives

Residential Parking Permit Program

Alexandria’s Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program designates certain areas in the city as residential permit parking districts. As a means to preserve on-street parking in these areas for Alexandria residents, the RPP ordinance prohibits on-street parking for more than 2 or 3 hours during varying time periods. Only persons who maintain their residence within the boundaries of an RPP district are eligible to obtain parking permits, and vehicles that display these permits are exempt from the timed restrictions.

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Residential Parking Permit Districts

Electric Vehicle Charging

The Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Readiness Strategy will develop a road map to anticipate the electric vehicle charging infrastructure needs of City residents, workforce members, and visitors as electric vehicles become more mainstream. The project includes:

• Evaluating projections for current and future electric vehicle charging infrastructure needs
• Recommending locations for publicly accessible charging infrastructure with integration into a broader regional network
• Reviewing and updating the City’s zoning, codes, permitting, and inspection codes and development processes and requirements
• Recommending policies, approaches, and synergies for locating electric vehicle charging infrastructure at businesses, multi-unit dwellings, single-family homes, right-of-way, and other locations along residential and commercial streets

Residential Pay by Phone Program

Certain residential permit blocks within Old Town have been made “pay by phone” for non-residents who choose to park. After a successul pilot, City Council made this permanent in 2019.

Parking Standards for New Development Study

This study, completed in 2018, conducted an assessment of the previous parking standards and established updated standards for new development projects. This update established an Enhanced Transit Area with reduced parking requirements to encourage non-auto travel, and outlined provisions for shared parking.

Micromobility Corrals

In some locations around Alexandria, the City has installed micromobility corrals to maximize curb space and encourage parking of micromobility devices in locations that do not hinder vehicle or pedestrian travel.

Policies

The Curb Space and Parking chapter policies will guide the City's decision-making around smart use of curb space and make parking more efficient and available toward the advancement of City goals.

Policy A: Connect parking policy to City goals

Achieve broader City goals related to sustainability, congestion, and housing affordability through parking.

Parking facilities are expensive to build and maintain, and when it is easy to park, more people will drive. The goals of the Environmental Action Plan to reduce vehicle miles traveled and increase the use of sustainable travel modes require the City to reimagine the curb space. The City of Alexandria will continue to use policy to right-size parking facilities and unbundle the cost of parking from housing to reduce the cost burden of parking on non-vehicle owners and limit its role in contributing to traffic.

Policy B: Ensure parking availability

Seek to maintain parking availability in the city's residential and commercial districts, recognizing that some people may need to walk a short distance to their destination.

The City will seek to ensure a reasonable parking option is available by strategically aligning curb space with its highest and best use and managing on- and off-street parking through technology and pricing.

A recent study has demonstrated that in an urban area, more parking led to more car ownership, more driving, more congestion, less transit use, and less walking.¹

Policy C: Promote equitable allocation of curb space

Treat all curb space as a public asset that should be allocated in an equitable manner for its highest and best use, appropriate for the specific location, time of day, and time of year.

Recognizing the competing demands over curb space, the City of Alexandria will work to manage this finite resource in a way that considers a diversity of needs and maximizes community benefits and goals. Local context will drive decision-making to ensure that solutions for the curb space use are tailored to needs.

Strategies

That support policies

1. Implement a prioritization framework for making changes to curb space
2. Consider pricing, regulation, data, and communications to manage parking availability
3. Reconsider parking requirements in new developments
4. Promote electric vehicle charging opportunities

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Policies The City of Alexandria will...

• A: Connect parking policy to City goals
• B: Ensure parking availability
• C: Promote equitable allocation of curb space

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Strategies

Strategy 1. Implement a prioritization framework for making changes to curb space

Actions

• Implement a framework to prioritize parking, loading, drop-off, bike lanes, and mobility hubs, among other uses, when making curbside changes
• Work with the community and the Traffic and Parking Board to apply the framework when a new use is considered on a street

The City’s Curb Space Prioritization Framework is included at the end of this chapter.

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Addressing the Need

Alexandria’s curb space is a valuable commodity and is very much in demand. Many modes of access—pedestrians, parking, transit, bicycles, and commercial and private vehicles—compete for curbside access to shops, restaurants, housing, offices, and community facilities. The City must find a way to balance these needs while encouraging the use of off-street parking and loading when appropriate to reduce the demand for the curb.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Reduce Automobile Dependency and Educate Individuals and Employers on Mobility Options Other Than Single-Occupancy Driving

Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines

• Accommodate All Modes of Travel and for the Health and Safety of All Users
• Smart and Efficient Management of the Curbside

Age Friendly Plan for a Livable Community

• Those Who Walk, Drive, and Ride a Bicycle in Alexandria Can Do So Safely

Housing Master Plan

• Preserve the Long-Term Affordability and Physical Condition of the Existing Stock of Publicly Assisted Rental Housing, as well as Market Rental Housing Where Affordability Commitments Can Be Secured

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Curb Space and Parking | 11

Strategy 2. Consider pricing, regulation, data, and communications to manage parking availability

Actions

• Consider technology to collect and disseminate more and better data on parking availability and usage
• Improve signage and availability of real-time information via technology to guide users to off-street parking, pick-ups, drop-offs, and loading to free up on-street curb space whenever reasonable and practicable
• Consider coordinated pricing strategies to encourage more efficient and equitable use of on- and off-street parking spaces
• Improve the perception of safety in garages through improved communications, wifi connections, and cellular service

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Addressing the Need

The perception that parking is hard to find in certain areas, while not always a reality, can lead to frustration and encourage drivers to circle the block to find available spaces or free parking. By making off-street parking more attractive through pricing or improved information, more people may use it, freeing up on-street spaces and reducing the perception that parking is in limited supply.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Reduce Automobile Dependency and Educate Individuals and Employers on Mobility Options Other Than Single-Occupancy Driving

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Strategy 3. Reconsider parking requirements in new developments

Actions

• Build upon recent efforts to right-size parking for residential and commercial development, recognizing that increased parking leads to increased traffic
• Review shared parking section of the zoning and ordinance to identify opportunities to make shared parking more viable. For example, a bank that closes at 5:00 PM and a restaurant that opens at 5:00 PM may be able to share parking facilities
• Leverage the ability of new data sources to regularly evaluate parking uses and trends
• Increase the percentage of parking spaces in new developments that can support electric vehicle charging

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Addressing the Need

Parking facilities have several adverse effects on the natural and built environments, including increased stormwater run-off and pollution due to their impervious surfaces; reduced density of land development that hinders the use of sustainable travel options such as walking, biking, or public transit; and increased use of vehicles that can lead to more traffic congestion and air pollution. It is important to reconsider parking standards and requirements to reduce the number of parking facilities that may be larger than necessary.

Updating parking standards can yield several positive outcomes for communities. Maximum standards for off-street parking work to limit the construction of parking facilities that are larger than necessary. Recently, cities such as Hartford, CT and Portland, OR recognized the need to limit parking and established parking maximums in their regulations, thus controlling the amount of land and impervious surface associated with parking. In Alexandria’s recent “Parking Standards for New Development Projects Study - Phase 2,” the City also has implemented parking maximums and an Enhanced Transit Area in which requirements are lower.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Housing Master Plan

• Preserve the Long-Term Affordability and Physical Condition of the Existing Stock of Publicly Assisted Rental Housing

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Reduce Automobile Dependency

City Strategic Plan

• Increase the Percentage of Commuters Using Alternative Transportation Options

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Strategy 4. Promote electric vehicle charging opportunities

Actions

• Establish electric vehicle (EV) installation checklists for different uses
• Develop a policy for providing public charging infrastructure in public spaces
• Coordinate between parties interested in charging stations

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Addressing the Need

Transportation accounts for more than a third of Alexandria’s greenhouse gas emissions. Converting more vehicle trips from internal combustion engine vehicle trips to electric vehicle trips can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially as the energy to charge them is anticipated to come from increasingly sustainable and renewable sources. There are a growing number of Alexandrian’s who own or are interested in owning electric vehicles, and the increased numbers of EVs will require additional charging infrastructure to support them.

Advancing City Plans and Goals

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Readiness Strategy

• Meet electric vehicle charging demand

Environmental Action Plan 2040

• Implement and support implementation of publicly-accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure that is supported by renewable energy

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Curb Space Prioritization Framework

This framework sets priorities for curb access based on land uses. Land uses are broadly defined into four categories based on the kinds of curbside activity in different parts of the city.

Curb uses are also categorized broadly to enable future mobility options to fit into this framework. For example, previous plans mentioned bus stops, but did not anticipate bikeshare systems, dockless scooters, or ridehail companies like Uber and Lyft.

As part of the Alexandria Mobility Plan, the City has begun the work to realize Strategy 1 and develop a curb space prioritization framework. This framework outlines varying priorities for curb uses in areas of the city, depending on their land use. Staff will use this framework to guide future decisions.

This framework can be applied to existing streets as well as future streets outlined in small area plans.

When evaluating proposals and resident requests that will impact curb space, staff will work through the framework with affected parties to understand the needs and context of the street. This framework helps guide decision-makers when evaluating requests and applications—it is not a proposal for changing the City's streets.

• The specific context for each block matters. If a proposal is not feasible on a given street, this framework would not apply.
• Not every curb use category will apply to every street. For example, low-density residential streets with available curb space will not need large (or any) changes to provide adequate access for people.
• Higher priority uses will not eliminate lower priorities. Providing access for goods, for example, does not mean that all the parking on a street will be eliminated, but instead that a parking space may be considered for removal to introduce improved access for goods.

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Land Use Categories

Curb Use Categories

Curb Space Prioritization Framework

Metrics

The strategies and policies in this chapter are intended to move the needle on the following measurable metrics. Additional details on metrics, including applicable targets for future years, can be found in Appendix II - Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators.

Metric

Number of curb space changes informed by the Curbspace Prioritization Framework introduced to the Traffic and Parking Board

Positive rating of ease of public parking (Resident Survey) *

Positive rating of availability of parking near my home (Resident Survey) *

Positive rating of availability of on-street and garage parking near shopping (Resident Survey) *

Number of publicly accessible level 2 or higher electric vehicle charging plugs per population

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• The Alexandria Resident Survey reports results based on race/ethnicity, income, and age in addition to all residents.

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Moving Forward

This plan has outlined a series of ambitious, yet achievable policies, actions, and strategies for Alexandria. It serves as a work plan for staff to improve mobility choices in the community and guides transportation decision-making. It promotes flexibility to adapt to our changing environment and provides a foundation for securing funding to advance existing plans and new projects.

