IBI recognized with a National Planning Excellence Award
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is faced with a core challenge of improving the reach of transit and increasing transit ridership throughout Los Angeles County. Metro, in collaboration with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), worked with IBI Group to develop an active transportation network-based strategy for improving transit station access in Los Angeles called The First Last Mile Strategic Plan and Planning Guidelines.
The First Last Mile Strategic Plan was recently honored by the American Planning Association, winning the 2015 National Planning Excellence Award for a Best Practice. The Excellence Award has recognized innovative planning throughout the United States for over 50 years. It is one of the most prestigious awards in planning.
The First Last Mile Strategic Plan presents a broader view of planning for accessibility to transit and responds to Metro’s core challenge of improving the reach of transit and increasing transit ridership throughout Los Angeles County. The plan includes a set of guidelines to lead regional and municipal planning efforts in transit-oriented development, community health, and clean air policies.
“Improving the first and last mile connections for public transit users is an ongoing issue for Los Angeles and many major metropolitan areas and this study addresses the issue right on.” said David Chow, Regional Director of IBI Group’s US West region. “The strategic goals of the plan were simple: Identify policies that can expand the reach of transit; maximize multi-modal benefits and efficiencies; and, build and enhance the sustainability planning policy in place.”
The plan has been lauded for its clarity and simplicity and innovative communication strategy. Using infographics, graphic novels and imagery, the Plan is made accessible and understandable for transportation executives and public transit riders.
The First Last Mile Strategic Plan and Planning Guidelines have been formally adopted and are currently undergoing their initial implementation phases for Los Angeles County.
Congratulations to the IBI Group team working on the project, led by Bill Delo and Christina de Freitas.
To learn more about the First-Last Mile Strategic Plan & Planning Guidelines, view the online planning document or view the award video available on APA’s YouTube channel.
