Issue link: http://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
Changing Market Preferences and Technologies Surveys have shown uncertainty - par cularly worrying about missing the bus or taking the wrong bus - is one of the leading reasons people choose not to take transit. Technology improvements have helped allay these fears. Smart phone apps, such as Transloc, can now show, real me, bus loca ons and arrival mes. GoCary, like all transit providers in the Triangle, uses these systems to alleviate uncertainty associated with transit and make transit a more appealing op on. Technology's Effect on Transit Intelligent Transportation Systems As street infrastructure becomes built out and mature, there is an increasing focus on managing the exis ng infrastructure rather than building new infrastructure. Demands on the exis ng infrastructure can be be er managed through intelligent transporta on systems that marry technology and infrastructure, which can yield cost savings and limit the need for building new infrastructure. Signal ming and phasing enhancements, real- me signal ming adjustments, signal preemp on for transit vehicles, and real- me communica on systems are examples of technologies that monitor the infrastructure usage and adjust the system in response to demand to manage conges on. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Healthy Communities The healthy communi es movement is a trend in community planning as a response to the increase in preventable diseases that are linked to the built environment. Concerns over the impact sedentary lifestyles have on personal health have led to a focus on incorpora ng ac vity into daily rou nes, not just as a separate exercise ac vity. Healthy communi es considers land use issues like the proximity of desired des na ons (restaurants, parks, schools, jobs) to homes and businesses. Similarly, transporta on issues are also reflected in planning efforts. Sidewalks are available and connected, bike accommoda ons are built into street designs, and street crossings are safe and comfortable. A well-planned healthy community encourages people to incorporate ac vity into their daily life by making biking and walking a safe, easy, and comfortable choice. An ac ve lifestyle may include biking, walking, or running on many of Cary's premier greenways such as the American Tobacco Trail. Technological solu ons are increasingly being deployed to help manage demand on streets and ease conges on. 215