A Shared Responsibility for Implementation and Monitoring

Successfully executing the elements of the Alexandria Mobility Plan will take more than the efforts of any one City department. It will take the collective advocacy of citizens, dedication of staff, and leadership from elected officials. In Appendix I - Implementation and Appendix II - Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators, the specific steps of strategy implementation and process for tracking success is outlined in further detail.

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Keeping the Plan Current

In keeping with the overarching policy of adaptability and flexibility, it is important to note that the strategies within this plan are not exhaustive. As new initiatives develop, they will be considered compatible with the AMP as long as they are consistent with AMP policies and help to achieve its targets and guiding principles. Many of the initiatives in this plan will require additional targeted outreach and community engagement as more details are developed.

The City anticipates providing a progress report to the Transportation Commission on an annual basis and assessing the key performance indicators and chapter metrics in 2024, 2027, and 2030. The City intends to conduct an update of the entire plan beginning in 2028, aligning with the target year to achieve the City’s Vision Zero goal.

AMP Outcomes

Together, the elements of the plan will lead to tangible and measurable progress toward achieving the plan’s vision, guiding principles, and citywide goals to improve not just transportation, but also equity and quality of life.

• Increased access to high-quality transportation choices for all Alexandrians
• More and easier connections to jobs, opportunities, and community destinations
• Better overall experience traveling around the city
• Reduced number and severity of crashes
• Increase in non single-occupant vehicle travel

Equitable outcomes for all Alexandrians, especially neighborhoods and populations that have been historically underserved

Appendix I

Implementation

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Implementation

The chapters in the Alexandria Mobility Plan (AMP) highlight specific strategies that advance the AMP vision, other citywide initiatives, and previously developed plans. Each strategy is complemented by implementation actions that move the strategy from an actionable concept in the AMP to an implemented strategy within the city. Implementation actions are specific, detailed, and aligned with a timeline to advance the strategy and help to inform staff workload and direction.

The AMP is designed to be flexible. In addition to implementation actions providing direction for staff, the AMP also encourages staff to respond as new opportunities arise and conditions change over time. Therefore, continued tracking of progress on outlined strategies along with integration of new opportunities will help to ensure that staff efforts are aligned with AMP vision and goals.

Appendix I – Implementation focuses on the strategies, implementation actions, and tracking progress.

Components of the Implementation Matrix

Strategies

The strategies are organized by AMP chapter. The attributes of each strategy include the applicable policies, guiding principles, and related plans.

Implementation Actions

Each strategy in the AMP has a series of implementation actions that guide the path forward to completion. These actions vary in the required duration, type of effort, collaboration, and many other factors. The implementation actions are aligned with four different timelines:

• Short-term (by 2024)
• Medium-term (by 2027)
• Long-term (by 2030)
• Continual

The above timelines should be viewed as guides for City staff as they plan future work and projects.

Metrics

Tracking the progress of strategies and implementation actions can be measured through the metrics listed for each strategy, in addition to tracking progress towards completion. More detailed information for each metric, as well as data sources and baseline information can be found in Appendix II – Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Plan Policies by Chapter

Transit

Policy A: Make transit greener and more useful

Policy B: Make transit easier to use

Smart Mobility

Policy A: Improve safety and efficiency

Policy B: Prepare for new technology

Streets

Policy A: Protect neighborhoods from cut-through traffic

Policy B: Achieve Vision Zero

Policy C: Leverage smart mobility

Pedestrian and Bicycle

Policy A: Prioritize safety

Policy B: Address network gaps

Supporting Travel Options

Policy A: Enhance choice

Policy B: Promote work flexibility

Policy C: Focus on all trips

Curb Space and Parking

Policy A: Connect parking policy to City goals

Policy B: Ensure parking availability

Policy C: Promote equitable allocation of curb space

Implementation

Appendix I | 5

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

6 | Appendix I

Implementation

Appendix I | 7

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

| Strategy Number | Strategy | Related Policies | Guiding Principles | | | | | | | Implementation Actions | | | | Related Plan(s) | Short-Term (by 2024) | Medium-Term (by 2027) | Long-Term (by 2030) | Continual | Related Metric(s) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | | A | B | C | Accessible | Connected | Convenient | Equitable | Safe | Sustainable | | | | | | | | Smart Mobility | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3 | Upgrade capabilities of the Traffic Management Center to better manage congestion in real-time | | 🗸 | | N/A | 🗸 | 🗸 | | 🗸 | | Smart Mobility Framework Plan | | • Equip Alexandria’s Traffic Management Center to allow it to manage on-street traffic equipment, monitor overall system status including pavement condition during weather events, configure devices remotely, and analyze data <br><br> • Expand coverage of CCTV cameras and improve traffic visualizations for more efficient management of traffic incidents | | • Incorporate resiliency and redundancy measures, such as a virtual backups in the event of failures | • Number of intersections with smart signal technology <br> • Percent of intersections with smart signal technology in Equity Emphasis Areas <br> • Positive rating of traffic flow on major streets <br> • Transit travel times on Duke Street, Van Dorn Street, and upper King Street | | 4 | Proactively prepare for connected and autonomous vehicles | | 🗸 | | N/A | 🗸 | 🗸 | | 🗸 | 🗸 | Smart Mobility Framework Plan | • Consider pilot projects to lay the groundwork for and evaluate the effectiveness of various new technologies. | • Prepare for connected vehicles by developing maintenance and infrastructure plans to ensure street readiness | • Prepare for autonomous or self-driving vehicles by developing policies to manage potentially significant increases in miles driven and traffic volumes within the city, including limiting zero-passenger miles and incentivizing shared use | • Ensure that safety is a priority when testing and implementing new technologies | • Number of intersections with smart signal technology <br> • Percent of intersections with smart signal technology in Equity Emphasis Areas | | 5 | Develop a framework for pilot projects to test new modes, infrastructure, or initiatives | | 🗸 | | N/A | 🗸 | | 🗸 | | 🗸 | Smart Mobility Framework Plan <br><br> Environmental Action Plan 2040 <br><br> Vision Zero Action Plan | • Create standards for appropriate use of pilot projects, including timeframes, public process, evaluation, and opportunities to make adjustments <br><br> • Build upon lessons learned from the Dockless Mobility Pilot as well as national best practices from peer cities <br><br> • Promote a framework that ensures transparency in pilot project execution | | | | |

Implementation

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Implementation

Appendix I | 11

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Implementation

Appendix I | 13

Implementation

Appendix II

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Measuring Progress

The Alexandria Mobility Plan (AMP) seeks to expand access to transportation choices, make it easier for people to get around by all modes, reduce single-occupancy vehicle travel, eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries, and more. The City will track progress of the AMP through two means – overarching key performance indicators (KPIs) that are tied to the plan’s guiding principles, and metrics for each chapter that are chapter-specific with targets established where applicable. Many chapter-specific metrics are related to and will feed into the plan-level KPIs.

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Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Key Performance Indicators

While City actions can help move the needle on the KPIs, it is important to recognize that other external factors may influence them as well. By tracking the KPIs, the City can take the pulse on how residents, visitors, and workers are experiencing mobility and potentially adjust areas of focus accordingly throughout the life of this plan.

Each guiding principle is associated with just one or two KPIs to understand mobility in Alexandria at the highest levels. To holistically track outcomes that address the equitable guiding principle, all KPIs are given an “equity lens” to measure progress in a way that is consistent with the City’s ALL Alexandria resolution and ensures equitable outcomes for all Alexandrians, especially neighborhoods and populations that have been historically underserved. Measuring progress toward achieving the guiding principles allows the City to track how transportation projects and initiatives improve and expand choices—and more choices can lead to improved quality of life and other benefits beyond transportation.

There are many data challenges associated with measuring these high-level outcomes, so some KPIs may not be the ideal measure for a certain guiding principle. However, these were selected in consultation with City staff, subject matter experts, and the Alexandria Mobility Plan Advisory Committee (AMPAC) to be reflective of measures other plans are targeting and because they provide useful information on the outcomes this plan aims to achieve. As additional data and tools become available, the City may be able to track the guiding principles more effectively.

For each KPI, baseline information is provided which represents the most recent data available. The City commits to updating this information regularly following plan adoption, at least every three years, and publishing resulting data in a transparent manner on the City website.

Guiding Principles

KPIs are tied to the guiding principles of the AMP and are used to measure plan-level progress toward achieving City goals and targets through the AMP.

Accessible Alexandria will work to make its transportation network easily accessible for users of all ages and abilities.

Connected Alexandria’s transportation system will take you where you want to go seamlessly by leveraging technology and integrating transportation and land use.

Convenient Alexandria will provide a transportation system with high-quality mobility options that are reliable, frequent, proximate, and comfortable.

Equitable Alexandria acknowledges that there are disparities in neighborhoods and populations in the city that have been historically underserved. Alexandria will be targeted, inclusive, and intentional in addressing gaps in mobility options available, their quality, and safety.

Safe Alexandria will eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2028.

Sustainable Alexandria will prioritize low-carbon mobility options and reduce automobile dependency.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Accessible and Connected Definitions

The Accessible and Connected indicators are measured using “proximity to alternatives to driving” to understand the choices available. Useful alternatives to driving generally need to be nearby, frequent, and safe. Each component of this measure - transit access, pedestrian access, and bicycle access - have different measurements based on the characteristics of the particular mode.

Transit

Areas of Alexandria that are in close proximity to high-frequency transit service:

• Proximity to Bus - Areas within ¼ of a mile of a bus stop with midday bus frequencies of every 15 minutes or better.
• Proximity to Rail - Areas within ¼ of a mile of a Metrorail station with midday train frequencies of every 15 minutes or better.

Pedestrian

Areas of Alexandria that have no gaps in sidewalk coverage:

• Proximity to Sidewalks - Areas that are not within 330 feet (1/16 of a mile or about one city block) of a sidewalk gap (have sidewalks on both sides).

Bicycle

Areas of Alexandria that are in close proximity to on-street bicycle lanes and off-street paved trails:

• Proximity to Bicycle Lanes - Areas within 1/8 of a mile of an on-street bicycle lane.
• Proximity to Paved Trails - Areas within 1/8 of a mile of an off-street paved trail.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Accessible

Alexandria will work to make its transportation network easily accessible for users of all ages and abilities

In the context of the AMP, “Access” refers to the proximity of residents to alternatives to driving, which include high-frequency bus or rail service, bike lanes and trails, and connected sidewalks as defined on the previous page. Recognizing that everyone has access to a street to drive on, the City is measuring access this way to understand what choices people have close by.

Equity Lens:

• Percent of residents (low-income residents, people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities) in close proximity to alternatives to driving

Key Performance Indicator:

• Percent of residents in close proximity to alternatives to driving

Why measure “Proximity to Alternatives to Driving?”

Driving is a popular way to make many trips in Alexandria, and this will likely continue. A priority of the AMP is to give people choices. Every home has access to a street, but there are still many Alexandrians without nearby sidewalks, bike lanes and trails, or frequent transit, meaning they do not have the convenient choice to walk, bike, or take transit. Having choices benefits everyone, from cleaner air, healthier lifestyles, and less congestion. Having choices means that when gas prices rise or if there is a transit shutdown, people can still get around safely and conveniently.

This is what we call “Close Proximity to Alternatives” and this is why the following sections use it as an important metric: it measures high-quality, practical choices.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Baseline Information:

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The City’s investments in transit, such as the new Potomac Yard Metrorail station and implementation of the Alexandria Transit Vision Plan, will significantly increase the percentage of Alexandria residents in close proximity to high-frequency transit in the future. When implemented, the Transit Vision Plan will increase the percentage of all residents in close proximity to high-frequency transit from 27% to 83%.

Sources: Baseline Transit Network (Midday): City data, 2021 (prior to Alexandria Transit Vision Plan implementation) Baseline Pedestrian Network: City data, 2021 Baseline Bicycle Network: City data, 2021 All Residents: Total population counts from the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) by Block Group. Low-Income Residents: Total households identified in the 2017 ACS as being in poverty according to Federally defined poverty standards. People of Color: Count of 2017 ACS estimates of people identifying as non-white. Seniors: Count of 2017 ACS estimate of people over 65. People with Disabilities: Count of 2017 ACS estimates

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Connected

Alexandria’s transportation system will take you where you want to go seamlessly by leveraging technology and integrating transportation and land use

“Destinations” are broadly defined as employment, opportunities, or services critical to quality of life and include jobs, schools, parks and recreation centers, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities. Alternatives to driving include high-frequency bus or rail service, bike lanes and trails, and connected sidewalks.

Equity Lens:

• Percent of low-wage jobs, Title 1 schools, and public health clinics that are connected to alternatives to driving

Baseline Information:

Percent of Low-Wage Jobs, Title 1 Schools, and Public Health Clinics That Are Connected to Alternatives to Driving

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Sources: Low-Wage Jobs: Count of Jobs in each Census Block Group paying less than $1,250 per month from the ACS Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) “OnTheMap” tool. Title 1 Schools: Alexandria City Public Schools; data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Public Health Centers: Clinic locations within the City of Alexandria taken from OpenStreetMap. (Search query: “amenity”=“clinic” and “healthcare”=“clinic”).

8 | Appendix II

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Key Performance Indicator:

• Percent of destinations that are connected to alternatives to driving

Baseline Information:

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Sources: Jobs: Count of jobs in each Census Block Group taken from the 2017 ACS Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) “OnTheMap” tool. Schools: Alexandria City Public Schools; data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Grocery Stores: Grocery locations within Alexandria City Boundary, City of Alexandria, December 2020. Parks and Recreation Centers: Parks and Recreation Locations with the Alexandria City Boundary, City of Alexandria, December 2020. Health Care / Hospitals: Medical Facilities within Alexandria City Boundary, City of Alexandria, December 2020 (Facility types include Urgent Care, Health Care Facilities, and Hospitals).

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Convenient

Alexandria will provide a transportation system with high-quality mobility options that are reliable, frequent, proximate, and comfortable.

Every year, Alexandrians can share feedback on their experiences with living in the city and factors that shape their quality of life, including transportation, via the Resident Survey. This helps City leadership know more about residents’ expectations for the City government and how well government is performing for the community. The City will also be tracking this via specific metrics within the Transit, Smart Mobility, Streets, Curb Space and Parking, and Pedestrian and Bicycle chapters.

Equity Lens:

• Percent of residents (low-income residents, people of color, and senior residents) who say it is easy to get around.
  • In 2018 and 2020, there was no statistically significant difference in responses between high income and low income individuals or between white and non-white individuals for overall ease of getting to the places they usually have to visit.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Key Performance Indicator:

• Percent of residents who say it is easy to get around

Baseline Information:

Percent of Residents with a Positive View of "The Overall Ease of Getting to the Places You Usually Have to Visit"

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Note: 2016 data by income, race/ethnicity, and age was not available.

Sources: Alexandria Resident Survey Low-Income Residents: Survey respondents with an annual household income Less than $50,000. People of Color: Survey respondents that identify as non-white. Seniors: Survey respondents over 55.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Equitable

Alexandria acknowledges that there are disparities in neighborhoods and populations in the City that have been historically underserved. Alexandria will be targeted, inclusive, and intentional in addressing gaps in mobility options available, their quality, and safety.

Key Performance Indicator:

• All guiding principles will be measured for the city as a whole and with an equity lens that examines how specific communities of greater need are faring with regards to the specific outcomes that this plan seeks to achieve.
• Accessible: Percent of residents (low-income residents, people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities) in close proximity to alternatives to driving.
• Connected: Percent of low-wage jobs, Title 1 schools, and public health clinics that are connected to alternatives to driving.
• Convenient: Percent of residents (low-income residents, people of color, and senior residents) who say it is easy to get around.
• Safe: Number of crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries within Equity Emphasis Areas.
• Sustainable: Percent of residents (low-income residents, people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities) in close proximity to alternatives to driving.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Safe

Alexandria will eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2028.

Through its Vision Zero Action Plan, Alexandria established a goal of zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2028. The City recognizes that traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable through proper engineering, enforcement, evaluation, and education. The Vision Zero performance dashboard tracks how well the City is performing as part of the overall performance dashboard system.

Equity Lens:

• Number of crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries within Equity Emphasis Areas

Baseline Information:

Percent of Crashes, Fatalities, and Serious Injuries within Equity Emphasis Areas

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■ Equity Emphasis Areas ■ Non-Equity Emphasis Areas

*For the equity lens of the Safe KPI, the City is measuring against land area of Equity Emphasis Areas, as demographic information is not typically documented in crash reports. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) established Equity Emphasis Areas in Alexandria, which make up 21 percent of the city’s total land area. The percentage of all severe and fatal crashes in Alexandria that occur within these Equity Emphasis Areas, however, is slightly overrepresented at 23 percent. It is important to consider land area to ensure that communities of greater need do not experience disproportionate effects of traffic crashes compared to other areas of the city.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Safe (continued)

Equity Emphasis Areas and Crashes by Severity

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Equity Emphasis Areas were developed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) using tract-level Census data to identify communities that have significant concentrations of low-income and/or minority populations.This is what we call “Close Proximity to Alternatives” and this is why the following sections use it as an important metric: it measures high-quality, practical choices.

Sources: Equity Emphasis Areas: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). Includes areas with concentrations of low-income and minority households. Crashes: 2016-2019 crash locations, City of Alexandria, Virginia Department of Transportation City Strategic Plan Key Indicators: Transportation, City of Alexandria. Vision Zero Performance Dashboard, City of Alexandria.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Key Performance Indicator:

• Number of crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries

This KPI is consistent with the City Strategic Plan and Vision Zero initiative, which aims to achieve zero severe injuries and fatalities from crashes.

Baseline Information:

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Sustainable

Alexandria will prioritize low-carbon mobility options and reduce automobile dependency.

Through its Environmental Action Plan, Alexandria recognized that transportation is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect the natural environment and established goals and targets to reduce these effects.

Key Performance Indicator:

• Vehicle miles traveled
• Percent of commuters using alternative transportation options

Baseline Information:

Vehicle Miles Traveled

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Source: Weekday Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board

Alternative transportation options include riding the bus, Metrorail, and biking. This KPI is consistent with the City Strategic Plan, which set a target of 40% of commuters using alternative transportation modes by 2022. Data is reported every three years by fiscal year (July-June), and comes from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government's (MWCOG) State of the Commute Survey.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

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Source: City Strategic Plan Key Indicators: Transportation (via MWCOG State of the Commute Survey)

Equity Lens:

• Percent of residents (low-income residents, people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities) in close proximity to alternatives to driving

Baseline Information:

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Source: See “Accessible” KPI in previous section

The City will continue to investigate better data sources for tracking the Sustainability indicator through an equity lens. Until a better data source becomes available, the City will refer to the Accessible indicator to improve access to multiple transportation choices for all population groups.

Chapter Metrics

The plan’s metrics are tied to each specific plan chapter and are more focused on individual topics or modes of transportation. These metrics will be regularly measured to track how the plan’s policies and strategies are improving transportation in the city. Many chapter-specific metrics are related to and will feed into the plan-level KPIs. Targets have also been established where applicable to promote accountability, many of which are identified in other City plans or planning efforts.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

⬆ Increase ⬇ Decrease ▬ Maintain

*The Alexandria Resident Survey reports results based on race/ethnicity, income, and age in addition to all residents.

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

⬆ Increase ⬇ Decrease ➖ Maintain

*The Alexandria Resident Survey reports results based on race/ethnicity, income, and age in addition to all residents.

