Phase II: Transportation
Downtown Campus
Security
The perception of security and actual security is critical if campus users are to be enticed to use public transit, to walk or to bicycle to campus. Each campus transportation plan component provides measures for how we can “design” security into our designs, facilities and transportation routes. Such measures include:
- Providing clear sight lines
- Reducing potential hiding spaces
- Providing good lighting
- Using designs with a sense of open-ness
- Using layouts that reduce the sense of isolation
Access Hierarchy
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is currently serviced by four separate NFTA bus lines, but these buses are under utilized. A central bus station where various lines converge for pick-up and drop- off in the area would help stimulate ridership. This centrally located hub would reduce trip duration and increase safety and convenience for riders.
Improved Pedestrian Pathways
The Allen-Medical Station is an excellent resource for UB and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), but improved pedestrian corridors are needed. Direct and secure access to this transit station is essential to stimulate transit use.
Since this is a cold weather climate city, the pedestrian access points should include accessible indoor corridors in addition to landscaped pathways.
Improved Bicycle Facilities
The existing roadway systems are not bicycle friendly, at a minimum the Main Street corridor should contain a shared, signed route. for bicycles. To accompany these new pathways, a bicycle station and weather protective bicycle parking can be instituted in the Downtown Campus for students, faculty and staff.
Shared Parking Facilities
As both UB Downtown Campus and BNMC are planning major expansions, the need for parking for both institutions will grow. Traditionally, both users planned separately for their parking needs. However, this is an excellent opportunity to consider both needs in total, instead of separately. A total approach could allow for more efficient uses and ideas, such as shared use parking facilities and TDM measures.