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Comprehensive Access and Mobility Plan

Purpose

The purpose of the Comprehensive Access & Mobility Plan (CAMP) is to develop a multi-modal transportation component of Rochester 2034: the City’s Comprehensive Plan Update. CAMP further developed the initial findings of Rochester 2034, as they relate to the city’s multi-modal transportation system. CAMP resulted in a coordinated multi-modal transportation plan comprising bicycle, pedestrian, transit, goods movement/emergency service, and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) focus areas. This Plan was completed in 2019.

Public Participation

Two rounds of public engagement were conducted in 2018 and 2019, in support of CAMP.  The feedback and findings have been incorporated in the development of the draft Focus Area Plans.

Background

This is an exciting period in Rochester’s history. For the first time in several decades, the City is managing sustained growth downtown and in many neighborhoods. This resurgence is occurring in concert with a palpable change in how residents and visitors desire to navigate our city. What was once a car-first mentality is slowly, but noticeably, shifting to a car-optional one. The demand for more and better transportation options is growing, and the City of Rochester is striving to meet that demand. From its emphasis on Complete Streets that embrace bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users, to its commitment to launch and expand shared mobility services, the City recognizes the importance of a robust multi-modal transportation system to the quality of life and economic competitiveness of this community.

The first phase of the City’s Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan Update process, including initial data collection and analysis and significant public outreach, was completed in 2017. The second phase of Rochester 2034, completed in 2019, was building on the data and input that was gathered in phase one. Concurrently, the Transit Supportive Corridors Study (TSCS) was also completed. TSCS is considering the relationship between transportation and land use in the City of Rochester, with a particular focus on developing strategies to facilitate transit-supportive development along the City’s primary transit corridors. TSCS provides recommendations for strategies to promote a future land use pattern and regulatory framework that encourages sustainable, transit-supportive development; denser, more pedestrian-scaled neighborhoods; improved access to jobs, parks, and open space; and increased mobility options and transportation choices for residents and visitors. The project was coordinated with Reimagine RTS, the system redesign effort conducted by the Rochester Genesee Regional Transit Service.

Additional effort was required to drill down to a more granular level of analysis necessary for comprehensive, long-range multi-modal transportation planning. CAMP did just that through the development of a series of Focus Area Reports specifically for bicycling, pedestrians, transit, goods movement/emergency service, and TDM, as well as a new City street design guide to help translate these recommendations into reality. These Focus Area Reports are combined to create a unified Comprehensive Access & Mobility Plan that serves as a standalone document, but is also incorporated into Rochester 2034. 

Project Funding/Support

The City of Rochester received a $175,000 federal planning grant through the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The City will contribute a $25,000 cash match for a total project budget of $200,000. The City contracted with Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, an innovative national transportation planning firm, as lead consultants for this project.

Project Steering Committee

The Steering Committee consisted of representatives from the City, Monroe County, RTS, GTC, Reconnect Rochester, Rochester Peoples’ Climate Coalition, and Common Ground Health. It was formed to oversee the project’s development.

Project Schedule

  • Project Kickoff – February 2018
  • State of the Transportation System Data Report – May 2018
  • First Round of Public Engagement – June/July 2018
  • Draft Focus Area Reports – August 2018
  • Second Round of Public Engagement – August/September 2018
  • Final Focus Area Reports – October 2018
  • Priority Project Concept Plans – February 2019
  • City of Rochester Street Design Guide – May 2019
  • Final Comprehensive Access & Mobility Plan – July 2019

Project Documents

The State of the City Transportation System Factbook presents a clear, concise, and comprehensive picture of the City’s transportation system today. This document serves as the foundation for this Plan and will help guide the City as we work with stakeholders to determine what projects and programs will continue the transformation of the city’s transportation system to one that is more balanced and equitable.

Focus Area Reports

Other Documents