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ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

| Metric | Equity Lens | Connection to KPI | Related Plan | Source | Related Strategies | Directionality | Baseline | Targets (if applicable) | | | | | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | :---: | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: | | | | | | | | | | 2024 | 2027 | 2030 | | Transit | | | | | | | | | | | | Percent of residents within ¼ mile of 15 minute or better service (All residents and low-income, people of color, and senior residents) | | ⌾ | Transit Vision Plan | City data, Census Data | 1, 6 | ⬆<br>Increase | All Residents: 27% (2019)<br>Low-Income Residents: 29% (2019)<br>People of Color: 22% (2019)<br>Senior Residents: 24% (2019)<br>People with Disabilities: 24% (2019) | 60%<br>65%<br>65%<br>50%<br>50% | 70%<br>75%<br>75%<br>60%<br>60% | 85%<br>90%<br>90%<br>75%<br>75% | | Percent of people taking transit to work (mode share) | | ⌾ | Environmental Action Plan 2040 | MWCOG 2017-2018 Regional Travel Survey Update | 1, 3 | ⬆<br>Increase | Bus: 6.9% (2017-2018)<br>Rail: 32.3% (2017-2018) | 7%<br>25% | 9%<br>30% | 12%<br>31% | | Positive rating of ease of travel by public transportation | ⌾ | ⌾ | | Resident Survey | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 | ⬆<br>Increase | All Residents: 61% (2020) / 64% (2018)<br>Low-Income Residents: 68% (2020)<br>People of Color: 60% (2020)<br>Seniors: 70% (2020) | | | | | Percent of bus stops with shelters | | | | City data | 4 | ⬆<br>Increase | 13% (2020) | 20% | 25% | 30% | | Percent of bus stops that are accessible for persons with disabilities | ⌾ | | | | | ⬆<br>Increase | Baseline and targets to be developed by 2022 | 20% | 25% | 30% |

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Appendix II | 23

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Appendix II | 25

ALEXANDRIA MOBILITY PLAN

Monitoring, Reporting, and Key Performance Indicators

Appendix II | 27

Appendix III-A

Civic Engagement Process Summary

October 2021

Appendix III

Public and Stakeholder Engagement

Developing a vision for mobility could not occur without an intentional and inclusive public process—one with a continuous and thoughtful approach to engaging the community and empowering stakeholders. A key principle of the AMP is an understanding of local dynamics, gained through a process of collaboration with and consensus of the community. Through this, the AMP is reflective of the local knowledge and lived experiences of Alexandrians, as well as the issues that they face now and expect to face in the future.

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• Pop-up events in late 2019 identified a range of community priorities and also helped spark conversation about major community needs.

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Civic Engagement Summary

The planning process included tens of thousands of engagements, many of whom attended meetings, listened to presentations, participated in surveys, or submitted comments.

350 Views at 2 Public Meetings

468 participants at 7 Pop-Up Events

86 participants at 9 Focus Group Meetings

9 Advisory Committee Meetings

24+ Stakeholder Meetings

24 Community Champions

1,100+ Surveys submitted and comments submitted

46,465 Social Media Engagements

These key engagement events yielded incredibly insightful public input that was critical in shaping the direction and content of this plan as well as important considerations for staff in plan implementation. The plan was shaped through a compilation of public input, information on trends and best practices, Interdepartmental Work Group and Advisory Committee discussions, and targets, goals, and policies from other City plans.

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Appendix III

Key Engagement Activities

The following sections provide a high-level overview of the AMP engagement activities. More information on the participants and feedback received for these activities can be found in Appendix III-B: Civic Engagement Findings Summary.

In-person engagement occurred often and early in the planning process and resulted in quality feedback that informed the development of the AMP. Early in-person engagement also provided a strong baseline of information as the COVD-19 pandemic forced a shift to virtual engagement in early 2020 throughout the rest of the AMP process.

Visioning Process

The planning process began in June of 2019 and focused on the development of a vision and guiding principles for mobility in Alexandria that shaped the development and priorities of the AMP.

In order to develop the vision and guiding principles, the AMP Team launched a feedback form that received over 800 responses. This visioning survey encouraged aspirational planning ideas while recognizing the importance of prioritization. In doing so, the feedback form asked the following questions:

• What are three words that come to mind when you think about your ideal vision for mobility in Alexandria?
• What are the most important factors in how you choose to get around on a normal day?
• What are the most important opportunities for the future of mobility in Alexandria?
• What are the biggest challenges to the future of mobility in Alexandria?
• When developing a transportation strategy for Alexandria, we should focus most on...
• What things do you think Alexandria should invest in the most?

Answers and key words from the visioning feedback form informed the development and finalization of the AMP vision and guiding principles, with safety, convenience, accessibility, and choice emerging as major desires from the community.

Civic Engagement Summary

In the summer 2019 visioning survey, we asked Alexandrians “What are three words that come to mind when you think about your ideal vision for mobility in Alexandria?”

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Innovation Forum

In October 2019, the AMP team held an Innovation Forum focused on how innovative travel options and technology will influence Alexandria in the context of the development of the AMP. The forum consisted of an open house-format with informational boards and an “Ideas Wall,” an overview presentation by City staff, interactive polling of attendees, and a panel discussion featuring local and national mobility experts. The event was attended in-person by 50 Alexandrians and nearly 250 watched the event recording via Facebook. The “Ideas Wall” prompted participants to think about the definition of innovation, how it should be applied to the Alexandria Mobility Plan, and ideas from other cities that Alexandria should explore. The ideas that emerged at the Innovation Forum were later tested in focus group meetings and draft plan strategies in advance of the draft and final AMP release.

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Appendix III

Community Champion Meetings

The AMP Team hosted meetings with community champions to further solidify the direction of the planning process and partake in discussions with community leaders representing various organizations or constituencies. These meetings were held at various local businesses throughout Alexandria and featured informal, roundtable-like group discussions. Community champions also helped to disseminate information to their constituents throughout the planning process.

The community champion meetings helped inform the City’s strategy for engaging and hearing from hard to-reach populations, in addition to better understanding the unique needs of low-income residents and people of color in Alexandria. Some of the key themes expressed were connections to jobs and opportunities, connections between transportation and affordable housing, and safe and reliable transit.

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Civic Engagement Summary

Stakeholder Group Meetings

City staff also met with several local and regional stakeholder groups throughout the planning process to inform them of AMP effort. Meeting attendees included the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Eisenhower Partnership, the City of Alexandria's Bi-Weekly COVID-19 Community Response Group, and more.

Interdepartmental Coordination Meetings

Three interdepartmental coordination meetings were held at key milestones during the AMP process, including scoping, strategy development, and performance measures development, in addition to ad-hoc smaller coordination meetings on more specific topics. The following departments were involved:

• Department of Planning and Zoning
• Alexandria Police Department
• Alexandria Fire Department
• Department of Community and Human Services
• Alexandria City Public Schools
• Department of Information Technology Services
• Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities,
• Department of Transportation and Environmental Services

City staff from these departments were also given the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft AMP document. These meetings provided an opportunity for staff to share relevant initiatives and policies, helping to ensure that efforts are coordinated across City departments.

Appendix III

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Alexandria Mobility Plan Advisory Committee (AMPAC) provided continuous input to City staff throughout the AMP process. AMPAC membership included representation from the Transportation Commission as well as the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Civic Associations, the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities, and the West End Business Association. Among other focuses, the AMPAC was provided with summaries of public and stakeholder feedback and worked collaboratively to ensure the AMP process was responsive and adapted to community feedback and needs.

The AMPAC met nine times throughout the course of the plan development process, with emphasis on the following topics:

• June 2019 – Visioning
• August 2019 – Vision and Guiding Principles
• October 2019 – Innovation Forum and Plan Organization
• December 2019 – Draft Key Performance Indicators
• January 2020 – Strategy Development (Streets and Supporting Travel Options)
• March 2020 – Strategy Development (Transit and Curb Space and Parking)
• November 2020 – Strategies and Plan Development
• December 2020 – Plan Development
• January 2021 – Preparation for Draft Plan Release

Civic Engagement Summary

Priority Pyramid Activity

A ‘Mobility Priorities’ activity was promoted in November and December 2019 via pop-up events, stakeholder meetings, as well as online. The activity prompted Alexandrians to select from a collection of ‘building blocks’ that represented components of the transportation system such as traffic management, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and transit, and rank them in order of personal importance. The activity sought to replicate the real-world choices that must be made in transportation decision-making given constraints such as space, funding, and time. The identification of priorities, as well as the discussions and feedback that emerged from the activity, shaped the major themes of the AMP and helped to identify strategies that would address the top priorities of the community.

Neary 700 priority pyramids were completed both in-person at pop-up events and in a digital version available online. These activities identified a range of community priorities and also helped spark conversation about major community needs.

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Appendix III

Pop-Up Events

The AMP team held seven pop-up events in November and December 2019. These events yielded over 450 unique interactions and conversations with Alexandrians from across the city. Pop-ups were an effective tool for outreach because it enabled more residents and visitors to participate in the planning process who might not otherwise engage. It is important to hold events and meet people where they are in the city to get a more representative understanding of community sentiments, as opposed to requiring people to take time out of their schedules to attend a formal public meeting that may not be happening in their home neighborhood.

Pop-ups were held at the below locations across Alexandria.

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Civic Engagement Summary

Focus Groups

Two rounds of focus group meetings collected community-generated ideas from an engaged audience to inform eventual AMP polices and strategies. The ideas collected were considered in the context of other inputs (such as City staff insights and best practices) and against the AMP vision and guiding principles. These focus groups helped test potential draft strategies in smaller group settings, enabling the City to refine ideas before taking them to the broader public. The ideas heard in the focus group meetings were collected, reviewed, crafted into draft strategies, and shared with the broader community at citywide engagement events for consideration for inclusion in the plan.

Round 1

The first round of focus groups significantly influenced the Streets and Supporting Travel Options chapters of the AMP. Six focus group meetings were held in February 2020 and included 72 total participants.

Three additional focus groups with 43 total participants were held digitally in March 2020 to enhance participation and accessibility to the planning process.

Round 2

The second round of focus groups sought to gain input for the development of the Transit and Curb Space and Parking chapters of the AMP. Three focus group meetings were held in April and May 2020 and included 14 total participants in three geographically-based groups. Due to the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Round 2 focus group meetings were held digitally.

Appendix III

Virtual Town Hall

A live, virtual town hall event was hosted in October 2020 to present and discuss draft strategies for each plan chapter. The event included an overview presentation followed by a question and answer session. While the overview presentation only included a select subset of draft strategies per chapter, a full document of all draft strategies was made available online for public review along with a recording of the presentation. An online feedback form also was launched at this meeting, which was used to collect public input on support for draft strategies in advance of the draft plan release.

Based on public feedback on the draft strategies, the City sought to strengthen well-received and popular strategies, simplify language for strategies that were not well understood, and refine or eliminate strategies that were understood but unpopular and not tied to parallel City goals, policies, or plans.

More information on process, participants, feedback received, outcomes, and detailed summaries of each of these activities can be found in Appendix III-B: Civic Engagement Findings Summary.

Draft Plan Release Public Comment Period

Feedback Form

A public feedback form was launched in conjunction with the release of the draft plan in Spring of 2021. The form was open for approximately one month and available on both mobile and computer platforms in English and Spanish. The development of the plan considered all public input to date received through numerous activities, as noted above. The draft plan feedback form solicited input about which strategies and guiding principles are the most important to the public, which strategies the public wants to see implemented first, if the public’s vision is captured in the plan, and how to make the plan successful. With approximately 545 responses, including hundreds of open-ended comments, the public provided insightful and thoughtful feedback on the draft plan.

