Prototypes: Transit Access
8.4 TRANSIT ACCESS
Pedestrian access is a particularly important transit
issue because most transit users walk at least at one
end of their trip. Better pedestrian access can
encourage more transit use and better transit service
can encourage more walking.
Access to transit includes a wide range of situations:
rural roadside bus stops, large intermodal centers,
ferry terminals, downtown bus stops, subway stops,
and train stations. Bus systems serve most regions
of the state and accommodate users with either small
shelters or a roadside sign marking the bus stop. In
eastern Massachusetts, transit access includes MBTA
suburban commuter rail stations, rapid transit and
a variety of bus stops. The MBTA, the Steamship
Authority, and private companies also operate ferry
service between a variety of coastal locations.
Key aspects of transit access are proximity and
connections to residential or commercial areas where
trips begin or end, the need for safe and comfortable
places to wait, potential sidewalk congestion near
downtown bus stops or station entrances, and the
need to accommodate large volumes of pedestrians
as transit riders disembark and start using area
sidewalks.
Bus stop in downtown Worcester
Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan
8-17
Prototypes: Transit Access
Planning Issues
Transit ridership is dependent on mode choice
decisions that people make based on service
frequency, overall travel time, cost, and ease of access
to the station or stop. Many transit stations and stops
are located close to residential and commercial
districts but the walkway within a half mile radius
is often incomplete. Stations located near highways
to intercept auto traffic are also often close to
suburban neighborhoods, but busy highways and
disconnected street systems may form barriers that
limit walking opportunities. Bus stops in suburban
areas are often located along commercial strips or
industrial areas but destinations of interest may be
located across large parking lots with few provisions
for walking to them. Providing good walkway
connections to surrounding land uses addresses
these issues and will increase transit patronage and
pedestrian safety.
Site Plan: Transit Station Located at Edge of Industrial Area
unclear visual path
and walking route to
station
indirect connections to
nearby origins and
destinations
c
Land Uses Surrounding Transit Station
industrial
residential
residential
mixed
site plan
opportunity
to clarify
pedestrian,
bus, and
auto travel
paths
b
a
residential
industrial
20 minute walk distance
retail
lack of
shelter in
waiting
areas
site plan area
Many transit stations are within walking distances of
residential neighborhoods but highways or railroads may
create barriers.
8-18
2 minute walking distance
0
100
300 feet
0
30
90 meters
Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan
a
Prototypes: Transit Access
Site Planning and Design Issues
N
a
For transit stations that include vehicular access, safe,
clear walkways to transit vehicles should always be
provided. Crossings and walkway improvements
should connect the stations to surrounding
destinations. Motor vehicle circulation should not
conflict with pedestrian access. In particular, dropoff areas should be located to minimize these
conflicts. People who drive to the transit station need
clear walking paths to waiting areas. In situations
where buses pick people up at curb-side stops,
additional sidewalk space is often needed to provide
a place for passengers to queue. During rush-hours,
sidewalks leading to and from transit stops in
downtowns are often congested; increasing effective
sidewalk width, organizing street furniture and
utilities in a curb zone, and increasing pedestrian
crossing priority at intersections can help.
O
PA
RK
IN
G
0
50ft
0
15m
50ft
0
15m
b -- Improved, continuous pedestrian links to
surrounding land uses provide increased opportunities
for walking to transit.
a -- Waiting area provides shelter and security. Bus stop
is convenient to train stop. Bike parking provided next to
shelter. Pedestrian access from the street is direct and
well marked.
Path approaching Alewife Station, Cambridge.
Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan
0
0
50 100ft
0
15
30m
c -- Station-oriented redevelopment includes mixed land
uses and increased density, generating walk-in transit
trips that substitute for some automobile trips.
8-19
Prototypes: Transit Access
Potential Improvements
❏ Cities and towns can work with transit agencies
to identify walk-to-transit opportunities within a
half mile of existing stops and improve walking
routes.
❏ Transit agencies should evaluate bus stop
locations in relation to surrounding land uses and
activity centers and work with cities and towns
to ensure that safe walking opportunities exist.
Provide well-marked stops with route maps and
schedule information.
❏ Implement spot improvement programs for
transit and park-and-ride stations to improve the
path for walk-in transit users.
❏ Provide and improve shelters and waiting areas
at stations and stops. Include lighting, protection
from the weather, benches, trash receptacles,
maps and information. Maintain the areas and
keep them free of graffiti and litter.
Passengers boarding the commuter train in Belmont;
some walk to the station while others park and ride. All
passengers will be pedestrians at some point in their
trip.
❏ Develop partnership between the transit agency
and local businesses to provide incentives for
people taking transit.
Riverside station in Newton was recently reconstructed.
The new design provides clear pedestrian paths through
parking areas to the platforms. At park-and-ride facilities,
a balance needs to be struck between space for parked
cars and walkways.
Transit Station Checklist:
❏ Transit authorities should seek and encourage
development opportunities at transit stations that
provide shopping, dry cleaning, day care, bicycle
parking, and other functions that serve
commuters.
n
shelter from weather
n
maps and schedule information
n
appropriate lighting
n
benches and trash receptacles
n
secure bicycle storage
Commercial districts surrounding transit stations provide
opportunities to combine commuting and shopping trips
(Newton Center).
8-20
Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan