L.A. First Last Mile Metro Planning

In order for L.A. to realize the full potential of their bold transit expansion program, IBI Group was tasked with developing policies and goals relating to multi-modal access and system integration. Simply put, how can we improve the first and last miles of a commute for urban transit riders? Guidelines needed to be developed that would lead regional implementation efforts with a focus on connectivity, mobility, social equity, and community health. 

Pedestrian access improvements were at the heart of our First Last Mile Strategic Plan, resulting in “The Pathway” — a visually intuitive, safe, universally accessible, and easy-to-navigate system that supports simpler access to transit stations and multi-modal transfers. 

The plan took shape after a thorough review process that included GIS mapping analysis, survey analysis, stakeholder outreach, components design, and managed sub consultants. We provided rigorous outlines for extended station area analysis, which leads to the identification of prioritized pedestrian routes and possible bike share locations as part of the strategy’s “plug in” components.

Lauded for its simplicity and innovative use of infograph-based design, the Plan was honoured by the American Planning Association, winning the 2015 National Planning Excellence Award for a Best Practice — one of the most prestigious recognitions in the industry.