The public feedback was reviewed, summarized, and shared with Department heads, City leaders, and the public via the City’s website. The feedback informed how the plan was finalized. Many project-specific comments will help inform project implementation in the future.

More information about specific questions, responses, and themes can be found in Appendix III-B: Civic Engagement Findings Summary.

Civic Engagement Summary

Generally, most respondents (72 percent felt that the draft plan addressed at least some of their priorities. Many open-ended responses indicated a desire for improvements that were already included in the draft plan, such as a focus on traffic management or pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Based on this interpretation of the feedback, no major overhaul of the document appeared necessary. The following list highlights the more substantive adjustments that staff made to the plan. These changes largely respond to specific feedback that was received from multiple parties that help align the plan better with the City's Strategic Plan and other related efforts, provide greater clarity, and ensure the City delivers an actionable, comprehensive plan:

• Stronger emphasis on traffic management strategies (Smart Mobility chapter)
• Recognition of autonomous vehicles as a potential disrupter to ensure that Alexandria will be prepared from a policy perspective (Smart Mobility chapter)
• New strategy focused on maintaining our roadways proactively and equitably (Streets chapter)
• Inclusion of adopted pedestrian and bicycle network from the the Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter update in 2016
• New strategy to promote electric vehicle usage based on recommendations in the recent Council-adopted Alexandria Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Readiness Strategy (Parking and Curb Space chapter)
• Adjustments to metrics:
  • Greater clarity and consistency with City Strategic Plan
  • Additional metrics related to accessibility for persons with disabilities
  • Addition of baseline information (existing conditions) and stronger connections to metrics and already-established targets from other City plans
• Addition of Implementation Appendix to track plan progress and develop timelines for reporting

These edits to the plan document were communicated via email to all feedback form respondents who requested to receive updates, as well as the Alexandria Mobility Plan Advisory Committee (AMPAC) and chairpersons of all boards and commissions met with during the draft plan release and comment period. These interested parties were given an opportunity to weigh in further, but no concerns or additional plan edits were received.

Appendix III

Promotional Events and Board/Commission Presentations

The draft plan was released on March 31, 2021 and included a month-long public comment period. The availability of the draft plan was announced and promoted via City eNews and email blasts, weekly social media posts on City platforms, English and Spanish posters on DASH buses, and in-person pop-up events.

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City staff also attended several board and commission meetings to present an overview of the draft plan, including the Transportation Commission, Commission on Aging, Commission on Persons with Disabilities, Environmental Policy Commission, and Traffic and Parking Board. An additional presentation was given to the Eco-City Academy.

Five pop-up events were held to promote availability of the draft plan and invite community members to review and provide comments. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these pop-up events were held outdoors in a low-touch, Centers for Disease Control (CDC)-compliant manner at the following locations:

• Global Foods: April 17, 2021
• West End Farmers Market: April 25, 2021
• Southern Towers: April 29, 2021
• Potomac Yard Vaccine event: April 28, 2021
• George Washington Middle School Vaccine event: May 1, 2021

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Alexandria Mobility Plan

Appendix III-B: Civic Engagement Findings Summary

October 2021

Table of Contents

I. Visioning Summary II. Innovation Forum Summary III. Community Champion Meetings Summary IV. Pop-Up Events Summary V. Focus Groups Round 1 Summary VI. Focus Groups Round 2 Summary VII. Draft Strategies Feedback Summary VIII. Draft Plan Release Feedback Summary

Alexandria Mobility Plan

Visioning Summary

August 2019

AMP Visioning Survey

Engagement via the HQ Platform

Survey Period July 25th, 2019– August 20th, 2019

Total Number of Responses 866 Responses

Alexandria Mobility Plan (AMP)

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The existing 2008 Transportation Master Plan set the stage for transportation improvements over the last decade and ongoing major initiatives. The AMP will serve as a policy-oriented, strategic update to the Transportation Master Plan. The AMP team is working with the public to update the vision and goals, objectives, and priority strategies to help guide City staff and policy makers on important decisions related to transportation over the next 5 to 10 years. This effort is part of an ongoing process - the AMP will continue to be updated periodically going forward.

This site will provide many opportunities for engagement throughout the planning effort. Explore the tabs to participate.

Download this fact sheet for more information about the planning process. For inquiries or feedback related to the AMP, please contact MobilityPlan@alexandriava.gov.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, e-mail geralyn.taylor@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4084, Virginia Relay 711.

Alexandria Mobility Plan Visioning Survey

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Visioning

The strategic update to the existing Transportation Master Plan is called the Mobility Plan purposefully. When people hear transportation, they tend to think about infrastructure – roads, trains, sidewalk, etc. Mobility is more people centric – it’s about having access to transportation that meets your needs and gets you where you need to go.

1. What are three words that come to mind when you think about your ideal vision for mobility in Alexandria?

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2. Select the ways you most frequently travel

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2. Select the ways you most frequently travel

"Other" Responses Included:

• Motorcycle
• Motorized Scooter
• Regular Rental Car
• Water Taxi
• Work Vehicle

3. What are the most important factors in how you choose to get around on a normal day?

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3. What are the most important factors in how you choose to get around on a normal day?

“Other” Responses Included:

• Weather
• Destination
• Physical Health
• Cargo capacity for groceries, dry goods, etc.
• Employment Needs

4. What are the most important opportunities for the future of mobility in Alexandria?

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4. What are the most important opportunities for the future of mobility in Alexandria?

“Other” Responses Included:

• Addressing bottlenecks
• Better parking choices/Adequate parking
• Enforcement of traffic laws
• Improved public transportation
• Ability for residents to travel within neighborhoods
• Convenience of personal vehicle
• Reduce congestion/Better flow
• Connected bike lanes

5. What are the biggest challenges to the future of mobility in Alexandria?

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5. What are the biggest challenges to the future of mobility in Alexandria?

“Other” Responses Included:

• Scooters
• Poor Metro performance
• Road Diets/Reducing the number of lanes
• Equity of transportation for all of City (families, seniors, etc.)
• Commitment to pedestrian/cyclist safety
• Changing mindset of residents to be less car-centric
• Cut-Through traffic in neighborhoods
• Aging Population
• Lack of enforcement

6. When developing a transportation strategy for Alexandria, we should focus most on:

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• Reducing impacts of regional traffic on City streets (travel through Alexandria)

• Improving regional connections (travel to or from Alexandria)

• Improving local travel options (travel within Alexandria)

7. What things do you think Alexandria should invest in the most?

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8. What is your home zip code?

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There were 886 total survey responses for 42 different zipcodes

8. What is your home zip code?

Alexandria Responses

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9. What is the zip code of your work, school, or most frequent travel destination?

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9. What is the zip code of your work, school, or most frequent travel destination?

Alexandria Responses

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10. Select the racial or ethnic group with which you identify

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• White
• Prefer Not to Say
• Two or More Races
• Asian
• Black / African American
• Hispanic / Latino

11. Indicate your age group

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• 40–65 Years Old
• 26–39 Years Old
• Over 65 Years Old
• Prefer Not to Say
• 18–25 Years Old
• Under 17 Years Old

12. How many people live in your household?

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• ■ Two People
• ■ One Person
• ■ Three People
• ■ Four People
• ■ Five or More People
• ■ Prefer Not to Say

13. How many vehicles are available to people in your household?

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• ■ Two Vehicles
• ■ One Vehicle
• ■ Three Vehicles or More
• ■ Zero Vehicles
• ■ Prefer Not to Say

14. I identify my gender as:

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• ■ Female
• ■ Male
• ■ Prefer not to say

15. Indicate your annual household income:

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• $100,000 – $199,999
• $200,000 or More
• Prefer Not to Say
• $75,000 – $99,999
• $50,000–$74,999
• $25,000 – $49,999
• Under $25,000

Innovation Forum Summary

October 2019

Idea Wall Summary

How do you define Innovation?

• Disruption of the Status Quo
• Increased Sustainability and Safety
• Utilization of Simple Technology for Creative Solutions

How should we apply innovation to the Alexandria Mobility Plan Vision?

• Reliable Travel Information Technology
  • Improve Transit
  • Control Flow of Vehicle Traffic
• Equitable Multimodal Solutions
  • Car Sharing
  • Broader Bus Schedules
  • Bike Lanes
  • Legislation and Plans for Scooter Implementation
• Decreased Congestion and Cut-through Traffic
  • Vision Zero

Idea Wall Summary

What innovative Transportation Solutions have you seen in Alexandria or elsewhere?

• Increased Electric Vehicles and Bikes
  • Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore
• Pedestrian and Bike Solutions
  • Boston ,MA, Seattle, WA, Reykjavik, Iceland, Netherlands
• Transit Payment via Smart Phones
  • Vancouver ,BC, Seattle ,WA
• Speed Management and Congestion Pricing

Other Thoughts or Ideas?

