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Enhancing Vision Zero in Guelph through Dedicated Transit Lanes and High-Frequency Transit
Our Letter
Dear Mayor and Council,
We are writing to advocate for the approval of Vision Zero strongly and to emphasize the critical role of dedicated transit lanes and high-frequency transit (service every 15 minutes or better) within the Quality Transit Network (QTN) as essential strategies for achieving our city's Vision Zero objectives.
Public transit is not just about sustainability and accessibility. Public transit is a fundamental component of road safety. By prioritizing dedicated transit lanes along the QTN and ensuring high-frequency service, we can significantly reduce traffic collisions and create safer streets for all residents.
Guelph's current transit system faces challenges with reliability and frequency, particularly outside of peak hours, underscoring the urgent need for a robust and efficient QTN. Statistics consistently show that transit travel has a significantly lower fatality rate than automobile travel. Communities with strong public transit systems experience a notable decline in traffic fatalities across all road users. Dedicated transit lanes improve speed and reliability, encouraging a shift from private vehicle use.
The benefits of dedicated transit lanes and high-frequency transit for Vision Zero are clear. They create safer environments for pedestrians and cyclists by reducing the number of private vehicles on our roads. Improved transit flow reduces overall traffic congestion, which helps mitigate speeding—a significant factor in severe collisions. High-frequency service makes transit more attractive, reducing traffic volume and risk. Additionally, investing in efficient transit yields substantial economic returns, with every dollar invested generating up to five dollars in increased economic activity.
Furthermore, improved transit access directly addresses equity concerns, providing essential mobility for vulnerable populations who rely on it most. As Guelph grows, a strong transit system will be crucial to support this growth. By improving pedestrian and cycling connections to transit hubs, we further integrate active transportation into our city's fabric.
Common misconceptions about dedicated transit lanes need to be understood by Council. Contrary to the belief that they increase congestion, dedicated lanes optimize the movement of people, not just vehicles, ultimately reducing overall traffic volume. Well-designed dedicated lanes can be accessed by emergency vehicles, offering a clearer path than congested general lanes. Furthermore, improved transit access supports local businesses by increasing customer flow.
We urge Guelph City Council to prioritize dedicated transit lanes along the QTN, adopt a policy mandating a minimum service frequency of 15 minutes or better on all QTN routes, and expedite the implementation of the QTN, including Transit Signal Priority (TSP) at strategic intersections, within the next 3-5 years. Enhancing transit infrastructure, investing in collision avoidance systems for future electric bus purchases, and reviewing mid-block bus stop locations are critical.
Success stories from cities like Eugene, Oregon, Vancouver, BC, and Toronto, ON, demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating Vision Zero with enhanced transit frequency and infrastructure.
Prioritizing dedicated transit lanes and high-frequency transit within the QTN will make Guelph's streets safer and contribute to a healthier community and a more resilient, equitable economy.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. Your leadership will help advance policies prioritizing public transit and the safety of all residents.
Sincerely,
The TAAG Board
Fact sheet attached below.
Fact Sheet: Vision Zero and High-Frequency Transit – Building a Safer Guelph
Key Points:
• Vision Zero Goal: Eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries.
• Dedicated Transit Lanes: Enhance transit speed, reliability, and safety by separating transit vehicles from general traffic, reducing collision risks.
• High-Frequency Transit (15 Minutes or Better): A reliable alternative to driving, reducing traffic volume and making public transit the preferred option.
• Quality Transit Network (QTN): The backbone of Guelph's transit system, requiring dedicated lanes and high-frequency service to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance mobility.
• Safety for Vulnerable Road Users: Prioritizing transit reduces risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and others by improving access to transit hubs and reducing car traffic.
Benefits:
• Reduced Traffic Fatalities and Injuries: A robust transit system reduces vehicle numbers, leading to safer streets.
• Improved Safety for All Road Users: Dedicated lanes and high-frequency service create safer environments for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
• Reduced Congestion and Speeding: High-frequency transit encourages more people to use public transportation, reducing road traffic and alleviating congestion.
• Increased Ridership: Making transit more convenient and reliable attracts more users, which further reduces vehicle dependency.
• Economic Growth: Investments in transit infrastructure stimulate local economies by improving access and reducing congestion.
• Environmental Benefits: Public transit helps reduce vehicle emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation and improving air quality.
• Equity: Reliable transit provides essential mobility for vulnerable populations, helping them access jobs, healthcare, and services.
• Supports Growth & TOD: A strong transit system accommodates Guelph’s growth, while Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) promotes walkable, mixed-use communities that reduce car dependency and enhance pedestrian safety.
Addressing Myths:
• Myth: Dedicated lanes cause congestion.
Reality: They optimize people movement, reducing overall traffic volume.
• Myth: Emergency vehicles get stuck in traffic.
Reality: Dedicated lanes improve emergency response times.
• Myth: Businesses suffer from transit improvements.
Reality: Better transit access increases foot traffic and benefits local businesses.
Recommendations:
• Implement dedicated transit lanes along the Quality Transit Network (QTN).
• Ensure 15-minute or better frequency on all QTN routes.
• Accelerate QTN implementation and prioritize transit investments.
• Enhance transit infrastructure with Transit Signal Priority (TSP) across the city.
• Review mid-block bus stops for safety and efficiency.
• Support Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) for safer, more walkable communities.
