Abstract Manager

A tenet of many municipal transportation plans is the development of multimodal corridors that prioritize public transit. While these corridors have many forms and can be found in varying urban contexts, a common objective is to provide for the safe, inclusive and efficient of all modes, even as public transit is given priority. Much attention has been given to complementary activities, like incorporating active transportation and developing context-sensitive Complete Streets guides and multimodal service level targets. These are all laudable, and necessary, goals and achievements.

However, ways to integrate goods movement are less clear. A 2020 survey of several Canadian cities, led by the author, found that the extent to which goods movement is integrated into corridor plans varies. Academic research has demonstrated the criticality of properly integrating goods movement to attaining other corridor goals and promoting the safe movement of all modes.

The key message is that integrating goods movement should not be an ‘either-or’ choice as to which mode should be given priority: rather, to achieve a ‘win-win’ for all modes, goods movement has to be fully integrated into upfront planning and design. A common example is how to handle on-street deliveries to avoid conflicts with vulnerable road users, even as e-commerce delivery demands are growing fast, are happening everywhere, and are being made by all types of vehicles at all times of day. Methods to address these needs go beyond corridor planning and design, to account for corridor operations, enforcement, land use, site access and much more. Broader perspectives, like effective stakeholder consultation, network cohesion, the design of the truck route system and vehicle safety measures, are also important for ensuring that corridor-focused treatments can be effective.

This presentation looks at how cities in Canada and elsewhere have integrated goods movement into multimodal corridor plans and designs. The presentation will focus on transit priority corridors but also will consider a broader multimodal context. The presentation is drawn from the author’s experience in developing a number of goods movement strategies, truck route plans and other initiatives, with illustrative examples drawn from across Canada and elsewhere. Special attention will be given to the role of ‘green’ goods movement in integrated multimodal corridor planning, what works, why and how to make it happen. The presentation will conclude with lessons learned and go-forward points for transportation planning practice.