• Prioritize Pedestrian and Bike Lanes and Trails
• Ensure Protection of Privacy during Data Collection
• Pros and Cons to Scooters

Alexandria Mobility Plan

Community Champion Meetings Summary

November 2019

Community Champion Meetings

• 6 meetings
• 10 community champions
• Organization coverage
  • Alexandria Housing Development Corporation
  • Carpenter Shelter
  • Alexandria Interfaith Association
  • Home for America (Brent Place)
  • Rebuilding Together
  • Hopkins House (Helen Day Preschool)
  • Alive!
  • Volunteer Alexandria
  • Tenants and Workers United
  • Community Lodgings

Comment Themes

• Accessible, reliable, and safe transit is a priority for many residents
• Buses provide crucial connections to employment
• The combination of affordable housing and transportation is key
• Provided insight into the best ways to communicate information and get feedback from residents

Pop-Up Events Summary

November and December 2019

AMP Pop-Up Events

• 7 pop-ups
• 468 interactions
• Citywide coverage
  • Old Town
  • West End
  • Arlandria (x2)
  • Del Ray
  • Taylor Run
  • Alexandria West

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Old Town Farmers Market

Sunday November 9, 2019

• 61 Priority Activities completed
• 18 additional conversations

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West End Farmers Market

Sunday November 17, 2019

• 75 interactions (72 English/3 Spanish)
• 52 Priority Activities completed
• 52 fact sheets handed out

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Arlandria Community Meeting

Thursday November 21, 2019

• 50 interactions (30 English/20 Spanish)
• 33 Priority Activities completed (22 English/11 Spanish)
• 39 fact sheets handed out
• 14 postcards handed out

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YMCA

Tuesday December 3, 2019

• 113 interactions (111 English/2 Spanish)
• 85 Priority Activities completed
• 66 fact sheets handed out
• 119 postcards handed out

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Alexandria City High School

Friday December 6, 2019

• Boy's Basketball Game Event
• 75 interactions (71 English/4 Spanish)
• 48 Priority Activities completed (45 students/3 adults)
• 16 fact sheets handed out (14 English/2 Spanish)
• 44 postcards handed out

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Global Foods Market

Sunday December 8, 2019

• 114 interactions (57 English/32 Spanish/25 Amharic)
• 36 Priority Activities completed (20 English/16 Spanish)
• 46 fact sheets handed out (18 English/13 Spanish/15 Amharic)
• 86 postcards handed out

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Forest 24 Hour Laundromat

Sunday December 8, 2019

• 75 interactions (13 English/62 Spanish)
• 27 Priority Activities completed (4 English/23 Spanish)
• 44 fact sheets handed out (5 English/39 Spanish)
• 58 postcards handed out

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Priority Activity

Mobility Priorities

Below are the “building blocks” of a transportation system that provides choice, convenience, and reliability. Unfortunately, we can’t have everything we want – there’s not enough space, money, or time. What things do you think Alexandria should invest in the most?

• Attractive and Active Streets – Utilizing streets as public spaces to serve different functions—providing places to gather and to program activities.
• Curbside Management – Allocating space to balance the needs of and limit conflicts between parked cars, delivery trucks, Uber/Lyft, taxis, bicycles, buses, and cars.
• Reliable and Efficient Transit Service– Providing convenient, affordable, and reliable bus service throughout the day and on all days of the week. Improving access to rail stations and regional bus stops.
• Incentives and Information – Make it easier and more attractive to choose alternatives to driving alone.
• Mobility on Demand – Supporting shared mobility (e.g., Capital bikeshare, Zipcar, Uber/Lyft) with policies and infrastructure.
• Parking – Increasing the physical inventory of on-street parking to taking action to manage the existing space better.
• Safe and Comfortable Places to Walk and Bike – Allowing you to comfortably walk and bike everywhere in the city and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• Maintaining our Infrastructure – Keeping streetlights and traffic signals working, filling potholes, repaving streets, maintaining sidewalks, removing snow, and replacing aging bus fleet.
• Traffic Management – Using technology to make travel in Alexandria safer and more efficient to get around.

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Please choose your top six building block stickers and place them on your sheet in order of importance, from most important (top) to least important (bottom). Three of the themes will not be represented in the final pyramid.

My Priorities

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Email address ___________________________ (optional)

What is your home zip code? ____________________ (optional)

ALXmobility

Priority Activity

• 690 activities completed
  • 342 completed in person at pop-up meetings
  • 348 completed online as of December 19, 2019

Key Takeaways

• Equal competing values between multimodal transportation and traffic/maintenance
• Linked priorities
  • Of those that chose "Safe and Comfortable Places to Walk and Bike" as their most important priority:
    • "Reliable and Efficient Transit" was the most frequently chosen priority in their more important row. The inverse is also true.
  • Of those that chose "Congestion Management" as their most important priority:
    • "Maintaining our Infrastructure" was the most frequently chosen priority in their more important row. The inverse is also true.

Top Priorities (Weighted)

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• top priority categories after assigning weights to each priority level

In Person Priorities (Weighted)

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• top priority categories after assigning weights to each priority level

Online Priorities (Weighted)

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• top priority categories after assigning weights to each priority level

Priorities by Category (all submissions)

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■ Most Important ■ More Important ■ Important □ Not Selected

Top Priorities by Location (In Person)

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• Attractive and Active Streets
• Balancing Demands for Curb Use
• Congestion Management
• Incentive and Information
• Maintaining Our Infrastructure
• Mobility on Demand
• Parking
• Reliable and Efficient Transit
• Safe and Comfortable Places to Walk and Bike

Top Most Important Priority by Location

Top Most Important Priority by Location

Online:

Congestion Management

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51

Top Priorities (Online)

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• Attractive and Active Streets
• Balancing Demands for Curb Use
• Congestion Management
• Incentive and Information
• Maintaining Our Infrastructure
• Mobility on Demand
• Parking
• Reliable and Efficient Transit
• Safe and Comfortable Places to Walk and Bike

Top Comments by Location (In-Person)

Old Town Farmers Market

• Old Town area revolves around walking
• Transit service at later hours

West End Farmers Market

• The need to keep Alexandria a walking community
• Several requests for more bike lanes/mention of bike lanes ending abruptly
• Congestion has been getting worse

Arlandria Community Meeting

• The city does a lot of talking about walking, but "does not do much to support walking"
• Importance of public transit in this community
• Complaints of slow-moving buses

YMCA

• Safety and walkability are strong values in this community
• Concerns about infrastructure failure
• Metrorail access

Top Comments by Location (In-Person)

Alexandria City High School

• Concerns about bus routes and frequency
• Equitable design
• More street lights

Global Foods

• More transit access

24 Hour Laundromat

• Crime and safety concerns on the streets – need for more street lights
• Free parking
• Bus service improvement during non-peak hours
• Fix potholes

Top Comments (Online)

Online

• Congestion concerns – often centered around Seminary Road
• Environmental and sustainability concerns
• Better transit around Alexandria

Focus Groups Round 1 Summary

January 2020

Overview of Content

• Overview and Context of Focus Groups
• Factors Influencing Travel Choices by Groups
• Takeaways from Group Discussions by Topic Area
  • Mobility Options
  • Streets
• Round 1 Lessons Learned

Focus Group Purpose

• Community-generated ideas from a diverse audience
• Ideas will be considered in context of other inputs and against the AMP Vision and Guiding Principles
• Recognition that these are a way to have an in-depth discussion, but may not be fully representative of the community
• A subset will be shared in upcoming citywide community engagement events to get broader feedback

Discussion Topics

• Round 1: Streets and Mobility Options (Completed February/March 2020)
• Round 2: Transit and Parking and Curbside Management (Spring 2020)

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What mobility strategies will most impact your life for the better?

AMP Focus Groups – Round 1

January 2020

• AMPAC Meeting

February/March 2020

• In-Person meetings grouped by stage of life

  • 6 Meetings
    • 9 group discussions
    • 72 in-person total participants

• Online Discussion

  • 3 Online Groups
  • 43 Online Participants

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AMP Advisory Committee (AMPAC)

• Reviewed preliminary material and participated in focus group discussion
• Provided feedback in preparation for outreach to community
• Key Takeaways
  • Importance of regional coordination
  • Ensure that equity is considered in decision making (i.e. paving schedule)
  • Improving the appeal of transit for professionals
  • Consider more than just the peak hour congestion
  • Weave best practices into the plan document chapters
  • Metro access is major concern for West End communities
  • How do we address trip chaining and different needs for each trip?
  • Need to incorporate concerns from the driver perspective that may not be vocal on the AMPAC

Preview of Major Themes

• Each age group had slightly different mobility considerations, but many broader themes were largely consistent
• Widespread concerns about safety and congestion
• Diverging approaches to addressing cut-through traffic
• Importance of regional coordination
• Consideration of equity and disparate needs in different parts of the City
• Need for better transit
• Importance of networks: bike, bus, auto
• Lack of awareness of existing tools and processes

Factors Influencing Travel Choices by Group

Participants were asked what factors influenced their travel choices to jumpstart the conversation, help us understand varying mobility needs and priorities, and get a basic understanding of personal mobility in each group

Factors Influencing Travel Choices

Ages 56-74

• Unsafe brick pavement or lack of sidewalks prevents walking
• Drive due to time that transit takes, need to make multiple stops, or carrying a load or shopping bags
• Safety concerns getting home late on transit
• Avoids peak periods and school bus pick-up/drop off times

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Factors Influencing Travel Choices

Ages 41-55

• Destinations vary throughout region, need car
• Buses take too long and not a convenient option

Ages 18-40

• Chose to live near Metro
• Drive due to lengthy transit travel time and reliability of car
• Availability of car sharing/ridesharing and micro-transit options

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Factors Influencing Travel Choices

Alexandria City High School, Leadership Class - Ages 16-18

• Strong desire for license for independence
• Drive and carpool to school with classmates
• DASH bus primarily when free
• Scooters when available, but can get costly

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Factors Influencing Travel Choices (online)

Persons with Disabilities or Limited Mobility

• Choices based on weather, distance
• Safety concerns when walking - Related to infrastructure (i.e. brick sidewalks)

Working Parents

• Safe bike routes and bike amenities at destination
• Carrying packages or kids - More likely to drive
• Walking/Metro - Avoid driving during peak hours
• Safety while traveling with younger kids

Community Champions / Business Community - Factors For Individuals They Serve

• Proximity to metro and availability of bus service
• Ownership or access to personal vehicle
• Rideshare used late at night when transit is less frequent

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Factors Influencing Travel Choices

Alexandria City High School, Liberty Promise (In Spanish) - Ages 18-25

• Overcrowding on school bus makes DASH an appealing choice
• Traffic congestion impacts transit reliability
• Limited access to personal vehicle
• Credit card payment option limits bikeshare usage - Desire alternative payment options

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Takeaways From Group Discussions

Mobility Options: Summary of Themes Discussed by Group

*Participants were divided into two smaller groups.

Mobility Options - Major Takeaways

• Awareness of GO Alex was generally low; participants more aware of WMATA Smart Benefits. (All groups)
• Integrated apps or signs with real-time information gives users confidence in using alternative modes. (All Ages); Apps with incentives generated tremendous interest among high school students. (Ages 16-18)
• Varying opinions on dockless scooters and how the City should manage through policy such as incentives, more designated corrals, geofencing. (All groups)

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• Reliable buses that are coordinated would generate more interest in alternatives to driving alone (All groups)
• Some interest in encouraging greater utilization of carpooling, but not often used (18+)

Mobility Options - Strategies Discussed

• Installation of "transit screens" or other real-time information
• On-demand transit for persons with disabilities / seniors
• Zero-fare transit pilot
• Ferry service expansion
• Dockless program improvements
• Local app showing mobility options with local incentives
• Regional partnerships to manage transportation demand
• Encouraging or creating telework opportunities
• Mobility hubs to enable seamless use of multiple modes
• Pilot A/V demonstration for designated route

Streets: Summary of Themes Discussed by Group

*Participants were divided into two smaller groups.

