Urban and Regional Planning graduate students in the School of Planning & Public Affairs created a plan to address transportation barriers in Burlington and West Burlington, specifically for residents who face mobility challenges, such as lack of access to reliable transportation. 

The built environment around transportation infrastructure guides how residents and visitors access work, recreation, education, and other basic needs within a community. Whereas recent decades have focused significantly on infrastructure for personal automobiles, communities are increasingly recognizing the importance of multimodal transportation options to enhance quality of life, create a stronger sense of place, and emphasizing transportation equity to meet the diverse needs of residents.

After reviewing a wide range of existing transportation plans for the community, the team identified a need to focus specifically on the mobility needs of vulnerable population groups, resulting in the final Transportation Opportunity Plan. 

Community visits by the team, feedback from the community through community engagement, focus groups, and desktop research identified the need for an improved multi-modal transportation system and land use patterns that support it. 

Both Burlington and West Burlington have relatively high levels of vulnerable population groups, compared to the Iowa average, that may not have access or be able to use a personal vehicle. While previous plans focused on improving trails and the recreational side of transportation, vulnerable populations were not a focus in recommendations. 

The research and analysis pointed toward three transportation "barriers": pedestrian infrastructure, land use, and transit. These barriers make up the greater transportation network and require attention in order to give residents improved mobility. Each section analyzes the current conditions and service, community sentiment, and relevant analysis.

The plan provides recommendations with cost and time estimates, as well as implementation steps and federal funding sources to facilitate successful implementation. These recommendations will work together to create a transportation system that serves the needs of the whole community and connects residents to destinations.