| Local Policy Description: | Miami-Dade's strategies for reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions focus on encouraging alternative forms of transportation (such as public transportation, bicycling, and carpooling) and improving the fuel efficiency of vehicles.
Mass Transit and Road Improvement
The following three measures could result in reducing 816,000 tons of CO2.
1. Complete the expansion of the Metromover rail system to Brickell Avenue and Omni Center.
Metromover is an electrically powered, fully automated, 1.9 mile people mover system. It connects with Metrorail at the Government Center Station, and with Metrobus at various locations throughout downtown Miami. Metromover cars operate on an elevated double loop that runs through the central business district. The nine Metromover stations offer convenient access to a variety of government, business, cultural, and entertainment centers in the downtown area. Metromover currently averages almost 12,000 passengers a day. Completion of the Omni and Brickell expansion legs of Metromover is anticipated by 1994. The extensions will add fifteen vehicles and 2.5 miles to the existing system.
2. Extend transit.
Metrorail is a 21.5 mile elevated rapid transit system that averages almost 48,000 passengers per day. The total annual ridership for FY '90 was approximately 13,600,000. Heaviest ridership occurs during the morning and evening rush hours. The Metrorail transit service should be extended along eight new corridors which cover a total of 61.7 miles. These corridors run east-west from Florida International University to Miami Beach, linking Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami. Other additions include:
North-King Plaza to NW 215 Street
West-Downtown to NW 87th Avenue
South-Dadeland South to Cutler Ridge
Kendall-Dadeland North to SW 137th Avenue
Ridership is projected to increase by 280% if all of the above mentioned transit corridors are
built.
3. Construct all road improvements listed in the Long Range Transportation Plan that are consistent with the other transportation and land use measures in this plan.
The Long-Range Transportation Plan recommends approximately 212 road and highway improvements considered necessary to lessen congestion which would reduce vehicle miles
traveled.
Traffic Demand Management
The following measure could reduce CO2 emissions by 62,000 tons based on projected reductions in vehicle miles traveled.
1. Increase traffic demand management programs.
Establish car pool program, promote ridesharing, park-and-ride, auto restriction zones, employer transit subsidies, telecommuting, shuttle systems, high occupancy vehicle lanes, compressed work week, parking management, and traffic management organizations. The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is undertaking a study to investigate traffic demand management (TDM) measures for Dade County. TDM is a systematic approach to reducing single occupant vehicles and number of cars on roads especially during peak hours. The study cites TDM strategies that would relieve traffic congestion, enhance air quality and promote energy conservation. Implementation of these programs could potentially reduce VMT by 72,800,000 miles annually.
Promote Increased Use of Bicycles
The following measures could reduce CO2 emissions by 151,000 tons.
1. Adopt policy incorporating bicycle facilities into the County's plan for new road construction or reconstruction projects.
This policy would allow roadways to be designed for all vehicles, and make use of the existing roadway network more appealing to those who may choose bicycling for transportation purposes. A current poll conducted by Harris & Associates reveals that a 20% increase of bicycle usage can be expected by adding bicycle facilities to a roadway.
2. Adopt a shower facility ordinance for professional office buildings and require that all nonresidential and non-retail developments provide bicycle racks at a minimum rate of five bike parking spaces for every 100 automobile parking spaces as stated in the Draft Bicycle Facility Plan.
Polls indicate that commuting to work by bicycle would increase by at least 17% if showers at these sites were made available. In Dade County, this figure may become higher due to the humidity of our climate. Bicycle racks must be made available in order to encourage commuting.
3. Expand Bikes-on-Trains program to include counter-flow and first hour service (6:00- 7:00am).
Counter flow service runs in the opposite direction of morning rush hour traffic. Extending the hours of the Metrorail Bikes-on-Trains program would allow for commuters to transfer from rail to bicycle in order to get to work, school or other sites on a regular basis. This accommodation would often furnish individuals with less delay than they may experience by rail to bus transfer, and offer the convenience to travel to destinations which buses do not serve.
4. Implement Bikes on Tri-Rail.
Currently, Tri-Rail does not offer Bikes-on Tri-Rail. Initiating such a program for commuters would serve the same goal as previously mentioned for Metrorail. Additionally, individuals, families or groups may also become interested in weekend cycling trips, thus reducing automobile excursions.
5. Investigate utility easements, transit and railroad rights-of-way to use for bicycle/pedestrian facilities.
Metro-Dade should investigate the use of utility easements and transit or railroad rights-of-way as locations for bicycle ways linking major urban activity centers. These corridors, because of their linear alignment and few conflicts with intersections, could serve as the backbone of a suitable countywide bikeway system. This may prove most effective in Planned Urban Developments (PUD) and Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TND).
Increase Fuel Efficiency
Measure 1 could reduce 4,899 tons of CO2. The Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) measures, if implemented without any improvements in road, mass transit or land use could reduce CO2 emissions by 7.8 million tons. However, if national auto efficiency rates increase along with all of the road, mass transit and land use improvements in this plan, the total reduction for transportation and land use measures could reach 8 million tons.
1. Utilize more fuel efficient cars in the Metro-Dade fleet.
Analysis of Metro-Dade's fleet has shown the lowest efficiency rate is in the police fleet. In 1988, Metro-Dade's police fleet, for example, was comprised of 588 eight-cylinder vehicles that averaged 10.12 miles per gallon. Metro-Dade could switch to the six-cylinder Ford Taurus type vehicle which as a higher fuel efficiency.
2. Develop a public education & awareness campaign to limit idling of automobiles/trucks.
Vehicle engine idling is an energy intensive and wasteful activity. Therefore, Metro-Dade should develop a public awareness campaign on the environmental implications of excessive idling.
3. Develop a team of local public/private representatives to identify and promote the most practical and cost effective alternative fueled vehicles.
Switching from petroleum to an alternative fuel would not only improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions but would also increase the nation's security. There are a number of alternative fuel options available that include: methanol, compressed national gas (CNG), ethanol, electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles which can all reduce CO2 emissions. Some measures like methanol and CNG are commercially available today, while others like electric and hydrogen powered vehicles need further development. Currently, Metro-Dade is investigating and comparing the performance of four control groups of buses. Each group is fueled by either methanol, CNG, particulate trap or duel fuel diesel. Project completion is expected in Spring of 1996.
4. Promote an increase in national gas mileage standards to 45 mpg.
Metro-Dade should strongly advocate an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) from the current 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg) to 45 mpg by 2005. An increase in the national fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks presents the County with the single largest opportunity to reduce emissions. A national poll taken in May 1991, indicated that 65% of Americans favored higher fuel efficiency standards.
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