Streets - Major Takeaways

• Robust discussion around the aggressive driving culture (speeding, running red lights, not yielding to pedestrians) leading to pedestrian safety concerns. Need for enhanced enforcement and greater use of physical safety improvements to address safety concerns and motorists not obeying law (All groups)
• Traffic calming and local cut-through traffic were a major topics of discussion. Suggested strategies varied from passive measures to reduce speeds to more direct measures to prevent cut-through. Some concerns about inconvenience to locals (Ages 41+)
• Support for prioritizing routes/streets by mode to help set expectations and ensure there are complete networks (Ages 41+)

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Streets - Strategies Discussed

• "Low Cost, Tactical Urbanism Solutions / Flexibility(Signs, Pavement Markings, etc.)"

• Local Resident Permit Program

• Turn Restrictions

• Education / Culture of Safety / Signage

• Enhanced Enforcement

• Evaluate Speed Limit with Street Design

• Leading Pedestrian Intervals and RRFBs

• Stop Signs / Stop Bars Placed Further Back from Crosswalks

• Pedestrian-Scale Street Lighting

• Prioritize Different Modes on Different Streets

• Smart or Coordinated Traffic Signals

• Dedicated Bus Lanes / Transit Priority to Ease Congestion

• Green Streets / Green Infrastructure / Low-Impact Design

• Coordinated Roadway Maintenance Schedules

Lessons Learned & Next Steps

Lessons Learned from Round 1 Focus Groups

In-Person Discussions:

• Participants appreciated background presentation and majority of time focused on smaller group discussions
• Positive feedback on facilitation and opportunity for everyone to participate
• All participants were respectful and felt as if their opinions were heard
• Positive feedback on the approach; Helpful having city staff speak to city-initiatives and highlight programs in response to specific questions

Lessons Learned from Round 1 Focus Groups

Online Focus Groups:

• Participants generally liked the flexibility to participate as their schedule allowed; Facilitator-prompted questions/responses were appreciated
• Challenging to get some users to re-engage after initial visit to platform
• Designated times for more “chat-like” discussions was suggested; Consider a window of time or “office-hours” to encourage more participation at set time

Overall

• Challenging balancing demographics across the focus groups

Focus Groups

Round 2 Summary

March 2020

Focus Groups: Round 2

March 2020

• AMP Advisory Committee Online Discussions

April-May 2020

• Online Discussions
  • 3 groups based on geography (East/Central/West)
  • 14 active participants (45 participants invited)

AMP East Alexandria Focus Group

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Welcome to the East Alexandria focus group for the Alexandria Mobility Plan! We thank you for offering to participate in these important discussions.

The objective of this second round of focus groups is to get specific ideas and suggestions for strategies that the City should pursue related to Public Transit and Parking & Curbside Management. Previous focus group meetings on other topics (Mobility Options and Streets) were held in February 2020.

Please reference the AMP Fact Sheet, linked in the Document Library on the right side of this page, for additional overall aspects of the project.

Before beginning participation in our discussion forums, please take a few minutes to review the Overview Presentation, linked in the Document Library on the right side of this page. This presentation provides important information on the AMP plan, schedule, and vision, as well as the ground rules for these online focus group discussions.

The ground rules for discussion are simple and include the following:

• Treat each other with respect
• Listen and comment as an ally, not an adversary. Everyone should feel comfortable expressing their opinion regardless of differences
• Ask for clarification, don't assume you know what someone means
• Do not characterize other people's views in or outside a group's meetings

Documents

• AMP Fact Sheet (304 KB) (pdf)
• Overview Presentation - Round 2 Focus Groups (2.16 MB) (pdf)
• Public Transit - Example Strategies (3.68 MB) (pdf)
• Parking and Curbside Management - Example Strategies (691 KB) (pdf)

AMP Advisory Committee (AMPAC)

• Reviewed preliminary material and participated in focus group discussion platform
• Provided feedback in preparation for outreach to community
• Key Takeaways
  • Ensure that equity is considered in decision making
  • Improve parking garage signage via technology
  • A mobile application for parking may not be a "game changer"
  • Prioritize strategies based on sustainability
  • Need for more short-term parking spaces in commercial districts
  • Fewer – but better – bus stops may attract transit riders
  • Consider occasional transit users (i.e. pedestrians and cyclists that shift to transit during severe weather)
  • Consider Toronto’s King Street Transit Pilot as an example of how to implement bus priority

Focus Group Discussions: Preview of Major Themes

Each geographic group had slightly different mobility considerations, but many broader themes were largely consistent

• Widespread concerns about safety, transit reliability, and parking availability
• Diverging suggestions to address transit improvements
• Importance of transit frequency and reliability
• Need for safe walking routes to transit, first- and last-mile solutions, and real-time information
• No clear preference of parking payment methods (app vs. meter)
• Lack of interest in parking value pricing or reservation systems

Difference in Opinion by Geographic Group

Public Transit – West Alexandria

• Lack of sidewalks and crosswalks at bus stops create safety hazards
• Infrequency of service does not make opting for transit easy, timely, or convenient
• Most opt to drive due to time that transit takes, multiple stops, destinations being outside of Alexandria, or carrying a load (i.e. shopping bags)
• Lack of support for bus priority on streets – concern that such treatments would negatively impact vehicle operations

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Public Transit – Central Alexandria

• Mixed opinions on Vision Zero / Complete Streets improvements (i.e. Seminary Road) that make bus stops more safe, accessible, and easier to get to and from
• Infrequency of service during off-peak hours and weekends presents a challenge
• Concern for recent reductions in bus service (North Ridge)
• Support for the Transit Vision Plan recommendations

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Public Transit – East Alexandria

• General support for bus priority on streets
• Support for Vision Zero / Complete Streets improvements (i.e. Leading Pedestrian Intervals) that make bus stops more safe, accessible, and easier to get to and from
• Support for micromobility devices (shared bikes and scooters) for first-/last-mile trips
• Support for Water Taxi service
• Desire for the transit system to be less commuter-focused

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Parking & Curbside Management – West Alexandria

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• Parking availability is not perceived as an issue in this area
• Garage parking is generally preferred to street parking
• General support for curbside management
• General opposition to the idea of shared parking on a citywide scale

Parking & Curbside Management – Central Alexandria

• Some participants opt for transit, bike, or rideshare when parking is expected to be limited/difficult at their destination
• Bike parking: difficult to find in many areas
• Garage parking is generally preferred to on-street parking

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Parking & Curbside Management – East Alexandria

• Parking availability is a prominent issue
• Concern that employees and visitors/tourists put a strain on on-street parking for residents
  • Support for incentivizing garage use for non-residents
• On-street parking is generally preferred to garage parking by residents
  • Support for more residential-only on-street parking
• Support for allocating curbspace based on land use

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Themes, Major Takeaways, and Ideas

Public Transit – Themes & Major Takeaways

• Bus stop improvements (i.e. shelters, seating, lighting) would improve the transit experience and attract new riders
• Integrated apps and/or signs with real-time information are in high demand and would give users confidence in opting for transit
• The perceived lack of on-time performance of transit deters choice riders
• Less service and shorter spans of service during off-peak hours and weekends limits use of transit
• Support for mobile/app-based ticketing platform
• Transit trips that require transfers are a deterrent for choice riders
• Varying opinions on first- and last-mile solutions like dockless scooters and how the City should manage them
• Concern for effects of bus stop balancing on disabled and elderly passengers

Ideas Discussed

Better/wider sidewalks and crosswalks at or near bus stops

Enhanced bus farebox abilities

• Ability to activate SmartTrip card reloads
• Acceptance of contactless credit/debit cards

Peak-hour bus lanes and electric bus rapid transit

More off-sidewalk parking for bikes/scooters near transit stops

Parking & Curbside Management – Themes and Major Takeaways

• Preferences for payment methods vary (mobile/app-based payments vs. traditional parking meters)
• Little-to-no interest in shared parking, parking reservation systems, or parking value pricing
• Support for real-time information
• New approaches such as curbside management are perceived as less necessary/applicable in western areas – greater interest shown in eastern areas
• Availability of parking is more strained in eastern areas of city
• General interest in alternatives to driving and parking, but opting for transit can be a challenge
• Concern for freight/delivery issues and enforcement

Ideas Discussed

Priority curbspace for wheelchair parking/loading

More bicycle, moped, and motorcycle parking

Old Town as an appropriate geography for curbspace prioritization

• Pick-up/drop-off and delivery/loading zones
• Expanded pedestrian space and street trees/landscaping

Real-time garage parking availability information

Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned

• Participants generally liked the organization of information and flexibility to participate as their schedule allowed
• Facilitator-prompted questions/responses were appreciated
• Challenging to get some users to re-engage after initial visit to platform
• Greater activity during designated “open forum” times where facilitators were on-hand to provide real-time responses and follow-up questions

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Draft Strategies Feedback Form Summary

November 2020

Feedback Form Response Rates

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• The feedback form was shared on the Alexandria Mobility Plan website and announced during the Virtual Town Hall on October 15, 2020.
• The feedback form was open between October 15 and November 9, 2020
• 76 respondents filled out the first page of the survey and did not provide any opinions through the rest of the form
• 179 respondents and their responses were included in the following observations

Demographic Distribution of Participants

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Demographic questions were optional. Information displayed here only reflects participants who chose to report this information.

Origins and Destinations

Home Locations

• 17 unique zip codes from 178 respondents
• Most frequent zip codes: 22314 (Eastern Alexandria) and 22304 (Western Alexandria)

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Most Frequent Travel Destination

• 44 unique zip codes from 178 respondents
• The most destination: 22314 (Eastern Alexandria)

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Top Residence Zip Codes

Top Work, School, or Most Frequent Travel Destination

Overarching Themes

• Reduce vehicular congestion
• Improve safety and connections for vulnerable street users
• Questions about how COVID-19 will impact future travel trends
• Curb space should consider rideshare and delivery uses
• Mobility options must consider the practicality for all residents
• Mixed opinions on autonomous vehicle considerations
• Reasonably placed and priced parking

"I strongly support smart signal technology to relieve motor vehicle congestion. I do not favor smart technology that causes a stoppage on major streets."

"Build a more connected and unified community in Alexandria for pedestrians and bicyclists."

"Enforce and stop cut-through traffic."

