Transportation

Accomplishments

• Hybrids - In 2006-2007 the Fleet Division’s budget requested the replacement of three Jeep Cherokees with Ford Escape Hybrids. The Jeep averages 19 MPG while the Escape Hybrid averages 31 MPG for a savings of 12 MPG and a 61% increase in gas mileage. In 2009 Leon County purchased three Toyota Highlander Hybrids, for a total of six hybrid vehicles. For replacement vehicles and equipment in FY 2010 the county is actively seeking Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered auto suv's, light and heavy duty trucks. Although combustion of CNG does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative and is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill.
   
• Multimodal Transportation District - Leon County and the City of Tallahassee are currently developing a Multimodal Transportation District for the central area of the City. The goal is to facilitate the use of multiple modes of transportation, leading to a reduction in automobile use and vehicle miles traveled. A Multimodal District addresses more than just transportation - by adopting such a district, the community recognizes that mixed uses and well-designed buildings & public places are just as important as providing transit, bike paths, and sidewalks. Goals will be met by creating a tiered transit system supported by pedestrian and bicycle amenities along with a series of “Superstops” (stops where several transit routes intersect) in the multimodal district. The multimodal transportation concurrency management system will also be revised to include alternate transportation modes. Finally, revised zoning district standards either have already been adopted or are in development to ensure a pedestrian friendly environment is built as properties redevelop. To view the whole plan please go to Multimodal Transportation District Plan (More: According to the Florida Department of Transportation, "a multimodal transportation district is an area where primary priority is placed on assuring a safe, comfortable, and attractive pedestrian environment, with convenient interconnection to transit... Common elements include the presence of mixed-use activity centers, connectivity of streets and land uses, transit-friendly design features, and accessibility to alternative modes of transportation." A Multimodal District is created through adoption of an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, and allows mitigation fees from development to go toward transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects rather than road widening. This is important in the core of Tallahassee because there isn't room to widen many roads, if any, without destroying parts of the community). (Found at http://www.talgov.com/planning/trans/trans.cfm )