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Task force emphasizes first/last-mile infrastructure, accessibility and funding
Summary
Task force members and public commenters highlighted sidewalks, protected bike lanes, ADA accessibility, wayfinding and funding mechanisms as critical to improving access to transit. The task force asked staff to include first/last-mile measures and potential funding options in future materials.
Task force members and public commenters emphasized that improving first- and last-mile connections'pedestrian infrastructure, curb ramps, protected bike/mobility lanes, shelters and better wayfinding'is essential to making transit usable and safe.
Hunter Owens summarized that walking remains the primary mode of access to transit and that in many parts of California more than a half'mile can be a barrier for riders. Public speakers urged the task force to include paratransit and ADA transition plans as priorities.
Advocates such as Adena Levin of Seamless Bay Area and mobility advocates urged stronger state support for active-transportation upgrades, and urged that paratransit be part of the broader first/last-mile strategy. Public commenters also noted the need for reliable information about stop accessibility and shelters so riders with mobility needs can plan.
Task force members discussed potential state roles: providing more stable funding for active-transportation programs, technical assistance and high-resolution inventories of sidewalk and stop conditions. Several members suggested the state could create a clearinghouse of pedestrian/bike assets near stations and pilot funding to accelerate critical projects.
Why it matters: Riders are less likely to use transit if they cannot safely or comfortably get to stops. Improvements to sidewalks, protected lanes and ADA-compliant infrastructure can both increase ridership and reduce traffic deaths.
What happens next: Staff will fold first/last-mile recommendations and potential funding approaches into later drafts for the task force to consider.
