Mobility and Connectivity

Outcome statement: Develop a diverse transportation system to improve multimodal connectivity and capacity by implementing the Transportation Master Plan.

I. Maintain and coordinate the thoroughfare plan within the Transportation Master Plan with CIP projects.

• Roads and cross sections are incorporated into new developments. These are referred to in the CIP when scoping new projects.

II. Implement multimodal Transportation Master Plan recommendations.

• Continuing Complete Streets assessment of all roadways as outlined in the 5-year Street Maintenance Plan. Craddock Avenue has been completed. 

III. Increase multimodal transportation options, participation, and use. 

• The SPIN contract for dockless electric scooters has been approved for the third consecutive year. Total SPIN rides have increased by 4,000+ from 2022 to 2023. 
• September 2023: Public Works has increased marketing for the Downtown electric shuttle and Employee Pilot Parking from 13 vehicles to 31 vehicles. 

Outcome statement: Increase the accessibility and connectivity of bicycle, sidewalk, and trail systems between parks, river areas, downtown, schools, businesses, services, and residential neighborhoods.

I. Maintain and coordinate the bike & greenways plan within the Transportation Master Plan with CIP projects.

• Roads and cross sections are incorporated into new developments. These are referred to in the CIP when scoping new projects.

II. Integrate and connect all modes of multimodal travel. 

• Real-time multimodal transportation application implemented for local fixed routes and interurban routes connecting San Marcos to Austin. 

III. Evaluate emerging transportation opportunities for the last/first mile connectivity. 

• Total SPIN rides have increased by 4,000+ from 2022-2023. 
• San Marcos has been included in phase one funding opportunities for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program. 

IV. Invest in and maintain existing multimodal facilities. 

• Conducting a bus stop inventory audit to plan for ADA improvements and bus shelter/bench installation. 

Outcome Statement: Increase the safety, convenience, and reliability of the transportation system, including investment in technology and maintenance.

I. Coordinate with CAMPO to ensure specific San Marcos projects are identified in the Safe Streets for All program.

• CAMPO was awarded a grant through the USDOT to develop the Regional Safety Action Plan which includes City of San Marcos. CAMPO is working to put agreement in place. Once the grant is in place, CAMPO will schedule coordination meetings with the City. 

II. Invest in the use of technology and other innovative solutions to increase the safety and efficiency of the existing roadway system and capacity.

• Public Works is integrating Crash Records Information System (CRIS) and GIS analysis to improve transportation safety and identify improvements to inform construction, operations, and maintenance.   

III. Invest in traffic equipment, operations, and maintenance.

• Public Works has applied for grants to expand the City’s ITS (intelligent traffic system) including traffic signal control, ATMS (Advanced Traffic Management System), emergency vehicle preemption, telecommunication network, video monitoring system, and real-time information. 

Outcome statement: Prioritize the resources necessary to achieve a seamless, coordinated public transit system through partnerships and implementation of the Transit Master Plan. 

I. Continue partnership with the University for coordinated public transit system. 

• Interlocal Agreement for transit partnership with Texas State University was approved by Council on September 5, 2023. Staff is working with Texas State and the Federal Transit Administration on next steps.  

II. Leverage grant funds to replace aging transit fleet with safer, more efficient vehicles. 

• Staff is working on a grant application to replace 5-6 of the current transit vehicles that are past their useful life.  

III. Identify and implement short-term Transit Master Plan recommendations. 

• Fare free local transit service was adopted as outlined in the transit plan.
• Route modification implemented to serve the new Hays County Health Department location on Thermon Drive.