"I prioritize flexibility in schedule, safety, and travel time."

"Our built infrastructure must be designed to manage congestion by making transit and micro mobility solutions safe, reliable, and fast."

"It is simply not practical to expect us to give up our cars and handle grocery shopping, doctor visits, errands and other activities on public transit, bikes and scooters."

"Priorities should be directed to making the bus, bikes, and walking a more appealing choice than getting into any type of car."

Draft Strategies: Feedback by Chapter

Draft Strategies

Feedback by Chapter

For each plan chapter, participants were asked to share their level of support for draft strategies along the below scale:

Participants were also asked to:

• Provide comments on strategies they did not support or did not understand
• Share new strategy ideas for consideration in the plan

Transit

Draft Strategies

• T1. Implement the City's Priority Transitway Corridors and Alexandria Transit Vision (ATV)

• T2. Identify speed and reliability improvements on congested and transit-rich corridors.

• T3. Enhance the rider experience at bus stops.

• T4. Evaluate fare policy and next generation payment options.

• T5. Evaluate micro-transit solutions to complement traditional DASH service as a means to expand ridership.

• T6. Create a more resilient and customer-oriented bus fleet.

• T7. Prepare for future rail (VRE/MARC) expanded service.

• T8. Evaluate and streamline paratransit program for increasing needs.

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Transit

Summary of Feedback

Strong support for:

• Identify speed and reliability improvements on congested and transit-rich corridors (T2)

Difference of opinion on:

• Implement the City's Priority Transitway Corridors and Alexandria Transit Vision (ATV) (T1)
• Evaluate micro-transit solutions to complement traditional DASH service as a means to expand ridership (T5)

A greater number of respondents did not understand strategy (T8) to streamline the paratransit program

"Improve weather protection and visibility at bus stops."

"Microtransit can compete with traditional bus and rail transit and risks taking away its riders, which might induce service cuts."

"Maximize dedicated transit lanes."

"Improve safety and convenience of walking and biking to transit as a means to expand ridership."

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Transit

New Ideas or Suggestions

• Implement all-door boarding on DASH buses permanently
• Work with adjacent property owners where there is insufficient City-owned right-of-way to provide space for passenger amenities
• New VRE commuter rail station at Potomac Yard (Innovation Campus)
• Integrate transit passes with other mobility options like Capital Bikeshare
• Move towards free public transit for all
• Aim for a more accessible bus and rail system to compliment paratransit

"Requiring smart phones and/or transit cards limits access for low-income and out-of-town riders."

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Smart Mobility

Draft Strategies

• SM1. Upgrade capabilities of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) to more effectively manage congestion and traffic incidents in real-time.
• SM2. Expand implementation of smart signal technology to enable detection and real-time signal adjustments based on travel conditions.
• SM3. Strategically invest in partnerships to expand City data, technology, and communications capabilities.
• SM4. Develop protocols and polices to accommodate autonomous vehicles and ensure that their adoption will support City goals.

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Smart Mobility

Summary of Feedback

Strong support for:

• Upgrade capabilities of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) to more effectively manage congestion and traffic incidents in real-time (SM1)
• Expand implementation of smart signal technology to enable detection and real-time signal adjustments based on travel conditions (SM2)

Difference of opinion on:

• Develop protocols and policies to accommodate autonomous vehicles and ensure that their adoption will support City goals (SM4)

“Autonomous vehicle policy should not be a priority at this point.”

“I do not support public funding of autonomous vehicle infrastructure. More funding and priorities should be directed to making the bus, bikes, and walking a more appealing choice.”

“Autonomous vehicles make me nervous, so I am glad Alexandria is starting to prepare for what that might look like.”

“Upgrading our system to accommodate new technologies will be key to future success.”

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Smart Mobility

New Ideas or Suggestions

• Data collection and use that prioritizes privacy and safe uses for residents
• Explore and develop partnerships with other jurisdictions and partake in research-based pilot or demonstration programs administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation
• Use Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to address real-time needs

"The city should encourage private/public partnerships."

"Update mapping apps (i.e. Google Maps) to better reflect traffic changes or improvements."

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Streets

Draft Strategies

• S1. Implement a criteria-based traffic mitigation program that helps better manage congestion and traffic on local streets.
• S2. Maximize effectiveness of multimodal transportation impact studies for new developments.
• S3. Work with regional, state, and private sector partners to develop tools to keep traffic on highways and reduce regional cut-through traffic.
• S4. Update the City's Street Design Guidelines to incorporate current design practices.
• S5. Ensure planning initiatives that require enforcement promote more equitable outcomes.

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Streets

Summary of Feedback

Strong support for:

• Work with regional, state, and private sector partners to develop tools to keep traffic on highways and reduce regional cut-through traffic (S3)

Difference of opinion on:

• Update the City Street Design Guidelines to incorporate current design practices (S4)

A greater number of respondents did not understand details or the how the strategies are actionable.

"Unclear what sorts of mitigation are actually feasible for the City to implement."

"Maximize the use of traffic cameras where currently allowed. Alexandria has schools all over the city, which enables us to put speed cameras all over the city (they are now legal in school zones)."

"Expedite vehicular traffic on major arteries during peak times to reduce commute times for our residents, reduce congestion, enable residents living on congested streets to get to their homes more quickly, and reduce neighborhood traffic."

"Reach out to companies like Waze to prevent using neighborhood streets as routes to avoid traffic."

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Streets

New Ideas or Suggestions

• Commit to annual goals for closing sidewalk gaps
• Consider ‘slow streets’ and ‘open streets’ to discourage regional traffic on local streets
• Accelerate implementation of safety initiatives on local streets
• Consider reversible lanes during peak hours on certain arteries
• Greater consideration for motorists, roadway capacity, and vehicular access in street design

"While other safety-related policies and plans exist, the absence of an overarching safety strategy in the AMP Streets chapter is a major omission that should be addressed."

"We need more roads, wider roads, and more parking near Metro."

"Note the relation between Transit chapter strategies and Streets chapter strategies (i.e. transit priority on streets for congestion reduction and mobility improvements)."

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Supporting Travel Options

Draft Strategies

• 1. Expand programs to identify community influencers to help the City encourage alternatives to driving alone.
• 2. Develop a framework for pilots that can be used for testing new modes, infrastructure, or initiatives.
• 3. Expand use of real-time information in public and private spaces to raise awareness and improve confidence in different mobility options.
• 4. Develop travel training program to provide hands on experience on taking a new (to you) way of traveling.
• 5. Support first/last mile travel needs through implementation of mobility hubs.
• 6. Utilize our waterways as a resource to expand transportation options.
• 7. Improve Transportation Management Plan (TMP) Program by requiring data and incorporating flexibility.
• 8. Evaluate benefits and efficiencies of a future regional program to manage congestion.

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Supporting Travel Options

Summary of Feedback

Strong support for:

• Utilize our waterways as a resource to expand transportation options (O6)

Difference of opinion on:

• Expand use of real-time information in public and private spaces to raise awareness and improve confidence in different mobility options (O1)
• Develop travel training program to provide hands on experience on taking a new (to you) way of traveling. (O4)

In comparison to other chapters, the general level of support is lower for the Supporting Travel Options chapter.

"The Potomac River is the single most underutilized transportation resource in the region - it could be an excellent way to alleviate congestion."

"Strongly support waterway transit options, but will such options require subsidies to be viable?"

"What metrics would be used to determine the program's efficacy?"

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Supporting Travel Options

New Ideas or Suggestions

• Consider incentives for electric bicycles
• Consider a parking cash-out option for employees that do not want or need parking benefits

"Different neighborhoods need different options."

"Acknowledge the differences between different areas of the city when determining feasibility of travel options such as scooters."

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Curb Space and Parking

Draft Strategies

• P1. Establish priorities for curb uses based on adjacent land uses and City goals.
• P2. Leverage pricing policy, data, and communications to better manage on and off-street parking spaces.
• P3. Reconsider standards for parking requirements in new developments.

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Curb Space and Parking

Summary of Feedback

General support for all strategies:

• Establish priorities for curb uses based on adjacent land uses and City goals (P1)
• Leverage pricing policy, data, and communications to better manage on and off-street parking spaces (P2)
• Reconsider standards for parking requirements in new developments (P3)

"Any efforts to reduce parking must be combined with a better infrastructure for car-less living."

"Require residential parking permits in the entire city and charge market rate for them. On-street parking is far too cheap for residents today, which encourages excess car ownership and use."

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Curb Space and Parking

New Ideas or Suggestions

• Plan for the increasing use of rideshare and delivery services (i.e. Amazon)
• Reconsider or eliminate parking minimums for new development
• Plan for electric vehicle charging

Additional feedback related to parking was mixed. While most respondents supported strategies to address parking, open-ended comments included varied sentiments, ranging from support for elimination of parking requirements to calls for increased parking supply citywide.

“I do like the on-street tables for restaurants on blocks where expeditious travel is not demanded and parking options are available nearby.”

“Encourage drivers to use parking garages when available.”

“Reconsidering parking minimums should mean eliminating them (developers should add parking if they think there is demand, it should not be required).”

“Make sure all new developments have more than adequate parking.”

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Curb Space Framework

Priorities

Participants were presented with the City’s draft Curb Space Framework – it suggests which uses of curb space should be given priority within various land uses contexts.

The following slides show how respondents recommended a new priority order for each land use.

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Curb Space Framework

Summary of Feedback

Lower Rank ⬅️➡️ Higher Rank

Access for People and Parking were frequently top-ranked for residential curbspace.

Access for People, Access for Goods, and Parking were frequently top-ranked for main street curbspace.

Plan Chapter: Transit | Smart Mobility | Streets | Supporting Travel Options | Curb Space and Parking

Curb Space Framework

Summary of Feedback

Lower Rank ⬅️➡️ Higher Rank

⬚ figure

Access for People was frequently top-ranked for office/commercial curbspace.

Access for People and Support for City Plan Priorities were frequently top-ranked for warehouse/industrial curbspace.

Alexandria Mobility Plan

Draft Plan Release Feedback Summary

May 2021

Draft Plan Release – Outreach Efforts

• City eNews and email blasts
• Weekly social media posts on City and T&ES platforms
• Posters on DASH buses and via Peachjar campaign (English and Spanish)
• CDC compliant, low-touch in-person pop-up events
• Meetings with boards and commissions
• Hearing at Transportation Commission
• Feedback form in English and Spanish (545 respondents)