VI. Conclusions and Recommendations
This research was commissioned to provide a comprehensive understanding of mobility needs in South County. The analysis confirmed some known information about the area: it is experiencing rapid growth, is largely characterized by residential development, and single- occupancy vehicles are the primary mode of travel. Although the County Future Land Use Map designates large areas of South County for mixed-use development, approved development in these areas continues to be predominantly low- to medium-density single-family residential uses. The community plans identified a clear desire for livable communities, with town centers and a more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly environment and improved public transportation. Traffic congestion is a key concern, as are concerns about the potential for growth in truck traffic in certain areas. The analysis also provided some additional findings that fill several gaps in the understanding of mobility needs in South County. The origin-destination (OD) analysis indicates that most trips originating in South County are internal to the area, with residents circulating to and from nearby activity areas. The accessibility analysis identified numerous deficiencies and discontinuity in the bicycle and pedestrian network and revealed that most residents are more than a 30-minute walking distance from a transit stop. Travel time to the Marion Transit Center (MTC) in Downtown Tampa is typically 1 to 2 hours (including walking distances) in areas along the transit routes and up to 3 hours or more in areas outside of the transit routes. The inventory of multimodal infrastructure identified that the local street network is circuitous and disconnected in many areas, further compounding accessibility issues for all modes and increasing the number and length of trips. Nonresidential development in South County is largely suburban in nature and has occurred incrementally at intersections, near interchanges and along major routes, and except for a few planned communities, lacks integration with surrounding residential neighborhoods. Residents of the region would benefit greatly from more modal options and destinations for employment, shopping, socializing, and community services. Strong coordination between transportation and land use planning and decision-making is needed to accomplish this goal. Recommendations In light of these findings, several recommendations and complementary strategies have been identified for consideration by the County with regard to an integrated mobility strategy for South County. Generally, the recommendations call for establishing centers and mixed-use development, placemaking and livability strategies, updated and coordinated plans and studies, thoroughfare planning with complete streets strategies, and mobility hubs, as well as strategic public-private partnerships for transit. Improved coordination of land use and transportation in South Hillsborough County will require integration of internal and intergovernmental planning activities. A policy and regulatory framework that includes the following mobility planning concepts will provide a platform through which that integration can be achieved.
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